Interviews: CYDEMIND

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Instrumental Metal/Progressive Metal band, CYDEMIND 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 planned it or came out just like that?

Unfortunately, there’s no story behind Cydemind. We just found it looked and sounded cool.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We all are big progressive metal fans. So we didn’t have to think twice before writing this kind of music too. Progressive music is also open to so many experiments and original ideas. Since we had the idea of putting a violin as a main melodic figure, we felt progressive metal would be the best-suited genre for our band.

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

Cydemind started as a contestant in a local school contest. Back then, Olivier and Alexandre were the only current members of the band. But as it became more serious, they searched for new members and added Kevin, Camille, and Nico to the band. Olivier and Kevin actually met each other at a Blind Guardian show in Montreal back when they were 14 years old! They were already writing music on their own and stayed in touch by sharing their newest compositions with each other.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Olivier Allard: Haken

Nico Damoulianos: Dream Theater

Alexandre Dagenais: Leprous

Camille Delage: Tigran Hamasyan

Kevin Paquet: Symphony X

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

I can't speak for Kevin and I honestly don't understand how he gets his ideas (he definitely has the craziest ones!) but I get inspired by lots of stuff, from the music I listen to, which is mostly prog and jazz to the music I play (mostly classical). So I have this mix of many musical genres going on in my head while I write.

6. Where was your last gig?

Le Lion d’Or, Montreal.

7. Where would you like to act?

Royal Albert Hall

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Symphony X, Leprous, Haken, Plini, Dream Theater. There are so many good bands out there!

9. Whom not?

Can’t think of anyone I wouldn’t share the stage with.

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

As a classical violinist, I did suffer from stage fright during my university studies. There’s a lot of pressure and competition in this environment and it can easily get in your head. Two things helped me. The first is experience. The more concerts I played, the better I felt each time. So I would say never back down from an opportunity to play in front of people. You grow and learn from each of these experiences. The second is control. The more I play my instrument, the more I feel like it’s an extension of me, and the less I’m scared of playing it in front of people. So I would say practice, practice, practice until the music has become a part of you.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Back in my teen years, Dream Theater, Symphony X, Ayreon. Now, Haken, Leprous, and also artists like Tigran Hamasyan and Avishai Cohen.

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

I can’t think of anything weird.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Even though we’re instrumental, our fans are very loud and vocal during our shows, that’s awesome. I also think they are incredibly patient because they waited 5 years before we released new music and they’re still here, cheering for us!

14. What do you think of our site?

It’s an incredible metal encyclopedia. I discovered many artists thanks to your site!

15. Something to add?

Check out our latest music video ‘HOAX’ on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WVZO2-gig6w We had a lot of fun shooting that video. Also, our next album drops on November 4th so make sure to follow us on Facebook/Instagram, tons of stuff coming your way!