Interviews: GRAVESHADOW

This is a new interview with the Symphonic Metal/Thrash Metal/Doom Metal/Goth Metal band GRAVESHADOW from the USA. Check out the interview and follow the artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

It honestly just kind of came out in a real casual manner. When we formed the idea was to go full goth/symphonic, and we wanted a name that reflected that. Originally we were going to go with RaveBlood but I think there was some band in Brazil that was already active under the name. We were at rehearsal one night just throwing ideas out and Graveshadow was the one that stuck.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It’s such an expansive genre, there’s so much you can do with it. We like mixing different elements of different kinds of metal together which opens up even more doors. I think for me it’s also that the sound is just so massive and totally all-consuming. It touches something inside of us that other genres just don’t, maybe a little cliche but it feels like home when we get together in the rehearsal room and start in on the songs.

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

Aaron and Bones were friends before Graveshadow, and I knew him a little as well. Mostly from going to shows in the Bay. Aaron and I met when our original lineup started doing shows in the SF Bay Area. When we needed a guitarist to come in for our first tour, it was a no-brainer to ask him. Rachl was introduced to us through a mutual friend, Avi Cohen, that she and Aaron know. Luci was recommended to me by someone I used to work with. I think it’s also one of my favorite things about this band, we didn’t know each other that well before and now we’re like family.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

William Lloyd Walker - Iron Maiden

Rachl Raxx Quinn - Airbourne

Aaron Robitsch - Eternal Tears of Sorrow

Luci Rae - The Pretty Reckless

Bones Padilla - KISS

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

For me, it's usually a good story. I was an avid reader as a kid and teenager, loved movies, and was also huge into video games. My favorites were always war epics, tales of triumph and fantasy settings. Whenever I got really excited about one I’d want to honor it in some way, most of the time these stories helped me process difficult emotions. I think of them as little love letters, almost a thank you to the authors or creators for their help in my own life. Other times it absolutely is a way for me to process something from my own life in a way that’s healthier than defaulting to rage or anger. At the core, though it’s all about storytelling. I would love for us to do our own concept album, maybe for the next record.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was I think in September of 2018, opening for Angra in Sacramento, CA. It was a fun show, an intimate club environment, and an active crowd! The Angra guys absolutely killed it. Aaron was excited about being able to open up for them.

7. Where would you like to act?

Europe!! We all want to get across the Atlantic and break into new audiences. We love touring the States but Europe feels like a new frontier in a lot of ways. We’d love to get back to Mexico and expand further in South America. We hear it’s like a totally different world and our experience in Juarez opening for Tarja showed us how alive metal still is.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

There are so many! Playing with someone like Amon Amarth, Doro, Omnium Gatherum, Orden Ogan, Beast in Black or Battle Beast would be a dream come true for us. I could die happy if we ever got the opportunity to play with Iron Maiden, they’re what started it all for me.

9. Whom not?

There isn’t anyone I wouldn’t want to play with. We like to think of ourselves as courteous and humble individuals. There’s so much chaos in the world right now that petty squabbles between bands aren’t something any of us have the time for.

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

I still do, every time we go on stage. Of course, it’s gotten a lot better but that little twinge of fear I think is always there. There’s always that fear of, what if it doesn’t go well? You just have to do it, that’s what I’ve found. I think for me it’s knowing that I’m not alone up there, my bandmates and closest friends are right there with me. We’ve also experienced a variety of challenges in the middle of sets, gear not working/cutting out, illness things like that. I think it’s natural to be a little scared, especially if you’ve never done it before. It gets easier, and even though I still have my moments it’s never anything that would stop me from getting on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The twin guitars of Iron Maiden, and hearing that influence in a lot of my other favorite bands. Amon Amarth, Nightwish, Insomnium, Sonata Arctica, Doro are some larger names that I think we all take inspiration from. Unleash the Archers is another big one for me. We did our first ever tour with them and they were some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. The advice they gave us on touring and just building a band is something I am incredibly grateful for.

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

I can’t really think of anything that’s been out of the norm haha. It’s mostly been guitar picks, signed albums, or posters.

13. What do you think of your fans?

They’re fantastic! When we put ‘Gwynnbleidd’ out last year, the response was so encouraging. We had been dormant for so long that we weren’t quite sure how things would go over and the support for ‘Soldier of 34’ has been great. Can’t wait to get back out on the road to see friends we haven’t seen in a long time.

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s awesome! Love how you guys stay so on top of everything happening in the scene, from the largest bands to the up-and-comers. I’ve been reading about you guys for years!

15. Something to add?

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us. We have big plans in store, including getting back out on the road! Thank you so much to all of our fans for your continued support, we really couldn’t be doing this without you. ‘The Uncertain Hour’ comes out July 15th, and our first single ‘Soldier of 34’ is streaming now wherever you get your music. Can't wait to see you all at a show!