Interviews: TranscomaR

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Sludge Metal/Post-Metal band TranscomaR from Germany. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

The name was not really planned. At first, we threw a few names that came to our mind into the room. But they either didn't really catch us or were already taken by other artists. Then I picked up a name from an old music project and we changed it a bit. The idea behind TranscomaR was a chaotic mental state that follows a state of deep rest, like a coma. You have to know that we used to do loud jam sessions in the beginning and lost ourselves a lot in confused soundscapes. The R at the end refers to my name. So the first letters of our names (Tobias and Ramin) are also included. Simply a little idea in connection with the fact that we are a duo. In the end, we liked the name and stuck with it. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We didn't plan to play music like this. In the beginning, we just jammed around, drank, and had a good time. We were playing around with all kinds of riffs and often completly lost ourselves in endless patterns or drone and ambient noise. That was really fun and somehow pushed our creativity. One day we spontaneously decided to form a band and write songs. Our „heavy“ direction actually came because we like to play very loud and noisy. Straight and easygoing, we kept pursuing what felt natural to play and how the two of us could create as much density as possible. I started vocals and with loud tubeamps, that's what it became. We'll continue to rely on our creative intuition and see what comes along in the future.

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

Yes, we already knew each other through a mutual friend and Tobias' former roommate. Tobias also plays in his other band with him, which had already formed back then. They lived in a kind of alternative house community and initially rehearsed in their living room. I hung out there and from time to time dragged my guitar along. Tobias and I were constantly blabbering about bands and music and then we decided to start something together. It was simply a really nice leisure activity.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Tobias loves Tool, his absolute favorite Band. There ́is literally no rehearsal where this band isn't a topic in some form or another. I also think their music is awesome, they had a significant influence on me as a person and musician. If I have to name a favorite band, then Tool is already at the top list. But at the end of the day, there are just so many great bands out there.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything we personally like and listen to can potentially be an influence or inspiration. We don't really have a specific style of music or bands we think of when writing songs. I listen to a lot of metal, but also many other genres, and even influences for my guitar playing are quite diverse. I really like the,, Seattlesound-Era" and the Bands that broke conventions or "rules“ in musical genres even classics like Mötley Crëw, L.A. Guns, Sabbath, and so on. Tobias likes a lot of Punk-, Stoner-, Doom- and psychedelic stuff. Nonmusical inspirations can be everything I experience and see in my everyday life, Tobi spends much time exploring nature. There are many things that inspire us when writing music but we can't name concrete non-musical artists or public figures. For us making music is a cosmic form of communication and a possibility to handle things that touch you emotionally in every way. It's great to deal with troubled thoughts that way so they don't become a threatening reality for you. And besides our music seems to be quite dark we are actually pretty humorous guys.

6. Where was your last gig?

Our last gig was at the end of October last year in a small alternative venue in the Ruhr area. It was heated with a mobile device and there was only one PA pick-up for the vocals. Pretty adventurous. The stage was so badly lit that we saw almost nothing. Tobias was sitting right next to my Amplifier and only heard sludge. Finally, we said, “It's cool here, let ́s just play!”. And it was a valuable experience, the place had charm and the whole crew there was incredibly nice. We were really surprised that even a Japanese band had played there. Unfortunately, these locations have a hard time these days, at least in the Ruhrarea. So you gotta‘ support them. And if you ever get the chance to get on stage you have to take it. 

7. Where would you like to act?

We would love to play at the Freakvalley Festival in Germany one day. It's a small festival with bands mainly in the psychedelic, stoner, and doom genres, but also alternative rock and metal. The atmosphere is great, you hardly find so many awesome people in one place. Everyone is easygoing and friendly and you always meet someone you can have some beers and a good talk with. Like Family and even with space for families.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Tobias is not specific about that but would like to have a feature with any good bass player. I ́d love to feature with Deb Demure from Drab Majesty/VR Sex. He has a unique feeling in creating melancholic moods, in my opinion, he’s a groundbreaking songwriter and artist.

9. Whom not?

Nearly every German rapper.

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

We always are a little nervous but in a normal case, we guess. Tips for Beginners? Don't get drunk before! Just kidding, it depends on the kind of person you are and how your constitution is. Bands sometimes want to do everything perfectly but being on stage is about loudness, emotions, and fun. Don't be too hard on yourself. The more experience you gain the more relaxed you become. Little mistakes on stage can be very charming because they show that there are no robots standing there. Stay focused and maybe talk together afterwards about what you noticed while performing. Amen.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Tough one. As already mentioned above there are a few. I've always liked bands that have broken the (supposed) rules of genres and explored new fields. Three bands that have accompanied me for half my life and I still can always listen to: Nirvana, Tool, Deftones. Tobias is an absolute fanboy of Tool and Nine Inch Nails...and our Guitarplayer of course (lol). Seriously, there are so many good bands out there.

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

After one of our concerts an audience member who seemed to have really enjoyed the show came up to us and excitedly asked how we made that “Foo Fighter sound” with just two people. He seemed to be really serious about that. We were like "What!?“ and didn't know how to react to something like that, so we just told him stuff about our gear. It was all right and he was happy. Funny little story.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are even not sure if we can talk about a fanbase at this point. In any case, we are happy about everyone who supports us and has a good time with our music. 

14. What do you think of our site?

Everything is great. We are very happy to be on board with WHD and hope that we can make progress with our music and your support. So far we've had really good experiences with you guys and we'll keep it up. Thank you very much!

15. Something to add?

Well, thank you for having us! To all the readers out there: Stay creative and keep rock'n'roll alive! Don't give a shit when people tell you that you can't move something. It's about your personal freedom and experience. Thank you for your support and only the best for all. Love and peace from TranscomaR.