Interviews: Eyethewild

We have had the opportunity to interview the Rock band Eyethewild from Australia. 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?

It's a play on words of a town called Idyllwild that Dan and Astrid visited while on holiday in the USA. We toyed around with some other names, but we all agreed Eyethewild was the coolest option. We have a song called Idyllwild and the lyric "Colours Of The Dark" is where we got the name for our upcoming album. We think that phrase sums up the music better than any genre could.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I don't think we sit squarely in any one genre, and indeed not a single person that's heard our music has quite known how to label it. While we all grew up listening to and playing in heavy, technically-oriented bands, having a singer like Astrid opens up a lot of other creative possibilities. We can (and do) crossover from Folk to Rock to Metal and many other points in between, but first and foremost we are trying to create solid songs that we enjoy playing, no matter what genre someone might call it.

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

I've known (Lead Guitarist) Dan for at least 15 years, we actually met at and were co-winners of a guitar shred competition sometime in the 2000's! Dan and (Singer/Guitarist) Astrid have known each other for years too, and (Bassist) Leif is Astrid's brother, so yes there's some extensive history between us all! I think that shows in the music and when we perform, there's some great chemistry between us.

4. Each band member favourite band?

I'm just gonna guess on everyone's behalf here:

Astrid - Lana Del Rey

Dan - Pantera

Leif - Scar Symmetry

Ryan/Me - Alarum

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Lyrically, for me, it's usually a person I know (or knew), an event in my life, or the state of the world - and that alone could be written about for years! Musically, of course I have my influences but I'm constantly trying to expand my musical vocabulary and create unique or uncommon chord progressions and interesting melodies and presenting them in a rock context.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was at a great local venue here on the Gold Coast called Vinnies Dive and we supported a fantastic band called The Silencio. They are another band with an eclectic range of influences, definitely well worth checking out! Our next gig is in less than 24hrs from now at another great local venue called Mo's Desert Clubhouse, followed by the Moondoll Festival in Brisbane the following weekend. We're very lucky to have venues open in our state of Queensland (at the moment) while much of Australia is in lockdown.

7. Where would you like to act?

Wacken Festival, Budokan, Wembley Arena, Half-time at the Superbowl, you name it, I wanna play it haha!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ooh, that's a hard one but I'm gonna say someone like Mike Patton or Devin Townsend.

9. Whom not?

Hmm...I could just say someone like Bieber, but I don't know his music or really waste any time worrying about artists that I don't enjoy. Never say never I guess, he could make me an overnight millionaire!

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

Absolutely, I wish I had the answer. Drugs and alcohol work sometimes and others not, it works for some people and others not, so I don't think I'm prepared to say that it's a good idea to use one problem to solve another. I think just being prepared for the day ahead and well practiced as a band is the best solution. Having said that, I am the most prepared musician I know and I can still vomit before a show due to nerves, but less so now that I'm behind a drum kit when playing live. It does get better with time and with practice, just get out there and rock your socks off!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

All the great 80's and 90's metal bands are the reason I picked up music in the first place - Iron Maiden, Metallica, Slayer, Pantera, Meshuggah etc But a lot of 80's pop rock that I grew up on is starting to make it's way out of me too - The Police, Tears For Fears, Peter Gabriel etc That stuff was so brilliantly written and so brilliantly played and the production of that era is simply music to my ears.

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

My autograph on an album I didn't play on, although I was part of the touring band at the time. He didn't care but I thought it was strange, I really didn't want to do it!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Outside of our enjoyment of creating and performing together as a band, the fans are everything for us and every band. Without the fans to enjoy our music there's not much point in performing or releasing music!

14. What do you think of our site?

It's great, really well presented and very supportive of bands from all corners (including some of my friends' bands!) I feel privileged to have been asked to contribute and be included amongst all the other rad bands you have featured, cheers!

15. Something to add?

If your followers would like to keep up to date with Eyethewild then please follow us on all the usual social media platforms. We have several more singles and an album to release soon as well as other news to announce, so stay tuned!