Interviews: MESSORA
We have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Death Metal band MESSORA from Canada. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.
1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?
Almost ten years ago now, when trying to find a name for my first high school band, we were just translating random words to latin to see if any would make for a good band name. One of the words we translated was reaper, which in latin is messorem. I loved the name, but there were already a few bands using it. Then in 2017ish when I was trying to come up with a name for my new project, I remembered Messorem. There were still two or three bands using the name but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I just changed it to Messora and it stuck.
2. Why did you want to play this genre?
If we’re talking about “Progressive Death Metal”, I wanted to play this genre of music because it allows me to channel most if not all of my musical interests and influences in the same project. I like Death Metal, Jazz Fusion, Psychedelic Rock, etc., and I never really wanted to intentionally focus on a specific sound or genre to play within. This can make it difficult to create music that sounds coherent and unique, and not just a bunch of different riffs in a blender. But I never really wanted Messora to be “a metal band”. It started as a metal band with varied influences because that best reflected my musical tastes at the time, and maybe in the future, Messora will be bluegrass, EDM, or polka band, depending on what I’m listening to.
3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?
The “band” really started as a solo project, so I’ll talk about the first iteration of the Messora live band that really kicked things off. I knew Emine, the guitarist, and Ben, bassist, from a band we were all playing in together called Whispers in the Maze. They liked the demo for The Door that I had come up with and had agreed to be part of my live lineup. We had auditioned Joey, the drummer, for Whispers in the Maze, but Emine didn’t think that he fits with the sound of that band. I really loved his playing and wanted him, so he was the first person I thought of when I needed a drummer for Messora. Luckily he was extremely willing to join the project, and so we had the first Messora lineup and could start playing shows.
4. Each band member favourite band?
I will speak on everyone’s behalf and say Opeth, even though no one else related to Messora would agree.
5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?
It kind of sucks to admit, but self loathing and negative introspection play a big role in my music and lyrics. I don’t think that anything really inspires me to write songs and create music, I just love it and wouldn’t see myself doing anything else. It’s really my love and appreciation of music that inspire me to create. Lyrics however don’t come to me quite as naturally, which is why the self reflection and all that are necessary.
6. Where was your last gig?
I honestly am not sure where the last gig was because it was so long ago, pre-pandemic. I think it would have been in Ottawa at Café Dekcuf. We had a few shows in different cities to promote the release of The Door, and I think the last one was there.
7. Where would you like to act?
(does this mean where would we like to play?)
We were so close to playing in Toronto in April 2020, but the pandemic hit and obviously that show got cancelled. We’ve never played in Toronto and I keep thinking about it given that we were so close, so I’d really like to revisit that lost show one day.
8. Whom would you like to feature with?
I really want to do a guest solo on the next Hubert Lenoir album. Or vocals maybe? Whatever he wants I’ll do it.
9. Whom not?
I’ve never thought about it before, but I do not think that I would want to do a feature with Kid Rock.
10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?
I was absolutely paralyzed by stage fright for the first few Messora shows. I think that my big mistake was that I would imagine playing the show and visualising myself on stage for weeks before the show. I think that that’s what really contributes to the apprehension. My advice would be to avoid playing the show in your head before doing it, it will just increase your anxiety and expectations of yourself.
11. What bands have inspired you the most?
Probably Opeth for song structure and vocals, Whitechapel for Vocals, Lamb of God and Gojira for riffs, and Nine Inch Nails for album structure.
12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?
A few times now, after a show people will buy two of the same merch item, shirt or CD or whatever, and have me sign one of them. I guess it’s to use one and keep the signed one in good condition? I always think that it’s a little funny but I’m always happy to do it!
13. What do you think of your fans?
I’m obviously always really appreciative of fans of my project. People often have interesting and insightful things to say to me about the music, which tells me that they’re really listening to and experiencing it. There are a few fans who have driven hours or attended a festival just to see Messora, and I’m always in awe when this kind of thing happens.
14. What do you think of our site?
Your site is great! There’s a good diversity of styles/genres, and I especially like that you can look up bands based on country! Cool way to discover new stuff.
15. Something to add?
Thanks a lot for the interview! Go listen to Forever as I Beg and Closer!
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