Interviews: Stone Of Duna

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Progressive Stoner Metal band Stone Of Duna from Sweden. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

When we began to write lyrics, Marcus had a vision of a kind of dark fantasy world, inspired by Lovecraft, Dark Souls, and Mörk Borg. Duna is a deity and the stone is a mystical object that was left behind when Duna disappeared (lore book might be released sometime...).

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It sort of just happened. David (the drummer) started putting some riffs together, which then became the song Deathbright. Marcus, the guitarist/singer, said "That sounds a bit like a stoner!".

The progressive parts of the music are something that every member appreciates about music generally. Still, we find it rather tough to place our music in a genre and we don't see that as a problem. It's more fun not to be restricted by genres and write what music happens to pop out.

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

Arvid, David, and Max met at elementary school. Marcus and Max both worked as teachers and met that way. Then we all came together and started Stone of Duna! 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Arvid: Early Genesis.

David: Opeth

Max: Windhand

Marcus: Freak Kitchen

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

The songwriting typically begins on David's phone, where he has hundreds of riffs recorded. Then we jam on them, and the ones that feel good turn into songs. We're not really inspired by something in particular. Rather, there's just a lot of creativity that needs to come out of us. You could say that David is the riff creator, Arvid has the "kill your darlings" approach, Marcus writes vocal melodies and lyrics, and Max has a large portion of his focus on getting the mix to sound just right, both in the studio and in rehearsal.

6. Where was your last gig?

Unfortunately, we haven't had our first gig yet. We're longing after it though!

7. Where would you like to act?

We're open to playing anywhere. Hit us up!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Skraeckoedlan, because we're in somewhat the same wheelhouse musically.

9. Whom not?

Probably anyone who doesn't agree with basic human rights.

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

Heck yes! Come prepared! Make sure that you don't have to put too much thought into your playing so that you focus on your connection with the audience. Maybe have a ritual before hitting the stage as a band. Make yourself feel connected as a band and you'll feel less exposed on stage.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

The band's sound has been inspired by everything from Opeth and Tool to Windhand, Conan, and Sleep.

12. What do you think of your fans?

As a newly founded band, we didn't expect to get any recognition at all. To get as many listens and comments (on Youtube) as we have truly humbled us and we're really grateful to everyone who gives our music a chance!

13. What do you think of our site?

It seems well put together, and we always appreciate an effort to promote unknown bands.

14. Something to add?

Fun fact: our album is totally DIY. We recorded everything in our rehearsal space and mixed it in our bedrooms.