Interviews: Xhamain

We have had the opportunity to interview the Gothic Metal band Xhamain from Spain. 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 come out just like that?

The name Xhamain was chosen by mixing the names of the two most magical nights of Galician folklore: “San Xoan” (Saint John’s Eve) and “Samain” (Samhain or Halloween in some cultures), working the "h" as a bridge between them. We thought it was an original and catchy name for a band like ours.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

At first, we thought that mixing gothic/symphonic metal and traditional elements of Galician music as flutes and bagpipes would be a cool mix, and we still think it is an absolute win, indeed. They fit really well. As for the language, we knew we had to sing in Galician. It’s what our music asks for. This could have shocked many metalheads, as English is the main language for metal lyrics, but we usually receive a lot of compliments, so we're very proud of this choice.

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

The band started by recruiting some of the best students from the modern music academy where I work, except for the bagpiper. As we don't offer bagpipe lessons, he was chosen from outside the academy. Luckily, most of the musicians in Vigo know each other, so we’ve found him very soon. As time went by, some musicians left the band, but we’ve always found a replacement for them in the academy. This year, however, we’ve spent more time than expected finding a new bagpiper.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

We don’t have a unique favourite band. And actually, you would be surprised by the different genres we listen to. So, it's really difficult to make a list. Maybe it would be easier to make a list of bands or styles we don't like.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Musically, I'm the most active writer of Xhamain’s songs. Inspiration often comes to me naturally. Sometimes, playing guitar or bass randomly at home. Riding my motorcycle is when I compose most of the lyrics. And even when I’m in bed right before sleeping, some melodies come to my mind effortlessly. Actually, I have to admit that musically I'm way more creative late at night.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was three years ago in a local club where we were sharing the stage with one of the most famous rock/metal singers in Spain, Leo Jiménez. This was the last one, as the band had a little break between 2019 and 2021. Nowadays, we plan to be back on the stage in 2022. 2021 has been a very difficult year to play live in Spain and Europe due to the Covid restrictions. We hope to play again asap as we have a lot of energy inside ready to be released!

7. Where would you like to act?

I have to admit that I'm a bit picky about sound and light systems as I’ve worked as a sound technician for 5 years before deciding to be just a full-time music teacher. But any club or fest with decent gear and staff where musicians and audience could properly enjoy the show would be nice for us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We'd love to share the stage with any rock or metal band with a great attitude and good music. And even other styles, as we do enjoy most of the genres of modern music and we're a very friendly band.

9. Whom not?

We want to stay away from racist, homophobic, sexist, xenophobic or any toxic and intolerant environment.

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

Our main goal is to have a good time playing our music and to make the audience have a good time listening to our music, too, so we have no problem playing alive, as we put all the passion inside our hearts on stage. It doesn't matter if you miss one or two notes as long as the overall performance is great. Probably, the best tip is to rehearse a lot so you don't have to focus on your playing, as it will flow naturally, and you can enjoy the show with your bandmates and audience.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

We have no reference bands, actually. And this is an issue sometimes. For example, when our management agency sends press notes and needs to name some similar bands as a reference. We know what to do and what not to do and we don’t want to be similar to another band under any circumstance. We struggle hard to remain original.

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

In our first show, one of our fans, who is a professional make-up artist, asked to do make-up Mariah and Michelle, our vocalist and bassist, just some minutes before our show started. Her work was quick and flawless. Really impressive, indeed. Obviously, she chose the girls, as they are the pretty members of the band. She knew it would be more difficult with the boys. hahahaha

13. What do you think of your fans?

They're awesome. Very polite, positive, and full of energy. It's really great to have fans that have the same vibe as ours.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s awesome. It's really impressive the good work shown in many websites that help the metal scene to keep on growing and yours it's a perfect example of this. 

15. Something to add?

I’d like to say THANK YOU SO MUCH to you and your readers and we hope you both have enjoyed the interview and our music. Stay metal!