Backstage Pass - Garden Of Grief - Interview

ATP

For the record, who's answering the interview?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

Sturmfels

ATP

What is your band's name? How did you come up with that name?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

GARDEN OF GRIEF. I had a vague idea of a mental picture, a general atmosphere, which I tried to express with the band name.

ATP

So who's in the band and what instruments do you each play?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

Only me, I play all instruments and do vocals.

ATP

How would you describe your sound. What makes you unique?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

My current sound is based on the idea that all instruments should be equally audible without getting too polished and clean in general. My style is a mix of melancholic atmosphere mixed with aggressive aspects. I focus much on the vocals which are also what makes my music stand out most among other black metal bands.

ATP

What bands have influenced each of you?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

Satanic Warmaster and Drudkh might be the most present influences in my music

ATP

How experienced are you on the stage, a virgin or whore?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

As a one-man-band I have not planned on playing live too often but I had a few shows in the past with a live crew. We acquired some routine during the time we played so I believe future shows will be much more relaxed.

ATP

How would you describe your shows?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

Focus on the music and atmosphere

ATP

Tell us about your favorite show and why?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

The last show I have played before I focused on the lyrics for the new album. It was a show with Hecate Enthroned, organized by ourselves and after major problems with the original venue finally taking part in a pub with just an old carpet instead of a stage. It was the best live experience because we all had a great time and paid no attention to the rehearsal-like surroundings.

ATP

Tell us about your worst show and why?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

A show in Germany where the sound engineer was a real asshole and manipulated the mixer even after we had agreed on his not touching anything after we had adjusted everything on our own in the soundcheck because he wasn't able to do it properly. Almost led to us cancelling the headliner show and leaving the venue...in the end we played but we were not very serious about it.

ATP

Tell Us About Your Dream Show, who you'd like to play with and where?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

I don't know. I have no idea if my favorite bands are nice people to play a concert with, so I couldn't tell you in advance.

ATP

Do you have a street team and how can you join?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

No. You can support the band by telling your friends and buying the releases and merch.

ATP

Do you have a record label and if not are you looking for one?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

I run my own label. I have not experienced any label deal which provided anything I could not have done myself so far. The best I got from other labels was paying for the release and quick and good organization of the production which is cool but nothing I can't do on my own. I decided to do it myself on a professional basis in the future.

ATP

What are your plans for the future, in a year, 5 years?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

Recording all the ideas I still have lying around on my computer. The rest will come with time...too much planning ahead will only result in stress and disappointment

ATP

Finally, do have any words on what Arm The Pit means to you?

GARDEN OF GRIEF

A webzine which replied really quickly and helped in promoting my new album. Very much appreciated!