Interviews: Kvilla

We have had the opportunity to interview the Experimental Metal band Kvilla from the UK. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or did it just come out like this?

The original name for the band was actually ‘The Ward’ (before recording/doing shows etc) but since Adam joined, we decided to change it. We decided to call our EP ‘The Ward’ instead as a homage to the original name and it also fitted with the themes of the tracks we eventually released. The name Kvilla came about when Adam was looking at Nordic/Norse words and the name stuck for both the look and also the meaning (sickness.) It was unusual, and we thought it stood out. It also without us knowing at the time a small village in Sweden. For sure we are going to get a band photo there some day.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all grew up listening to metal, hardcore, and bands who mixed the two. No matter how much we’ve grown since we started playing this music, we all come back to it, even if we occasionally flirt with other genres and musical ideas. We also love black metal as a concept and there is quite a lot of influence there. At this point metal music is part of our DNA and we are just scratching the surface. 

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

No, the vocalist (Sean) and one of the guitarists (Ryan) knew each other years before it formed and it’s their shared music tastes and creative yearning that led to the band forming. Adam (Bass), Andrew (Drums), and Josh (guitar) all came years later. Kvilla, as an entity, joined through mutual friends and have loved every second of it since. 

4. Each band member favourite band?

This can vary from day to day but probably the following:

Ryan – Slipknot

Sean – Lamb of God

Adam – Deftones

Andrew – Pantera

Josh – Periphery

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Ryan: I’ve always felt a need to be creative whether it’s in writing or through guitar. I want to create something with real artistic value that can stand shoulder to shoulder with my favourite bands’ songs; something I can be proud of and say yeah, I made that.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last took place in Glasgow at Ivory Blacks which we did the night after playing Edinburgh in Bannermans. We decided to venture up to Scotland to test the waters and get some local bands in to have some fun. Big shout out to Dal Riata, We Make Mammoths, H8teball and Drekavac for helping us it was amazing! It was our first time playing up there and they were arguably two of our best shows to date. We got our first ever mosh pit and stage invader at our last show! Keep them coming!

7. Where would you like to play?

Anywhere. Everywhere. But to be specific, any of the great festivals like Download, Bloodstock, or Arctangent. We’d love to play more intimate gigs in bars with a couple hundred crazy fans too. We just want to play for you all and get to know you.

8. Who would you like to support?

Slipknot, Behemoth, Code Orange, Daughters and Opeth to name some big ones. Other bands it would be great to play with would be the likes of Loathe, Rolo Tomassi, Conjurer, and Svalbard. Big up the UK underground scene!

9. Who not?

This one is tough because we’d genuinely be stoked to play with just about anyone and we always joke about playing with bands/artists that have nothing to do with metal.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright?

We’ve all had to deal with some intense nerves before going up on stage or when setting up before play, it’s natural for many. If you’re serious about performing in front of people it’s just something you got to do, embrace it – it’s through discomfort that we grow as people. It’s easier said than done, but it gets easier over time. Those that saw us play out first shows up to now will tell you that we have changed dramatically, and we are only getting better every show. The only thing that scares us (like most musicians) are technical difficulties but that can be overcome.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Dillinger Escape Plan for their absolutely chaotic shows. Deafheaven for their ferocious yet beautiful music. We all listen to quite different styles of music but when we get together in the rehearsal room, magic appears every time. We pull inspiration from everywhere. For example, Adam makes electronic music in his spare time and listens to groups like Massive Attack & Orbital so he thinks of ways we can incorporate electronic elements and pianos in the tracks. Andy for example really likes groovy metal like Pantera whereas Sean LOVES slam and band like Vulvodynia. The base for all our music though is from the amazing riffs of Ryan. He is basically like Bill Kelliher from Mastodon churning out sweet riffs all day.

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

Adam had someone come up to him asking for a set list and to wipe his face paint all over it first. That was a bit weird but hey, he is a fan now, so we love him all the same.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They're a rowdy lot with great taste. We are different in terms of genre but everyone who has seen us live and listened to our EP only has great things to say about it. We have fans that have been to pretty much every show and even joined us on our little trip to Scotland. Massive thanks to Lewis for helping us move our gear and doing merch!

14. What do you think of our site?

It looks awesome! Super professional and we are honoured to be able to be on it!