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APRIL’15

#3

SVENDIRKSCHNEIDER

WITHOUT LIMITSMORTON STUDIO

RULE OF SANDWICHKIERAN ROBERTSON

DAILY METAL №3

LADIES & GENTLEMEN,GREETINGS FROM UKRAINE!

Here it is - first Daily Metal Web Magazine issue in English. This is our first try to expand horizons and to write some stuff oriented for international reader.

So it’s your decision if we have succeeded or not.

There are some interviews waiting for you inside: new U.D.O.’s drummer Sven Dirkschneider, known Ukrainian band Without Limits and acquaintance with young and perspective musician from Glasgow. Also there is an overview article about concert management, some talk with Morton Studio - one of the top Ukrainian sound studios - and reviews for March releases.

So welcome on board and enjoy! We’re waiting for your feedback!

Stay metal & keep on rockin’!

Sandra Konopatska

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DAILY METAL ENG TEAM:

Sofia KinnunenDima EntisNatalia DmytrukGera SulikovPaul KharlamovOlga BurlakaAlexander DruzhitskiySandra Konopatska

DESIGNE:

ALEXANDER DRUZHITSKIYGERA SULIKOV

CHIEF:

SANDRA KONOPATSKA

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DAILY METAL №3

MARCH MAIN RELEASES 5

SVEN DIRKSCHNEIDER 9

WITHOUT LIMITS 13

KIERAN ROBERTSON 17

RULE OF SANDWICH 22

MORTON STUDIO 24

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MARCH:MAIN RELEASES

BY DIMA «DROLL» ENTIS

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EUROPEWAR OF KINGS

After mastodons of the last century it is hard to say something new in hard rock - there will always be

those who say, «We have heard it». And do not keep the bar is very easy and simple. Presumably this happened with the Swedish band Europe. No, they retained the bar, the whole album is made in the same style of the 70’s when everything was deep purple, and huge Zep-pelin flying. Unfortunately, many people can say that «somewhere I heard it». With my hearing I thought, for example, «Days Of Rock’n’Roll» reminds «Doctor Doctor» from the band UFO, and intro to «Nothin‘ To Ya» all sounds a kind of Rage Against The Ma-chine. But, nevertheless, the tenth plate from Europe - strong job and musicians know exactly what they want to say with their music. New «The Final Countdown» will not be here - the same river twice will not come. But it would be nice hard rock that cannot be understood from the first time. If you fig-ure it out, it will long live in iPods and phones.

MORTALIUMTHE OBLIGATE LONELINESSThe album came to the editor rather late, but to pass by

would be just plain wrong, and that’s why: material, quality, and ultimately, the country. Yes, Kharkiv Mortalium recorded high quality gothic metal. Finally. Great heard all the instru-ments and vocals of Mary Nosik - feminine and melodic, and the roaring of Yaroslav Badradynov - everything in its place, nothing more. «I Hate You All», which is so pleasant to listen to in the morning, when you do not get enough sleep and hate the world (hoping that it will pass before afternoon), a rehash «Eleanor Rigby» from the famous Liverpool quartet - all quite melodic and nevertheless «in style». And sepa-rately would like to emphasize the final «Ocean of Depres-sion», which with its text pushes in disbelief as the Book of Ecclesiastes almost. This is a joke, of course, but in every joke... There again, unexpectedly high quality album for Ukraine. Therefore, we can only congratulate the band for this excellent disc and wish further creative victories. The album, of course, free to download, but it is better to buy and thus support compatriots.

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MOONSPELLEXTINCTHaving read various online critics and reviewers (you

understand, dear reader, what I mean), you would think that Moonspell is «not one that was once.» Of course, this duality is present in full. From the stand-point of death and folk supporters it has long been «wrong that once.» But as gothic metal is still like that. Many keyboards in songs, many gothic «ballads» and a kind of pop-rock songs like «Medusalem» and «The Last of Us», which left far behind giants of the genre HIM and sound much better than the new Nightwish single «Elan». However, songs that opens the album - «Breathe (Until We Are No More)» and «Extinct» with excellent percussion work and beautiful reefs dilute album. Overall, for Moonspell it is not the best work perhaps, but with strong material and firm step to something new, quite different from

the old.

