Interviews: NOUMENIA

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Post-Groove Metal band NOUMENIA from Italy. Check out this band and follow them 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?

Vivian, vocalist: At the time, I was in the band for a very short time, we wanted to set things better and in a more professional way. We needed a name. For days I thought about it, but something was missing. Then I said to myself “ok Vivian, the perfect band's name will come up one day, just don't think about it compulsively” and that's what I did.

One night I was chilling with Netflix, I wasn't even thinking about the band. Like lightnin,g the word “Noumenia” struck suddenly in my head. That time I didn't know the meaning of that word. I did some research on Google and what I found shocked me.

It was no accident, it completely connected to who I am and feel as a person and the mood, the vibe I wanted to express with the band. So I proposed it to the guys explaining in the best way why this name could be the right one. It's not easy to talk about esoterism and company with someone who hasn't read or heard about it.

But, here we are and we look forward to being heard from all of you!

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Campa, bass: The truth is that we've never set out to play a specific genre. What we've always done is simply come together, all four of us, putting our ideas, styles, and talents on the table. These are the humble ingredients we use to write our songs. We've tried many times to fit ourselves into an existing genre, but we've never been able to. Then we realized it was something new, something modern and unheard of, thus the term Post-Groove was born.

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

Campa, bass: None of us knew any of the Noumenia members before the band came together.

We were complete strangers living on opposite sides of Milan, yet from day one, the chemistry between us was incredible. What’s truly remarkable is that all four of us met in the exact same way, through a simple and relatively unknown Italian platform for musicians, which we all, luckily happened to be signed up for.

4. Each band member’s favorite band?

Sam, drums: All of us listen to a lot of different artists and genres, so it’s really difficult to choose only one band.

For me, I would say Deftones, because I started listening at a really young age and I have a really deep connection with their music. Matteo Campagnoli, the bass player, listens to a lot of Gojira, and Vivian,the  singer, really enjoys Lamb of God.

Regarding Matteo Radaelli, he likes King 810 a lot.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Rada, guitar: I’d say analyzing the sound and songs (through listening to isolated tracks) is the best tip I’ve ever received about creating something new.

This applies to any instrument:

You don’t have a drum groove? Use the isolated drums from your favorite songs for inspiration. No riff comes out while writing? Listen to the isolated guitar tracks from your favorite album!

Eventually, to find inspiration for new songs or if I'm trying really hard to write something but nothing comes out, I usually take a break and have a coffee while I listen to new music and/or new genres. You’ll never know what the little section in the song of the band from the other part of the world will inspire you to write.

6. Where was your last gig?

Sam, drums: Our last gig was at Centrale Rock in Erba, which is a pretty small city 40 minutes outside Milan.

It’s a really cool venue, with a lot of space and a really big stage.

Every gig for us is a unique experience, but this one, in particular, was special, because we took the occasion to perform some of the new songs of “Echoes”, and the response was more than positive.

The energy the fans gave us and the nice words from the first-time listeners to our music, were unbelievable and that’s why we love performing live.

7. Where would you like to act?

Rada, guitar: I think it would be a dream to have the opportunity to play at the Hellfest or Download festivals. Years ago, I used to watch lots of live videos of all types of bands playing these huge shows and stages with thousands of people jumping and having fun while screaming as loud as possible the lyrics from the band songs.

Just thinking about this feeling applied to us feels almost unreal and a big dream to achieve, but we will work really hard to make it possible!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Vivian, vocalist: Personally, I can't find a specific artist I would like to feature with. It would be great to feature not only metal and rock artists but also create a beautiful contrast with artists from various genres. I think it's important now to explore and expand the connection we could have musically, artistically, and from different backgrounds.

9. Whom not?

Vivian, vocalist: We wouldn't like to have a collaboration with someone who can't see beyond their Ego.

Music is vibration, it is emotion.

The message we want to express needs us to be open and sincere.

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

Sam, drums: I’ve always suffered from stage fright, but I have learned how to control it.

So if you are a beginner who suffers from stage fright, this is a little piece of advice for you; you must channel the anxiety and the fear into adrenaline that keeps you vigilant during the show.

I think that stage fright is not something that you should erase, but something that you should control and use to your own advantage. It's not an easy task, but with time and perseverance, everything can be done.

It works really well with me and maybe could be the answer for you, hope this will help!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Rada, guitar: My first love, and I think many people out there will agree with me, has been Slipknot, especially the self-titled.

Growing up I then listened and explored what in my opinion is most part of metal genres. The Metalcore scene (Asking Alexandria, Ice Nine Kills, Bring Me the Horizon) had a really big impact on me and it’s my main inspiration while writing melodic parts, especially choruses. For the heavier stuff, I started listening to more groove and Djent bands (Meshuggah, Periphery, Lamb of God, Gojira, Monuments) and started to experiment with different tunings.

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

Sam, drums: Luckily no one ever asked me anything crazy, but one time I made one friend of mine listen to an old demo and he couldn’t believe that the clean and the extreme vocals were made entirely by Vivian and he asked me for proof.

So I convinced him to come to one of our gigs and see for himself.

He remained shocked and still could not believe it!

13. What do you think of your fans?

Campa, bass: Our fans are amazing: they support us and are always in the front row. They are a loyal and intense audience, and their passion and energy give us incredible motivation. I like to think that these qualities are reflected in our songs.

Our audience inspires us to always give our best. That’s why we care deeply about each one of you and thank you for making every live performance unique and unforgettable.

14. What do you think of our site?

Sam, drums: It’s a really cool site, with a lot of interesting articles and it’s really useful to find new cool bands to listen to.

Keep up the great work!

15. Something to add?

We wanted to thank our label Eclipse Records and Breathing The Core for this opportunity and new experience.

We can’t wait for “Echoes” to be out for you to listen to, we promise you won’t be disappointed!

Make sure to follow us on social media and Pre-Save “Echoes” to never miss out on future releases!