Interviews: ADLIGA

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Doom Metal project, ADLIGA, from Belarus. 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?

We had certain criteria and a list of words that matched it, then we chose the one option that we liked best. Adliga is a word from the Belarusian language that means ‘thaw’ and we liked it because its meaning and sound is both gloomy and somehow romantic and matches the music we play.

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

Because we listen to a lot of music in it. Although all of us have a pretty wide and diverse taste in music, we all agreed that certain bands and genres have an emotional depth that goes beyond anything else. Doom metal and post metal were such genres for us.

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

Almost none of us knew each other, but each one of us somehow knew Ignat. Guess who started the whole band thing?)

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Ignat - My Dying Bride

Vladimir - Cult Of Luna

Kate - The Ocean

Artyom - Slayer

Roman - Talk Talk

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

There are mainly two sources of inspiration we draw from. Some songs are inspired by the history, literature and traditions of our country; others come from deeply personal experiences, trials and transformations.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last git was recently in Minsk, club Berlin. It was the only gig we played (and attended) between the first wave of COVID and the next one that seems to begin now.

7. Where would you like to act?

First of all, we would like to act in our country, Belarus, as much as possible. We draw a lot of inspiration from its history and culture and we are willing to give something in return. Other than that, we’d be happy to play anywhere there is an audience waiting for us, as long as we are able to travel there (looking at you, COVID restrictions).

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

In our dreams, one day we are being featured with Cult Of Luna, The Ocean or Amenra.

9. Whom not?

In reality, we don’t have any kind of preference, especially negative. As long as the music is somewhat alike, and our worldviews are not completely opposite, we’re open to the opportunity.

10. Has any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Vladimir: well, yes, I did. Unlike other band members, I had zero experience playing before the audience when we started doing it. My stage fright went from overwhelming to entirely manageable in the first 3-4 shows. My first advice would be: prepare beforehand. Preparation reduces stress factor significantly because there would be fewer things to worry about failing. If you’ve prepared to the point that you just no longer expect yourself to fail even in your weak spots (like playing some complex part of the song), it is tangible support. Another thing I would recommend is starting small. For the first couple of shows play in smaller venues, invite people that will support you during and after the show. Initial positive reinforcement in a safer environment would help you build a foundation for your confidence, which will help you feel less overwhelmed by bigger challenges that will come later.

Ignat: Yes, sure I have stage fright - because, like everyone, I’m willing to show myself from my best side. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to overcome this fright before coming on the stage. Probably thinking less about it right till the moment you have to go on the stage:) But when you are already there it’s better to concentrate on your duties. For example: for a guitarist, it would be effective to check the connections, the settings of everything you can, including the tune of your guitar. The more routine deeds are done the more you are abstracted away and can even forget that you had a fright. If it also doesn't help then you can always concentrate on performing your musical part. Yes, it can disturb you to enjoy the performance but it will just help to play better. Ideally, after coming on the stage the fright should make way for giving the opportunity to anticipate the performance and after all, it should be changed by pleasure from the concert itself.

Kate: I think everyone more or less has or has ever had this feeling. My own experience shows that the more performances you have - the less your fright is. And of course the less you are thinking of it - the better you feel yourself. Personally, I try to think over some details of the future performance: which part of the scene can I use and how; which words can I say. And I always try to convince myself that everything will be alright, even if something will happen - it’s just another experience but obviously not the end of life) So expect less and you will get more.

Roman: Personally I can't say I feel easy on stage, it can be especially nerve-racking right before the beginning of the show. But things get much better once you start playing. If you enjoy your own music it can carry you even if the crowd doesn't give a fuck. And if it does, then all the better - you get that extra stage energy that elevates the live experience.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Most prominent would be My Dying Bride, Cult Of Luna, The Ocean, Amenra, Eleventh He Reaches London. But every other of the countless bands we all listen to would also somehow, insensibly, affect the music we play.

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

No weird requests so far :)

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are few but they’re awesome! Every piece of support we get from them gives the energy to get through the hardest parts of being musicians.

14. What do you think of our site?

It is nice! The navigation structure is slick. We were happy to explore your coverage of Belarusian music.

15. Something to add?

The year 2020 is crazy so we would like to wish for everyone to stay safe and sane. And thanks to the Breathing The Core for this interview!