BLACK OBELISKREVOLUTION

Unlike many of their «colleagues in the shop» Black Obelisk did not, as usual, take one or another political party or sing Ho-

sanna to Jewish carpenter to be in new religious trends. Their position is rather reminiscent of ancient Chinese curse «let you live in a time of change». For The Black Obelisk has always been inherent sceptical, even cynical view of things. In the song «Stoy and Smotry» (Stand and Look) for example, have the following lines: «If someone’s chest suddenly added awards / means somewhere was killed an unknown soldier»along with «know, you’re not the enemy / all that I have, I will give you for nothing». Separately want to allocate a strict «No Death», which sounded ancient concept that death ex-ists only for the living, not the dead, so they should not be mourn, they continue to live in another world. «Stolen Sun» as russian Disturbed, in music, as in the text. And it is im-possible not to notice two covers - «Gulyai-Pole» from band E.S.T. and «Layer Colors hacks» where excellent Butusov text assigned to riffs of Pantera’s «Walk» - came out very evil and very important for modern realities. And it might be worth still not heeding the jingois-tic patriots, but sceptics in our difficult and incomprehensible time?

MARCH: MAIN RELEASES

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NOIZGATE RECORDSBRUTAL VISION (Vol. 2)On the label Noize Gate Records on March 27 released a

double compilation Brutal Vision (vol. 2). In fact, in our difficult time, especially for the music industry, production of assemblies is a thankless task. Especially for young and unknown bands, unlike famous that already are not so much musical groups as brands - go to the online shop of Metallica, for example, and will understand what I mean. But the guys from Noizgate still somehow face the future, though it is extremely vague. Especially task set themselves the drafters of assembly - somehow foresee the development of heavy metal in the next couple of years - completely ungrateful thing, much like street cleaning. It is necessary, but nobody wants to do.

However, the result of the work of many people - here it is.30 bands from all over the world (especially interesting Sixpounder

from Poland, who have entered the collection through Facebook), interesting melodic passages, various types of vocals (with dominant growl and scream - name obliges) - all this quite naturally drawn up in an interesting overall picture. Although, really should accuse some of performers in monotony, repeats (Asking Alexandria set fashion), but they are not suffering nor recording quality or performance. All Groups presented at least very strong materials, and quite interesting. It makes no sense to allocate someone because diversity of music simply does not allow us to do so. Everyone will find the song you want to listen to again.In any case, Brutal Vision is worth listening to if you, dear reader, are interested a little bit heavy music. At least to be as said the youth, «in trend». Moreover, thank the creators and groups for this labor of Sisyphus, which is unlikely to appreciate fully. However, I also would like to be wrong in this.

HOLLYWOOD UNDEAD DAY OF THE DEAD

This album is full of dance music. This review could be complete here if they previously published at least some rock or nu-metal. So one could say that the group is related to heavy music. As though. But in this album you can hear everything - dubstep («Usual Suspects»), hip-hop («How We Roll», «Dark Places»), almost disco («Party By Myself»), probably all sorts of modern dance rhythms («War Child»). In general - a sort of mosaic. Permeates cantillation of obscene texts (everywhere «f.ck» and «d.ck») and some J-J-J guitar, but so weak that even hard to believe. The only thing that somehow falls within the definition of nu-metal is the title «Day of the Dead», a sort of alternative rap ballad in couplets and «very heavy» (there was sarcasm) refrains. But that is all.

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In February, 2015 there were some changes in famous band U.D.O. At the age of 21 Swen Dirkshneider, Udo’s

son became a new drummer. Daily Metal congratulated Swen and asked him about how it feels to be a part of his father’s legendary band.

The second generation of DIRKSCHNEIDER’S

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Hi, Sven! Thank you for agreeing to talk with us!

What how does it feel to be a member of the legendary band?

