Interviews: Lay Of The Autumn

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Symphonic Power Metal band Lay Of The Autumn from Italy. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The band name LAY OF THE AUTUMN comes from an Insomnium song that is on their album “Across The Dark” (2009). Insomnium is one of my favorite bands, and the meaning of that song perfectly explains the concept that I had in mind for a long time: Autumn is a symbol of melancholy that suddenly comes into our lives.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

I grew up with Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Rhapsody Of Fire, and so on. I’m a symphonic power metal fan, first of all, and I also like orchestral cinematic music, so I always try to blend them together, adding my personal style as a composer.

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

Yeah, my bandmates and I have been collaborating already for several years and several projects: Choirs Of Veritas, Ravenword, Embrace Of Souls, and so on. They are excellent musicians and dear friends. Instead, I met Iryna during a trip to Kyiv in 2020. I went to a live concert by her band, Mysterya, and I remember that I was so impressed by her voice. It was like a pearl of light in the darkness. After that, I started to musically court her, until she agreed and our collaboration began.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Iryna: Within Temptation Davide

Scuteri: Eternal Tears Of Sorrow

Michele: Children Of Bodom

Cesare: Symphony X Davide

Lovecchio: Stratovarius

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

My emotions First of all, each song is the result of my emotions or experiences, memories, feelings, and philosophies about life and love. I just sit on my piano and play, I play because it makes me free for a while, and I can give a voice to what is inside me. Sometimes I just like a lot what I play, and I move forward with that idea.

6. Where was your last gig?

It was in Brescia (Italy) in January 2020. I was the keyboardist in Replica - Tribute to Sonata Arctica. I remember it was a lot of fun

7. Where would you like to act?

Well, in this period of my life, I actually don't care where to play my music, but for who :)

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Probably with Sonata Arctica or Nightwish, but 10 years ago haha

9. Whom not?

Actual Sonata Arctica or Nightwish I guess

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

I guess I am the main victim of this fear. My advice as a keyboard player is to focus on the things that make you anxious when playing and work on them. A big problem when playing in a metal band, for example, is that most of the time you cannot hear your instrument as you wish, because the drums drown out everything, the guitars dominate the scene and the locations don't offer a really good acoustic treatment. When I played in Replica, for example, I practiced a lot at home playing without seeing any notes or with the keyboard turned off, so I couldn't hear anything. I just had to know where to put my hands, always. It worked a lot for me. Another good tip is to fight your fears: if you are afraid of swimming, jump into deeper water, if you think you can't play a riff during a live show, play a more difficult one.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

I can say Sonata Arctica, Stratovarius, Nightwish, Within Temptation, Rhapsody Of Fire, Insomnium, Eternal Tears Of Sorrow, Norther, Wintersun, Children of Bodom. 

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

Well, during a live show, when we finished playing and got off the stage, a fan came closer to me and asked me for a photo together with the frontwoman. I posed with them, but he said: "Hey, not with you! I'm asking you to shoot me a photo with the singer!"

13. What do you think of your fans?

I am really happy that they like my music. I thank them a lot for their support, it means a lot to me. You cannot imagine how much their kind words give me the strength to carry on day by day, with everything concerning music and audio, which are my passions first of all.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's really kind of you to give a lot of musicians a space where they and their music can be known. I appreciate your work and your website!

15. Something to add?

Nowadays, in a world where there are 99 musicians on 100 metal lovers, that single person who still loves to listen to the music of someone else, is more precious than we 99, just remember this. I thank everyone who will listen to my music and will go deep into the message of this album. You are the best!