Interviews: ARTNAT

This is a new interview with the Progressive Metal band ARTNAT from Portugal. Check out the interview and follow the band on his FACEBOOK PAGE. 

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

Hi. The band ́s name came up because the music we wanted to do was the continuity of my (Manuel Cardoso) previous band, TANTRA ́s prog style. So I inverted the name and it sounded great to us and we took it. Also, it had Art in it, and we kind of think of our style as Art Prog Rock.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We are all from different but not distant musical worlds. Three of us come from Metal and dark alternative music and two from symphonic progressive rock. But we all love progressive rock. As I, as founder of ARTNAT, am first of all a prog rock musician, the other gladly joined in the project. We also love complex beauty and our style reflects that very well!

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

Yes. We played in an alternative psychedelic rock band with another keyboard player. But as our taste started to push us to a more progressive sound we decided to evolve to that style. Then, with the leaving of our second keyboard player, we became a five-piece band (with a different guest extra keyboard player) and changed our name to ARTNAT. Also I and Gui da Luz have been playing together since 2000, in TANTRA ́s CD "Terra", and since then in several projects.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Manuel Cardoso - YES & Cult of Luna

Sara freitas - Spastik Ink

Paulo Bretão - Katatonia

João Samora - Dream Theater & Pain of Salvation

Gui da Luz - Pink Floyd

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I have been the main composer for ARTNAT. And for me it is a basic drive in my life to compose music. It ́s as natural as playing. It comes out easy. Of course that everything that happens in the world and my unrestful imagination also helps to motivate and inspire me. We also compose a lot from jam sessions that we regularly enjoy doing. We try to make them a part of our inspiration and composition process. Three of our album tracks are jam session compositions. It ́s important to say that the collaboration of all band members in the arrangements is very important to the final result!

6. Where was your last gig?

Just before covid in RCA / Lisbon.

7. Where would you like to act?

No special place, but we would enjoy a summer prog festivals world tour...

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Ah... Several great bands. My personal favorite would be YES (the Jon Anderson / Wakeman version)

9. Who not?

KISS

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

I don't think so. I remember the night of my first 5000 fans gig I felt a bit excited, almost nervous, but on stage, all became pure joy and music. My advice would be; Relax, trust your love for music, and enjoy!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Well ... My personal choice would be Jimmy Hendrix ́s experience, YES, Mahavishnu, Gentle Giant and early Genesis, and Pink Floyd.

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

A female fan asked me not to shock the audience...

13. What do you think of your fans?

I love all the ones that love my music... and respect all the others.

14. What do you think of our site?

I love the fact that you are open to all different styles. Music should not be imprisoned by it ́s genre, as people shouldn't be by their color or life choices! We should always respect the right to exist in different spectrums and let people choose of their liking. Congrats on that. Also like the structure, all the different options, and the overall feel.

15. Something add?

Yes. Listen to our music. Then, if you don`t like it, you can forget it... But give it a chance. I believe it can be magical to you... ! It ́s all about complex beauty...