Hi, you’re welcome! Actually of course it feels pretty good to be a part of that Band now!

Was it difficult to pass through the listening?

Do you think U.D.O fans ad-equately appreciate you in-stead of Francesco Jovino that left?

In case that I knew all the songs from U.D.O. very well, it wasn’t to difficult for me.

Did father’s opinion some-how influence the band’s

decision, and what does he think about your choice to engage the family business?

I don’t think that it had any in-fluence to the band and I think that he’s very proud at the mo-ment that I joined the band.

Anyway, work-ing with U.D.O. is a great experience for a musician, many people are dreaming to be in your place, especially at such an early age. Partic-ipation in the father’s band was a dream for you? Do you afraid of his severity at the working process?Let’s put it this way: It wasn’t a

d r e a m to be part of U.D.O. at some point. But I always want-ed to make music and play live! I’m not afraid at all, I think that it is a good thing, that I know ex-actly what he likes.

What is your favourite U.D.O.’s album?

In my opinion Steelhammer is the best album so far from the newer stuff. Faceless World is my favourite from the older al-bum.

Udo Dirkschneider’s world fame has come while he

was playing in Accept, which also exists nowadays. Do you keep an eye on its creativity and do you have something favourite of their newly cre-ated material?

I’m not really interested in the new stuff from Accept to be honest.

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What is your opinion as a young musician of

the current Germany metal scene, is there a prospect of something new and inter-esting? What is your attitude to the development of music nowadays?

I think that the metal scene in Germany is getting smaller and smaller, unfortunately. I mean

I just can say what I see in my area around Cologne, where I live. Rather there is death metal or death core but no real heavy metal.

U.D.O. repeatedly visit-ed us in Ukraine, are you going to please

the capital with a concert this year? There are a lot of fans waiting to meet with the

band!Hopefully we can do it but at the moment I don’t know

Music addiction has im-parted to you since child-

hood. Why did you choose drums? And who is your idol of drummers?

Actually I started to play drums very early. When I was 3 years

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old I got the little percussion bongo’s from my parents and a little guitar. The guitar was not interesting for me at all so I started to hit the bongos and count rhythms. When I was 5 years old I had my first drum lesson and so it began. There are so many good drummers that I like, hard to choose one.

The first performance of the team has passed re-

cently. Were you nervous? How did you feel on a stage in front of thousands of lis-teners?

Of course I’m excited and nerv-ous about the first shows ever with U.D.O. but in case that I played at Wacken in 2012 al-ready for four songs with them, thousands of people are no problems!

Recently you’ll went on tour with Saxon, replac-

ing Nigel Glockler because of his health issues. How was

it?To get recommended by Nigel Glockler himself it was unbe-lievable for me when I got the phone call from the Saxon man-agement. I would have never expected something like this so I felt so honoured at this time! It was an amazing experience for me to go out with them in the UK!

You make the impression about yourself as a work-

aholic and a man who loves his job. I think that you will show yourself more. Good bye, Daily Metal’s team wish-es you a successful debut on stage with U.D.O and success in the work!I absolutely love my job and I like to work a lot as well. I hate to sit somewhere and do not to have really anything to do! Thanks for the interview and all wishes. See us on the road!

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WITHOUT LIMITS

The history of «Without Limits» have started in a far 1999. For this time the band made

some releases, their songs are in playlist of many radio stations and take a notable at Ukrainian music scene. Shortly before their third LP release «Breathing You», we’ve met with a singer Sergiy Tanchintz, and talked to him about new album sound, music industry and also how does the outlook changed for the 16 years of band’s life.

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A little more than in a week your third studio

album will be released. Tell us about the album. How does it differ from previous ones? Have the mood and sound been changed? What is «Breathe with you»for you?

This album is very important because we didn’t do studio albums since 2007. There were singles, but was not a full LP. «Breathe with you» will in-clude tracks recorded in 2009-2010 and some new songs. So this album is very special for us. How does it differ? Fresh-er, modern sound. Many years passed, and we certainly ma-tured. We changed text and sound. The situation in the country makes us writing quite serious songs like «Moms’ words» and completely new «Pohresty».

