Interviews: Vesssna

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Folk/Goth Metal artist, Vesssna, from Russia. 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?

The word "Vesna" (Весна) means "Spring" in Russian. I just visually like the way this word looks like with three S's. This is my nickname, although, in Russia, it is not so rare among gothic girls. This is mainly my solo project, and I wanted its name to be associated with me. And, even though we sometimes play not very joyful music, its energy is still bright. And this name also has a lot of light and sun.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Because Gothic music assumes beautiful melodies, many instruments, and contains elements of classical music. And I started writing dark and rather tragic texts from childhood, although I didn't know about such a concept as "Gothic" at that time.

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

Yes, we created this project together with Marina Felis, who helps me with keyboard arrangements in the Studio. At the time of creation, we already knew each other for almost 10 years and played together in several bands.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Marina's favorite band is "Lacrimosa," and mine is probably "Diorama."

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Basically, as far as the lyrics are concerned, it's just some of my intense inner experiences that I can't get rid of. And if a simple melody without words comes first, then anything can inspire it. A fragment of someone else's song, the noise of the subway, but more often than not, the melodies just start to sound in my head out of the blue. Although I understand that everything that we see and hear around us — all this affects our music.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last time we performed was at the "Creative Gathering of Dark Romantics" in Moscow in February. We played an acoustic set among poets and writers.

7. Where would you like to act?

It's a little odd, but my dream is to one day be and perform in Latin America.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

If "Madder Mortem" came to Russia, I would be happy to open for them.

9. Whom not?

I think our appearance at a punk or grindcore concert would hardly be appropriate.

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

Both Marina and I are quite humble people. This, of course, interferes with performances. Although, when I was just starting to learn to play the guitar, and I had exams and concerts, I was absolutely not worried. My real stage fright began after 25 years old when I studied at a music school with a degree in academic vocal. After a couple of bad performances, it became real torture for me to sing in front of people. I had to work hard on myself to continue performing. But I just knew I had no other choice. I never imagined myself only a studio musician, but also wanted to sing on stage. So I had either to continue performing or to quit, but I'm not a wimp :-). For beginners, I can advise, firstly, to play right away with the band, and not solo. It especially calms me when I have a live drummer with me :-). Secondly, be always busy with something before the performance — talk to people, do makeup for yourself and others, etc., do not sit waiting. And, if possible, learn to enjoy the concerts. You are not in a music school, and no one is giving you grades. This is your time, and you have the right to enjoy it, then the audience will feel your positive energy.

11. Which bands have inspired you the most?

I listen to a lot of metal with female vocals, but among them, I would single out "Flowing Tears," "Madder Mortem," and "Trees of Eternity." There's some kind of absolute dedication in their music. And I also admire Torben Wendt from Diorama, as he also writes himself almost all the music and lyrics, plays, and sings.

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

Perhaps the strangest thing was when a person asked to sign on his hand, but he was definitely not our fan.

13. What do you think of your fans?

At least among those I know personally, there are quite a few people who are as humble and self-absorbed as we are. I am glad that they are mainly intelligent people, and their musical tastes can be completely different. There are black metal fans, metalheads, and goths.

14. What do you think of our site?

I found out about him quite recently, and, by the way, also from another Russian band. I think this is a great idea, since there is an opportunity for artists to promote their work abroad, and for listeners to regularly find something new. Now there are a lot of different music portals, but not all of them are frequently updated, and even more so, few of them help young bands, and you really do it. 

15. Something add?

I hope your readers will be curious to listen to gothic metal in Russian, and our videos will also surprise them! Well, thank you very much for the opportunity to talk about our work!