Interviews: Wegferend

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Folk Metal band, Wegferend from France. 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?

Neither, to be fair. We knew we wanted something meaningful but that would not be understood at first sight. Therefore, and because our singer is very much into languages, we looked into Old English and we found the word "Wegferend" which means "wayferer". We thought it fit our music perfectly.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Well, Manon and I (Alexia) started playing music together quite early and at the beginning, when we were teenagers, we wanted to play symphonic metal because we used to love it. However, as time went on and our musical tastes evolved, we decided to turn to acoustic music. Manon felt more drawn to the acoustic guitar and we started playing folk music.

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

Manon and I are twin sisters, so we met quite easily. Then, we met Thomas thanks to a mutual friend. Of course, the band already existed but I think it was a different band back then, even though the name hasn't changed. We were going through uncertain beginnings and that's when we became a trio that the band was born for real.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

That is an extremely tough question. We all have a lot of favorite bands. Let's try to keep the list (way too) short. My choice would be Solstafir, Eivör, and Theodor Bastard. For Manon, it's Der Weg einer Freiheit and Cesair. For Thomas, it's Opeth, Pink Floyd, Dead Can Dance, Loreena McKennitt, Emperor, Der Weg as well, Radiohead, Wardruna, Enslaved, Alcest, Archive, Primordial...

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Many things and it changes all the time. I don't have a particular well of inspiration from which I always draw. Sometimes it comes from my emotions, from the way I'm feeling at the moment of writing. That's what happened with "The Wayfarer", it sprang from a feeling of being trapped in a lot of expectations and in a close-minded society. I really needed something bigger, I needed to feel free and the song is like a hymn to freedom, to merge with nature and become one with it. Some songs were also inspired by old myths like "Gedim", by history like "Celia" in our first EP our "Holy Ghost" (written by our friend Sacha Lopez) in the new album, and sometimes I also draw inspiration from books, fictional stories... So there is nothing definitive about that. I just write about the things that move me and that provide me with the drive to write.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was in Le Château H, near Toulouse ! The next one is in Barcelona in September.

7. Where would you like to act?

Our dream is to play at Castlesfest, a wonderful festival in the Netherlands. There are also many venues where we'd love to play: Hellfest, play a European tour with great bands, Castle Party, W.G.T, Mera’Luna, Troll & Légendes, Midgardsblot in Norway... so many beautiful places !

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

I guess everyone deals with that, the first time at least. It can be very difficult to completely let go when you're in front of many people and to not be afraid of doing something wrong and looking ridiculous. I think this fear is completely normal. If you don't have it at all, maybe it means you don't really care so it might not be so good. I would just tell beginners that people don't care if they make small mistakes. Of course, you have to play as tight as possible but small mistakes are part of the live experience in my opinion. They're what makes every show unique and I believe the energy you display on stage compensates for them, so go for the energy.

9. What bands have inspired you the most?

I have to mention Faun again. When Manon and I decided to play folk music, it was definitely under their influence. However, a lot has changed since then and a lot of bands have inspired us. Eivör inspires me very much as a singer, I think Manon gets inspiration from a lot of things for her guitar playing: from country music to black metal. She's also a big fan of Brian May. For Thomas, it is more or less the same: folks like Wardruna, old Faun, Loreena McKennitt, or Denez Prigent... also black metal and progressive music.

10. What do you think of your fans?

We are extremely grateful for all the people who listen to our music, come to our shows, and give us wonderful feedback. It's very important for us, that's one of the many reasons why we make music, so we love them and thank them all.

11. What do you think of our site?

It's extremely cool! Really complete and it gives a lot of great ideas when you're looking for new music.