In early February band’s new video for the song

«Winter» will be published. Its story is interesting and unusual. Whether it has any hidden implications or per-haps autobiographical mo-tives?

There are no autobiographical motifs. History is invented by Anna Tanchynets-Stefano. The video based on Korean trilogy «Oldboy», recently re-filmed in Hollywood. The movie is about a man was kidnapped for re-venge and held 20 years in-doors. So there was an idea to shoot something non trivi-al and interesting for «Winter» song. The shooting lasted all day and all night. It was fun especially the fight scenes, and we had a good time.

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Your career begins from 1999. How for this time

changed outlook, vision and understanding of music?

Then everything was ‘in pink». It seemed that everything is ab-solutely easy, and it’s success-ful immediately. We thought that we are the coolest band in the world that has the most ideal songs. Of course, all this ain’t so and it needs to make a lot of effort. We have made the effort, despite the situations that knocked us down. We got back to our feet and then moved forward.Of course, everything has changed. The outlook and that thing that we got older. In 1999, I was 17, and now I’m 33.

If you go back thoughts what were you dreamed

about then and did it came true?

Of course, we didn’t accom-plish everything and did not achieve everything that we wanted. So that is no reason to stop. There are many goals and many things remains to be done to feel more or less with a sense of accomplishment. I think it is still to come.

In an interview, you said that the song «Under-

ground» is a kind of your vis-iting card. What other band songs you can call iconic?

We have no such a song with «rock-song» affect. «Under-ground» opened us to more or less wide public audience. Then there were cool songs: «I do not know,» «Tell» ... So now we really appreciate «Pour me wine» and «Mothers’ words».

What is the music for

you?

This is what I do my whole life since 11 years. I don’t want to say some high empty words, but the music is something I can-not image myself without. «Without Limits» band ap-pears when I was 17 and since then I kept it en-gaged. I don’t know what I will do if someone will take music from me.

What do you think about all that is happening in

our music industry?

I evaluated all of this very neg-ative a while ago. There was some industry, but it was dis-gusting-pop. It cannot even be called music industry - just show business, and business is even more than the show. I do not want to offend any-one because it was, and there is couple of good artists, but the vast majority of our coun-try listening to pop music that makes more negative than positive for the industry at all. Now because of recent devel-opments, and in that fact that music goes to the Internet now, situation becomes more understandable and have more and more opportunities for development.

Now the music industry representatives complain

to the situation. They say that albums are not sell-ing through piracy, people aren’t going to concerts.

Have you faced similar prob-lems, and which way out you find?

Well, actually it’s like that. But at least we have the opportu-nity to do something creative. Nevertheless, people come to concerts - perhaps a little, per-haps, not stadiums, not thou-sands, but they are, and it’s great! Of course you don’t earn money from this, but there is incentive to work on.

What would you advise a young team who are

just starting their careers?

First of all do what we didn’t: listen to a lot of branded and modern music. Because we grew up on bands like Metal-lica, Limp Bizkit, Korn, and so on. At that time it was mod-ern, but then we did not stop and continued after 7-8 years listening to rock ‘n’ roll di-nosaurs. And they stayed in their style. We are missing modernity, or even advancing of time. Because the most im-portant thing is to find some-thing that does not exist yet. It is very difficult with popular Ukrainian bands of nowadays like «Okean Elzy», «Boombox», «Druga Rika» and others - they

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have done a lot already. But we must try to do something new and not be afraid that you are not in «format».For exam-ple, we always have a sample timing track 3:20 because it is radio format; or standardiza-tion in song construction. But, there is Vivienne Mort band,-for example, I like them much. They are very unusual and very talented. People love them. So I would advise to young musi-cians not to be afraid to be ex-perimenters and differentiate themselves among the mass-es.

Probably the most impor-tant thing in any band’s

life is their supporters and listeners. What is your au-dience? How has it changed over many years of the band?

