XANDRIA
Interviewer: Jesus C. (Saqrangel)
Answered by: Lisa (Vocal)
The first time that I saw and I listened the video clip titled "Ravenheart" I was really in love with this band, now, Xandria is one of the most brillant acts inside the German gothic metal, their disc " Ravenheart " in a great achievement in the short discography of the band, receiving great praises around of all world... we are able to contact with Lisa who has granted us this brief interview....
Hello Lisa, I'm happy to dialogue with you, tell me, how were the beginnings of the band?
The band Xandria was founded in the year 2000 in our hometown Bielefeld/Germany. It was Marco who started with this idea; I joined the band in october 2000 and eversince I'm a member of it there was only one change in the line up: Nils plays the bass now since one year. He came for Roland, who had to leave us for personal reason.
Did you have a classic musical formation? Did you study
chant?
Well... for 4 years I took classical opera-singing-lessons. I stopped doing that when once I was sitting on my piano, trying to sing a new song, there was just opera stuff coming out of my mouth! That was when I was 18 years old. Since then I search for my natural voice.
"Ravenheart" is a great album, the self-titled video clip is brilliant and dark. How was born the idea of having a medieval atmosphere? How did the TV means received your video clip?
We wanted to create a medieval/fantasy atmosphere in the video because we all are big fans of LORD OF THE RINGS!!! It was fun to have our 3:40 movie-spectacle. But it seems to be fun for the viewers, too. Many people tell us that they like it. Thanks to these!
You speak us of your next CD "India", which will be the concept? Which will be the contribution of the DEUTSCHES FILMORCHESTER BABELSBERG?
When we started to work on INDIA we had a strict concept. We wanted to write about travelling in mind and/or body. That means, that sometimes when you search for something special (like Colombo went for INDIA) it's possible that this search will never come to an end. But on your way you might find fantastic new oportunities and solutions (like he "found" AMERICA).
But in the further work the concept got lost; there are only 2 songs left of it.
We were very glad to be able to work together with the FILMORCHESTER BABELSBERG, which is probably the most famous
soundtrack orchestra in germany. The sound is bombastic!
I suppose that to have the participation of the DEUTSCHES FILMORCHESTER BABELSBERG carries a great economic expense. Did your label assume all the expenses kindly?
A lady doesn't talk about THESE things... ;-)
Uhmm which are your points of view about the life, the sex, the love... the death... which do you think the destination of the world it will be?
Mpf, big question. Let's see --- life is good, sex is good, love is good, death is... unavoidable. And if I knew the destination of the world, I'd probably be a millionaire. :D
What do you remember of your show in the BIROF-festival in South-Korea 2004? Do you have plans to visit Latin America?
South-Korea was the best show we ever played --- with the best audience! But we hope that you Latin Americans will set it right!!!! Unfortunately there are no concrete plans, but we really HOPE to visit you very soon.
Well, tell us about the other Xandria's members, do you have musical projects parallel to Xandria? What activity do you make apart of the music? What do you make at weekends?
You want me to introduce my bandmembers to you? Let's hope that they never see this interview, because they beat me up everytime I say something wrong... noooo jooooke! :D
Okay, first there is Marco. He founded the Band, he writes most of the songs. And he hasn't got the time for side projects, because he spends all of his time with his pretty 17year-old fiancé Alina. :-)
Then there is Philip (Guitars). He plays in a couple of bands that he never talks about, because he seperates the bands strictly from each others. He's some kind of party animal. He defeats me in playing Trivial Persuit everytime... :-( ;-) he works in a music shop.
Gerit is our drummer. He is probably the most humorous man I know and he also has side projects. But his only "Label-Band" is Xandria. Philip's companion in being a party animal. Daytimes he is a male nurse in a loony bin.
Nils is my true love! No joke! He plays the bass like a monster of Rock... and we will marry in august. We both haven't got a side project so far. Nils works on his doctoral thesis in history and works for the local newspaper.
And I work in a photo studio for stills and food. And give looooong answers in interviews...
At the moment, Germany has the biggest Gothic scene in the entire world, excellent bands and magazines exist. How are you unwrapped inside the German Gothic scene? You like bands like Lacrimosa, L'ame Immortelle, Lacrimas Profundere... what bands do you like of your country? some new band that you would recommend us to listen?
I just heard the new German band LYRIEL. They are just excellent! I also like
LEAVE'S EYES. But you are right: there are very many real good bands of this genre in Germany.
Well, what are you listening lately (now?), which are your favorite artists (music, literature, poetry)?
I am just listening to a Best-Of-Album of Cat Stevens. Mmmmh, is this awkward...? :-) Generally I love OPETH and ANDY M. STEWARD (scottish traditional singer). My
favorite authors are Diana Gabaldon and Douglas Adams. Poetry... I grew up with Goethe.
For those that didn't still listen to Xandria, describe us musical and lyrically your work.
Describe ... well ... why don't you ****** go and listen to Xandria in some music store...? :D
:D
Thank you, tell us your future plans and your last words for all your fans in South America...
Our future plans are to visit South America. I really really love you!
Official
homepage: www.xandria.de
E-mail: LaLisaVocalista@aol.com