1. Looking back at the very beginning. When you first started the band and which other previous bands you´ve played in?
I've played in many bands, as I play everything I've had many different positions in many different bands. From a drummer in a country rock band to a bassist in a jazz fusion trio. I love many different types of music.
2. Could you tell us a little bit about your personal music background? What is the main conclusion you have learned during these years about life and music being two inseparable things?
I regard music as my life, I will always be doing it. It has been my life from a very young child. I really haven't ever been able to separate it. I have ignored it as I’ve worked in other aspects of my life, but it was unhealthy for me to subdue a massively important creative outlet. That's what I've learned.
3. You are coming from Australia, which for an American or European metalhead sounds like other world. How is the metal scene over there? Any interesting stuff that fits only Australian metal culture?
Where I am in Australia is very similar to Canada or Northern Europe, so not too different! The distance to the rest of the world is a bit more of an issue, however it’s lovely here. In terms of a metal scene, there's not much black metal here, hardly any actually. I knew that if I was going to pursue this project, I would have to do it on my own. The metal that predominantly comes out of Australia is very different to black metal, more of a metal core/deathcore scene here.
4. Let´s talk about your selftitled debut. What is the nature of the songs’ conception that you recorded for this album?
I wanted to make a black metal record, but I was a little hesitant. There were a lot of things I had to unlearn especially with the recording of it. The aim was to create a melancholy sound, but also for it to be natural and “grounded”.
5. The new album is crushing and heavy, from start to finish. But there’s also a great deal of memorable melody in the songs. Was that a conscious effort or just something that happened as the songwriting progressed?
I’ve always steered towards melody, even if it’s meant to be crushing or heavy, the melody provides the perfect counterpoint to that dissonance/aggression. I think its come from my exposure to many other genres of music when growing up, so it's just part of my writing process.
6. What rules and canons do you follow when writing music? How much is this process free and artistic? Or maybe a more technical and academic approach prevails?
I have no formal music training, so it is all intuition and what I want to hear really. There are some conventions of the genre that I will adhere to, as they are what make a genre like black metal what it is, however most of it is if I’ve got a melody or riff, I will expand upon that to create a full song.
7. When it comes to your lyrics, what are some of the key themes you’ve chosen to focus?
Some lyrical themes from this record include absolute isolation from humanity, compromised morals and the upholding tradition to the detriment of yourself or others.
8. Are there particular songs that you feel best define the Under Victoria sound or perhaps ones you find most notable for whatever reason?
Two songs I feel best represent Under Victoria as a project would be “Penance", for its melodies and heaviness. As well as a track titled “In the name of…” for it’s ever evolving intensity, ending in a heavy, pummelling climax.
9. What do you consider the strengths of Under Victoria as far as musicians and your death metal craft?
I consider the strengths to be the consistency of the songs for the project, as well as invoking a mood or feeling. As for musicians, I’m maybe not the best on all instruments, however I love being able to approach each idea as a puzzle and work it out piece by piece as I go.
10. What kind of music you listen to when you’re not in a creative mood. What can get you started?
I tend to listen to music that is vastly different to what I do myself, as I find that’s where I get a lot of inspiration. Ambient, Electronic and Pop are some of the greatest examples.
11. As a black metal band, what are your opinions about the stereotype that the “original black metal” (formed in the 90’s by the early Norwegian bands) is fading away from its true origins?
I feel that it’s ok. I mean, music must always evolve, or else there’s stagnation. I love the genre, but I couldn’t think of anything worse than being extremely confined to a genre’s conventions. As a creative, that is stifling. I believe in honouring what came before, but moving forward and paving your own way as an artist. There’s always going to be people that prefer the traditional aspects, and that's great, because I do as well, but I have the ability to see where this takes me creatively, so I will do so.
12. Internet brought an overpopulation of extreme metal bands and recordings. Did this affect the quality of the scene?
It probably does affect the quality of the scene a bit, but it also brings a lot of exposure to those that may not have achieved it originally, which I believe is a good thing.
13. With the easy access to internet you can spread your music across the globe just sitting in front of your computer. How much effort to you put into promoting the band world-wide?
I put quite a bit of effort into it, I’m always thinking of ways to get more ears to the music, along with some of my other projects. However it's not easy, and it’s by far the most difficult aspect of this pursuit.
14. And now we have finally come to the end of this interview, do you have some important words for our readers?
I’d like to say thanks for featuring my songs on the compilation, it’s been awesome to be a part of. I have a follow up record to be released soon which I’m really excited about. I hope everyone enjoys the compilation! Thanks
Thanks Again
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