At first it was only our friends (laughs). In general, our audi-ence are people from probably 16-17 years to 38-40. Different people coming to our shows and that’s great. Basically, our music is versatile and, as we

are told, it is very charismatic and attracting different people of all ages.

What is your audience for you?

Basically the audience is one of the components of the band and music existence, because if there were no audience - there would be no sense to make music. In other words audience is a user of our work, which is an important place in a music production. And yet our listeners are people whom we are extremely grateful for they listen to our music. To be honest, I’m a self-critical man, and sometimes even wonder that so many people are listen-ing to our music and loving us and they see something spe-cial for them in it. This is very cool.

Do you listen to listeners opinions while music

creating process?Partly. Of course most musi-cians want to make some hit songs, to create a chorus that

will lay the head, and it will be easy and pleasant to sing. We worried about this, but not so much.

Would you wish some-thing for all «No Limits»

fans of on Daily Metal pag-es?

Friends, thank you very much for listening to our music, and that are now interested for reading this interview! I wish you all the spring pleasures. And, at the same time, we must not forget our country and all the people with whom we co-exist. We must try to be humane; try to carry goodness and light to people. Because now we have a society of con-sumers, and would like us to be a society of producers, in-cluding positive. Therefore, more positive and peaceful sky to all of us! Glory to Ukraine!

Interview bySandra Konopatska

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A schoolboy starts his musical

way as a little kid in fact, and now

being 16 he’s got a lot of his own

stuff created, some experience in

different bands including his own

one. Then, originally from Glasgow,

he signs his first professional

contract in Berlin, ready to

impress the audience with a new

single and to get his own place

at the dark scene of Germany,

famous for its hard rock and gothic

music. Sounds pretty unbelievable,

doesn’t it? But that’s true, and

that’s about Kieran Robertson.

Just imagine…

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KIERAN young talent from GlasgowRobertson

You’re just 16, and you’re into the music for all

your life actually. Do you remember your greatest musical impression from early childhood – song, band, concert?

I remember going to see Iron Maiden when I was really young. I was on my dad’s shoulders the whole time! I remember loving the volume and energy they had on stage. The guitarist actually pointed at me (laughs). I think it was then I wanted to be a musician.

Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?

When? Tell about it. What was it inspired by?

Strangely I do remember. The first song I ever wrote was a song called “Infected”. It was about the movie “28 weeks later”. It was awful! I was always writing songs. It let me express myself.

What instruments do you play and what would

you like to? Are you going to learn them later, too? Do your parents play any instruments?

I play guitar, sing, bass and a little piano. I would love to play more piano but have never had the time to really practice it. My dad plays a little guitar but all of his friends are in

bands and in the music scene so I have always been around instruments.

What was your first guitar? It’s like a “first

love”, you should remember it for all your life later, right?

My first guitar was apparently a little acoustic when I was about 4 but I do not remember it. My first real guitar was given to me by my dad’s friend. It was an old beat up Yamaha electric with black tape spelling out “BIG FUCKING NOISE”! My mom made me remove the tape (laughs)! I still have that guitar and never plan to get rid of it. It means a lot to me.

Are you going to get a musical education after

school?

I have applied for college to do sound production but what I really want to do is to play in a band and perform live.

Can you describe your music with one short

phrase?

Loud, fast, hard… awesome!

Are the lyrics has the same importance as music for

a song in your opinion? What comes first usually – music or lyrics?

The lyrics are really important

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to me, all the lyrics I write mean something to me. The lyrics for me are just as important as the song, if you have a great tune with bad lyrics it’s hard to get a feeling across. It really varies what comes first, sometimes I’m messing around with my guitar and come up with a riff or I see something that inspires me and I write lyrics.

Do you need a special time and place to catch the

inspiration or does it come suddenly no matter where you are?

I get inspiration from things that happen to me, or things that move me. It could be my relationships, other people, how I’m feeling, loads of things. I write best when I’m angry which means I do not have many happy lyrics.

How do you feel when you’re on the stage?

