Interviews: TULIP

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band TULIP, from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

Ashleigh: TULIP is an acronym we grew up within our former Calvinist faith. Though we are no longer a part of that religion, we thought it was a great name for a female-fronted metal band.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Colin: Because if playing music doesn't make the hair on the back of your neck stand up, then what's the point.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Ashleigh: Colin and I met in 2011 while he was in Monolith and I was still an opera singer. Tulip was formed in September of 2018. Brandon joined first in 2018, just before Christmas, and Ryan jumped on board in January of 2019.

4. Each band member's favorite band? 

Ashleigh: Radiohead and Ani Difranco

Colin: Most recently - Orbit Culture and Max Richter

Ryan: Slipknot and Animals as Leaders

Brandon: Thrice and Protest the Hero

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

We like to write in broad conceptual strokes - that is to say our albums usually deal with some concept or idea that weaves it's way through the entire album like levels in a video game. So in that sense, it's usually a single idea that sparks the inspiration for the narrative of songs that follow. Lately we've been thinking a lot about life as a simulation so that may end up being the framework for the next full-length album.

6. Where was your last gig?

We opened for Evergrey in Austin, Texas at Come and Take it Live.

7. Where would you like to act?

Madison Square Garden

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

There are so many artists we admire that we would love to work with - Lacuna Coil, Devin Townsend, Lzzy Hale - Ash and Brandon have really been into what Leprous is doing lately...

9. Whom not?

That’s an easy one - Taylor Swift. 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Ryan: I've never had full on stage fright, but from time to time I get a little nervous leading up to playing. Once we kick in it goes away immediately. 

Brandon: Only a few times. I just breathe slowly and focus on the set and what I have to play. As soon as the first song starts, I link with the drummer right away and the rest is smooth sailing.

Ashleigh: I only get nervous when I'm unprepared or under rehearsed. With Tulip we are so in sync, I always feel ready.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Tulip's sound gathers inspiration from a lot of different sources - Hans Zimmer, Pat Benatar, Nightwish, After the Burial. We're our own thing.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Ashleigh gets asked for signed headshots a lot - but we don't have any printed of just her alone - sorry gentlemen! You get all of us on the poster!

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are profoundly grateful for every single one of them.

14. What do you think of our site?

Two thumbs up! It's great to support the art of metal.

15. Something you'd like to add?

Follow all our goings on at www.wearetulip.com - Europeans, stay tuned for our upcoming tour supporting Tarja Turunen in March of 2021!