Interviews: Dyecrest

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal band Dyecrest from Finland. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The band was at first called "Fairytale" in the 90s when we started. It was at the beginning of the 2000s when we decided that we need a new name! ;) For a few years we were called "Dyecast" (which we thought was a kinda nice game of words from die-cast metal and - well -dye...). Just before our debut album was released in 2004, we got a contact from a Boston (US) based band called "Diecast" where their lawyer strongly suggested we change the name. We discussed quickly with our label Noise records and together we decided to change the name to "Dyecrest". Luckily we got the "Diecast's" contact in time, if it would have been a couple of days later, the cd:s would have been pressed! 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I guess the roots of our music come from the style of music we all loved when we were kids. It was kinda natural to start making our own songs that were somewhat of the same genre that we listened to ourselves. Hmm... Of course, at first, there were "some restrictions" for songwriting 'cause at first, we had to also learn how to play our instruments, hahaha!

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

Yes, me and Jukka (the bassist) are cousins so we have known each other all our lives. We got to know Pirkka when we were like 14 or 15, and we asked him to join the band (which had a third guy as a guitarist at that point, but he really couldn't play that well...). As soon as Pirkka joined the band, we instantly started writing our own songs, not just to play covers. It was in 1993, so it's 30 years now that we three have played together! Matti joined the band in 1996 and Henri in 2000 or 2001. Both of them we got to know earlier, and 'cause they were great guys and they could play, of course, we asked them to join the band as well! We are from a rather small Finnish city called Ristiina (about 5000 inhabitants), so everyone knew everyone... Some singer changes on the way, but we five have been the "concrete basis" of Dyecrest all the way!

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Oh dear lord... There must be a million of them! Some of the bands I think we all like are Halloween, Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, Blind Guardian, Amorphis, In Flames, Soilwork, Stratovarius, Skid Row, Europe... And then of course everyone has their own favorites, also a lot of Finnish bands singing in Finnish and a bunch of bands also from totally different genres than any kind of metal. When you get older, you learn to just like a song, no matter what genre it is... 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Good music, good (and/or touching) other art, or then just a feeling. When it comes to the lyrics, I write the lyrics mostly from real life and based on my own experiences and feelings. Sometimes the inspiration can be the smallest of things, just a detail, but on the other hand, it can be a life-changing experience as well. Anyway, the experience has to touch me rather deeply to end up being the heart of the lyrics for a song. 

6. Where was your last gig?

Last Saturday in Mikkeli, Finland (@wilhelmpublichouse) 

7. Where would you like to act?

Before Saturday's gig, we had been out of making shows for four years! So, we're eager to make every show possible. At first here in Finland, but of course, it's still a thrilling dream to be able to still have tour dates in the other parts of Europe as well! 

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Would be a blast to have Michael Kiske of Helloween singing on some Dyecrest track! 

9. Whom not?

Any idiot! Hahaha!

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

No, I don't think that any of us have had a real stage fright. Of course, it's always a little nerve-wracking to climb on the stage, but you'll get used to it in time and with more experience. I think the most important thing against stage fright is to learn the songs as well as possible, so you'll have the confidence that you'll nail the songs, no matter what!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Probably some of those I listed in an earlier question. 

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

Nothing that special as far as I remember... Maybe some autographs of some interesting places in the human body ;) when we were touring with WASP in Europe back in 2004... 

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are very thankful for each and everyone who follows and supports us. Means the world to us! 

14. What do you think of our site?

So very cool that there are sites that also support a bit smaller bands than just the "top ten". Thank you for that and keep up the good work! 

15. Something to add?

Thanks for having us for the interview! Cheers from Finland to everyone! -Niko / Dyecrest