Being on stage is the best feeling ever! There is nothing like it. I get so much energy and feel like I am invincible. I get to let out anything inside me and go crazy. It’s almost religious to me, like going to church (laughs).

What are your interests beside music? What do

you like to learn at school? Any other hobbies?

I work out, I watch a lot of movies, but music is really the main thing I do. At school I study music, drama, media and English. I enjoy English as it helps me to write lyrics. Mostly when I am at home I write songs or practice.

Do you have a lot of friends at school? Don’t you ever

feel as a stranger, a “freak” for your classmates and neighbours?

I have always felt like a bit of an outsider. But I guess everybody feels that way. For a while I didn’t really have many friends, people thought I was weird with my makeup and “scary music”. People seem to be scared of things they don’t understand so end up avoiding it or me. I know there is a lot of kids out there who are like me and dress the same and listen to the same stuff, and nothing gets me more annoyed when people pushing away someone for being different. I never wanted to be like everybody else. That is why I love Berlin so much, there are more people like me.

Do you love animals and do you have any pets at

home?

My house is like a zoo! I have a dog, a cat and 2 kittens. We used to have 5 cats but sadly they passed. My dog is called Lemmy after Motorhead singer, my cat is called Robin (Batman died) and my kittens are called Manson (after Marilyn Manson) and Tyson (my little brother named that one).

You’ve got a huge snake for the last

shooting in Berlin – have you been scared a bit to

keep it?

Ha-ha, snakes are beautiful and terrifying at the same time! When he brought the snake out I was amazing at how big it was. I was trying to act tough in front of my manager and Kris Vlad but I think they both knew I was scared (laughs)! It kept rubbing against my nipple piercing and I was scared it would bite it!

What kind of movies do you like? Would you

like to write a soundtrack for a movie one day? What a movie could it be?

KIERAN ROBERTSON

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That is my big dream to write a movie soundtrack! I love Horror movies and Dramas. Although I love scary movies such as «The Exorcist», «30 Days Of Night and Halloween», I also love movies like «The Lost Boys», «Edward Scissorhands» and of course «The Nightmare Before Christmas». John Carpenter and Danny Elfman are my favourite movie composers, I would love to write a soundtrack for a horror movie, such as on directed by Rob Zombie would be amazing!

Now you’re ready with your first single, and that’s a

cover song «(I Just) Died in Your Arms Tonight» by Cutting Crew. Why did you choose this song to start your solo career? What other bands covers would you like to play, too?

It’s such a good song with so many different meanings. There is a gothic tone to it which a lot of people miss. I knew it would sound amazing with massive guitars and it does. The lyrics are amazing and I found myself

relating to them a lot which helped to get the emotion across. I would love to cover a Manson song, something By Rammstein would be great too.

Who came with the idea for a video for your

single? How did you like the video shooting experience? Tell a little about the most special moments?

My manager Holger actually came up with the idea of being lost in the arms of the city, a young guy lost in Berlin. I loved it immediately. The director Christian got some amazing shots and seeing it get pieced together was amazing! I loved the fact that I got to see all the sites in Berlin and especially found the wall really cool. Apart from that it was unbelievably freezing …. it was a lot of fun.

The way to the top for a professional musician

that’s always a way of successes and challenges. Are you ready for both of them? What do you think the main features should an artist get to fix all the following problems and to not catch a “star disease”, on the other side?

I am always ready for a challenge. If it’s challenging I work harder. I don’t like it when bands get narcissistic. I never understand paying to meet bands, if someone wants to meet me we can have a chat, people are all just humans, we are all just people. All of the musicians I have met so far have been lovely.

Are you rather a dreamer or a hard worker when it

comes to music?

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Hard worker for sure. I find myself overworking and my parents telling me to take it easy. I go crazy if I’m not working. I work in a guitar shop as well to keep myself occupied just so I am doing something musical. I always want the show to be the best it can be, the songs to be the best they can be and everything to be amazing. I guess I’m a perfectionist.

What is your best habit? Worst trait? What can

make you cry?

