Interviews: Okapi Busdriver

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Metal/Doom Metal/Sludge Metal band Okapi Busdriver from Russia. 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?

It was some kind of revelation. We wanted to create a band that tells stories through songs. And at one of the rehearsals, an Idea was born. The Idea of an immortal being in the form of an okapi that travels through time and space on a yellow bus, picking up fellow travelers and collecting interesting stories as fare. And no, we weren't high.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It felt like an obvious decision for a storytelling metal band to play a chaotic fusion of many genres, causing different genres to suit different moments of stories.

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

Yes, we all played in another band called Sharkhan until the group broke up due to the departure of the vocalist. Soon after that we resumed rehearsals with the rest of the line-up and began working on the conception of a new band.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Mikhail (guitar/vocals): Mastodon

Igor (bass): Carcass

Pavel (drums): Foo Fighters

Alexander (guitar): Trivium

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The biggest influence on me is probably Devin Townsend. I have always been impressed by his unique perspective on music making, his incredible imagination, productivity, and talent. As for nonmusical influences, I just love interesting stories, be it books, movies, video games, or real stories from all over the planet. 

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was an Extreme Metal Fest at the Slaughterhouse Bar in Kaluga.

7. Where would you like to act?

We are planning to tour our country next summer. We would also like to play a few shows in the US, Brazil, and Europe, but with the current political climate, this is on the brink of fantasy.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We would love to feature heavy bands with original or straight-up unique approaches to making music.

9. Whom not?

We would rather not feature bands that do not bring something new to the world of music with their songs, copying their idols cleanly.

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

I didn't have stage fright. Being an introvert, I was surprised to understand that contact with a crowd of listeners is much more comfortable for me than having a dialogue with one person. As for advice, I don't know just throw out all thoughts and YOLO on the scene.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Mastodon, Gojira, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard. These are the most original and influential modern heavy bands for me so far. 

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

Nothing really weird so far. The first thing that comes to mind is a fan who asked, “What's the right way to headbang in Eyes of Ember?”

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are happy to communicate with those who like our music, it is like nothing else to keep us motivated to continue writing songs.

14. What do you think of our site?

This is a good project! We wish you to grow and have more and more visitors.

15. Something to add?

Not much right now, but check out our social networks. We will have a big announcement soon. Thank you for supporting us!