Interviews: When Hearts Wither

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Atmospheric Doom Metal band, When Hearts Wither from Australia and the USA. 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?

Before the release of WHWs first single, the sacrifice of Innocence, I went back and forth with two band names such as Everlasting Misery and When Hearts Wither. I wanted something that had a good ring to it that was short and sweet. One that fit the overall atmosphere of the project. I eventually went with When Hearts Wither.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Around when I was 15 I started suffering a lot from depersonalization, depression, and anxiety. So the only way I could escape was to drown myself in all of these songs that explained how I felt. Eventually, I came across the band, Clouds, With the 2nd album, Departe. Ever since then I always loved doom metal And always wanted to write this kind of song.

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

Matt and I met after my EP release, Sacrifice of Innoence back in 2019. We became good friends. One day Matt asks if I could feature in his old band's song. A couple years later he saw a song in the works that I shared on social media. He then asked me if he could mix and master this new album, that being This Is Where It Ends. Not long after I asked Matt if he could mix and master future songs and albums for WHW along with being the official guitar player.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Andy- Clouds Matt- Woods Of Ypres

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

So my dad was a musician, as well as my brother. With my house growing up being full of music gear I was always drawn to it. And the first band that made me want to write music was Avenged Sevenfold. A7xs first drummer Jimmy Sullivan was the one musician that inspired me to play drums at first, then later to focus on vocals.

6. Where was your last gig?

I haven't actually ever played any shows as of yet and Matts first gig he can't remeber but his second one was at a festival in Alabama and he was about 17. Matt says "Probably my second that I had ever played and it was in front of around 500 people or so I remember nearly having a panic attack".

7. Where would you like to act?

I've always wanted to play at either Doom Over Kiev or play at Dutch Doom Day. 8. Whom would you like to feature with? For me, it would be definitely Clouds or Swallow the Sun.

9. Whom not?

There are so many great musicians and bands out there So I would be happy to open for pretty much any band at this point.

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

I personally (Andy) have always had anxiety and stage fright issues since I was a kid. Maybe a contributing factor as to why I've never played live before. I think easing yourself in these situations like this. Start off small, like most people do, get used to playing smaller shows. And also practice and rehearse until you know your parts inside out.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Avenged Sevenfold would be the #1 band that inspired me to start writing music at first. Then I started getting a great deal of inspiration for the band Clouds as I got more into doom metal and writing doom.

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

I received a message on me When Hearts Wither page a couple years ago. This guy randomly asks me to send him an autograph. Not after he bought any merch or anything. Just an autograph. Jokingly, I said sure and asked if he'd like a free CD sent to him as well. I've never had any other requests like that one.

13. What do you think of your fans?

I (Andy) love every single one of them. Some are really close friends of mine and have stuck by me ever since Sacrifice of Innocence. I don't just write music for my own fulfillment or pleasure. I write these songs in hopes to connect with at least one person. So the fact that more people connect with it, more than I ever thought, is really special to me.