I think my best and worst trait is the same that I am always myself. It’s great in that I have very strong self belief and self motivation, but it’s bad because some people don’t like it. I can get emotional at a lot of things, nothing really that brings me to tears. Finding out I have no Nutella when I get home maybe (laughs).

If you can be another person for one day who would it

be?

Paul Stanley. Just to say “I’m Paul Stanley”.

Can you imagine yourself as an artist in 5 years?

Let’s try it. What goals would you like to reach?

I can surely see myself doing

this in 5 years. Hopefully still doing this in 20 years! I will be putting on the makeup over my wrinkles (laughs)! I would love to be touring the world and recording.

Finish the sentence: Music for you is…

Music for me is EVERYTHING.Interview by

Olga Burlaka

KIERAN ROBERTSON

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Saturday night, noisy pub, filled with people who drink, eat and having fun. Club is waiting: in a couple of minutes all lights in the hall will turn off and spotlights will hit the stage, where musicians will come out and give out the first chord. And pretty «heated by» crowd will come in complete ecstasy.This is how it looks - a rock party in the eyes of the layman. Beautiful entourage of the club, helpful bartenders and smiling waitresses. You’re dancing till dawn and other pleasures of club life. Previously, I took Saturday trips to all sorts of events from this perspective. Dashingly danced, sometimes even on the bar counter, breaking voice, singing a favourite song, and considered those guys on stage as the gods who do not go to the restroom, do not get sick, do not get tired and never

sleep. Not a life but a dream.And when one of my favourite band’s guitarist, with whom we became friends after one gig said sadly, «You know, we wouldn’t play here you anymore. They even didn’t brought us sandwiches to backstage, although earlier took care of us as small kids...» I was genuinely surprised. What sandwiches?! This is rock and roll! And you, man, are stern resilient rocker who whines for a piece of bread with butter and sausage? This is not cool!But for the will of fate I was on the other side of the dance floor, on the stage. And that phrase about sandwich,troubled me once,acquired completely different symbolic meaning. This meaning is far from romantic, reckless drive of guitars and other stuff, which is often mixed life of an artist.You know why? Because

the more musicians faced with performances, with the organization of concerts, with people who tried to convince something to him, to promise fabulous fees and raging crowd, which eventually turns into a couple dozen half-drunk bodies. The more it happens, the more an artist understands the real attitude.No, I’m not talking about the «top» artists and bands, which are carried on the hands, licked on all sides and concert managers are afraid to sneeze in their presence. I’m talking about middling musicians who can collect a maximum of 100-200 people in the club. It’s no big deal with these artists, and owners, as well as concert agents do not care how the gig was. A hundred people more, a hundred less - it’s almost will not affect at all.Although the organizers simply don’t think about the fact that even the most well-known now worldwide teams once gave concerts in stuffy pubs with poor ventilation and worked for a pittance. As it said, «It’s a long way to the top…». Only those who called himself proudly «rock pub» or anyone

RULE OF SANDWICH

or a little truth about the concert management

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else there, and honestly should help to pass this difficult way, on the contrary, put a spoke in the wheel.Artists, of course, are different too. Sometimes they’re rude, arrogant and unprofessional. But usually the problem is not in them - in fact that in our country all the stuff related with the musical culture is sadly bad also the owner’s of various clubs and concert venues musical preferences. I have often heard the sacramental phrase when trying to «sell» my band next place to play: “We’re not interested to work with you. Even if you playing like a virtuoso. Because people will dance with your music, but we need them to sit, listen and chew”.Moreover, individuals who have a solid position of «art director» sometimes don’t understand what «art» is at all. Occasionally it comes to the ridiculous: the art director instead of organizing the event, blocking access of musician or group to the club in every possible way, using proverbial phrase «Come back tomorrow!» Especially if the band hasn’t played there before. It is because art- director needs to spend his time and listen to demo-audio or watch video at least. And as a maximum to organize an audition. But why? After all, this art director fills a concert program with his familiar group that performs almost 10 years some pop or «Russian chanson» hits (so people will just sit and chew!) And get their 20-30% amount of sold tickets. In this case – no stress, no creativity, no worries with capricious musicians you’ll need to bring, feed, God forbid to settle somewhere for

