Interviews: Call To The Void

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Hard Rock band Call To The Void from the UK. 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 did it just come out like that?

Some years back I came across the French expression 'L'appel du Vide', which translates to 'The Call of the void', otherwise known as 'The High Place Phenomenon'. It's a sensation many people experience when faced with a fearful height and inability to resist the compulsion to jump. The expression called to me, with its eerie, taboo yet relatable subject matter. It's dark and mysterious...but real. Of course, our band name slightly differs from the translation, I guess you could say we're calling the void out and facing those fears head-on. Control and impulse are so much of what makes us human.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I've always been drawn to the darker side of things, anything a little weird and not the norm, so I think naturally I gravitated to heavy rock and metal as a youngster. I suppose it started with a little rebellion. It's exciting to see a live rock show, and it's wonderfully cathartic to be a part of one.

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

John Settle and John McGlade met back in 2000 and have played together through the years ever since, similarly, Glen and I met in 2008 played together in a previous band, and have sustained a close friendship for many years.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

John Settle: Hard to pick a single favorite, maybe of all time it'd be 'Joy Division' but currently I am really into Millie Manders & The Shut Up.

John McGlade: Trivium.

Glen: Mudvayne & Tool are two of my favorite all-time bands.

Jack: My Ruin stands strong in 1st place for me. I learned a lot from Mick & Tairrie, we're great friends and they still inspire me today.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

From a lyrical perspective, I'm mostly inspired to write about personal relationships, good and good gone bad, but also by our surroundings, this world we live in, and how it makes us/me feel...and then sometimes It's just good to get shit off your chest.

6. Where was your last gig?

We last played at the 'Camden Assembly' in London formerly the 'Barfly', lots of history there and a great venue!

7. Where would you like to play?

We'd love the opportunity to play some festivals. It would be great to showcase our songs to a larger crowd.

8. Who would you like to support? 

Ooooh, tough one... opening for 'Snot' would have been cool in another life.

9. Who not?

Well... I'm not sure we'd suit opening for Kayne West, put it that way lol.

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

John Settle: No stage fright for me, but just make sure you know your parts and try to have fun and enjoy what you're doing.

Jack: I definitely feel the nerves and adrenaline before going on stage, mostly I try to channel that into the performance but I find having a little privacy beforehand for breathing exercises and even meditation really helps me. Just know your stuff, keep calm, and believe in yourself.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I think as a band our sound is very influenced by music and artists of the 90s, the Seattle scene for starters, and then bands like Placebo, INXS, Tool, Fu Manchu, Monster Magnet, Corrosion of Conformity, L7 & My Ruin to name a few.

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

Nothing crazy asked of me yet... give it time I guess!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Eternally grateful to anyone who has taken the time to listen to our music and/or come to see us live. It's a special feeling when like-minded people really get what you're trying to do creatively.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's awesome! You guys clearly cover a huge range of bands and music. It's a great platform and opportunity for new artists to be heard too, and we love the 'Sign of Horns' cursor!

15. Something to add?

Thanks for talking with us, and including us on your site. Be sure to follow us and check out our new single and video 'Viper's Venom - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BYRlNceuas0 and come down to the Camden Assembly 28th September to see us do our thang!