Interviews: Shumaun

We have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal band Shumaun 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?

The band name came from my middle name Shumaun which means calm mind. 

2.Why did you want to play this genre?

It was just a natural thing to do growing up on bands like Rush, Dream Theater, and Queensryche. I always had an interest in bands with thought-provoking lyrics and interesting musical arrangements. The technical nature of the music just drove me to learn to play my instrument better. This would be the same for Jose Mora, our bass player. Tyler Kim, our guitarist is more the bare-bones rock and metal guy in the band.

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

We’ve known each other since we were kids. I met Tyler in the 7th grade, and Jose a few years after. It’s definitely fun playing in a band when we’ve all been friends for so long… well before we picked up any instruments.

4. Each band member favourite band?

Farhad: It always changes, but I can confidently say Rush or Tears for Fears 

Jose: Rush

Tyler: Megadeth

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I have an inherent need to write music that’s way beyond my comprehension. Anything and everything can inspire me. Sometimes it’s random observations, the news, spiritual struggles, personal relationships, etc. I don’t always wait for inspiration to write though, otherwise I would have about two songs written every couple of years. I do force myself to write on many occasions and some of my best ideas have come in those forced sessions. You can choose to drive inspiration, rather than the other way around. It’s surely the most effective way for me to constantly create.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last gig we played was right before the pandemic hit. A club in Washington DC called The Ugly Mug.

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

I definitely suffer from stage fright when it’s been a while between shows. I know I’ll definitely get them when we play our first post pandemic show. However, I do feel that we are in for another lockdown so I am worried that shows will be cancelled again. Usually, by the time we are well into the first song the butterflies dissipate. My suggestion for beginners is to acknowledge the butterflies and use them for your benefit. Prove to yourself that you are in control of the situation. They’ll believe in you!

8. What bands have inspired you the most?

Rush is the band that is probably the most obvious inspiration for us collectively. 

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

Probably if I wanted to be in a threesome… to which I replied in the negative haha.

10. What do you think of your fans?

I think they’re amazing! It’s humbling enough just to think that there are people out there that proudly say they’re fans of ours. We certainly don’t make popular or hip music, so they are a special breed.

11. What do you think of our site?

I love that you guys give exposure to bands like ours who don’t necessarily have a big platform. It’s extra cool that you have the “Discover Bands From” countries all around the world section.

12. Something to add?

First of all, we’d like to thank you guys for giving us some real estate on Breathingcore.com. We’re just a group of friends sharing our love of progressive music in the most honest way we can by blending it with all of our other influences. I think that’s one of the special things about this band. We never think that something doesn’t sound “Shumaunic.” If we like a musical passage, we won’t hesitate to make it work, despite what genre it may reference.