the night. Also make a poster, start advertising,and spend on it some money. Why? The machine works, chanson sounds, percentage is dripping, and audience chews.And the saddest that such an approach is not in one, not two clubs, but the vast majority. I can coddle on the fingers of one hand clubs or places where really want to see and hear bands or artists. Where people are imbued with music that sounds from the stage, and where, most importantly, there is an atmosphere. That is why we love one tiny club in western Ukraine. There’s a small scene, there is incredibly hot during the performance, there can be placed a maximum of 100 people, but they perceived you as an old friend, a relative, whom you have not seen for a long time. And it is very dearly. No, that’s priceless! Therefore, we will go back again and again.But it is rather an exception to the rule. For all other clubs musician is a number on the check, the amount of food eaten or glasses of beer drunk. And they don’t appreciate your playing, not even by how many people came to listen to you. The paradox is that musicians

are judged by the box office of the restaurant.No, no, I’m not kidding. I really had a case where after the concert, blow up the whole hall I was filled with confidence that a couple of months I will play in that club again. But the answer discouraged. Manager, shifting from foot to foot, down cast eyes, as apologizing, said that yesterday someone sang chansons and a cash desk was a half times more. Yes, we are of course very tough guys who are rocking but economically we are unprofitable.Of course, on the one hand one can understand restaurateurs. Business is in a deep hole, or even deeper. Therefore first of all businessmen are looking at revenue, on cash stream. But the other thing is surprising. In the pursuit of money simple human principles are lost. And nobody thinks that you should not spit into the well, because there has yet to be drunk. The crisis will pass; the public will want this or that group. But the question is, if the group will want to return to the stage where they are not even given a couple of sandwiches and a bottle of water?

Paul Kharlamov

RULE OF SANDWICH

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DAILY METAL №3

WARRIORS OF MUSIC

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We are starting a new column in which we associate now with those who create music «background», be-

ing on the other side of the scenes industry: organizers, producers, managers, labels, sound engineers, fan clubs etc.

Today we will talk to Max Morton - Morton band leader and renowned sound producer, founder of Morton Stu-

dio - one of the leading Ukrainian recording studios.

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Hello! What’s happening in Morton Studio now?

What processes occurs in the walls Max Morton’s Amazing Music Workshop? On what projects the work is underway?

Hello! Spring is relatively calm. Apart from several small projects I have completed the works on the Kyiv’s Scarleth band album, where I had to act as a session musician, arranger and sound producer. In the days begins an LP record of an excellent team Sad Alice Said, with whom I work with great pleasure since 2010. In addition, I’m completing

recording the second album of Morton.

Currently Morton Studio is one of the leading

recording studios in Ukraine, which is known and respected both here and abroad. I have to ask: How did you achieve such success?

Thank you for your favourable characteristics. I carefully treat the term «success». Success is only possible with the continued positive trend. If you are moving forward –you will succeed. Content with what you have, then it come degradation. I really appreciate my present condition and

grateful to all the bands who chose my studio, but I feel that it is far from true success and true recognition. We are looking forward. However, in response to your question, I would say: we must work hard, acquire new knowledge and skills, renew equipment.

Which of your projects are prominent? What

releases can be considered as milestones in the life of Morton Studio?

With every (or almost every) band you are living a little «life». While the process of recording you learn in detail their music and their playing style. Their characters and their relationship. You become native with band - with someone more, someone less. Sometimes, during the recording I was called «additional band member». Each time affects. I mean, I will think later about the importance of a project. While working, almost every project for me is future hit and a great success. Probably it all started with the first full-length Infinite Tales album–»Only The Beginning» in the year 2009.Later there were the first foreign release: Saints’N’Sinners with

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eponymous debut album and Soulitude–«Requiem For a Dead Planet», where in addition to mixing and mastering I also acted as one of the main vocalists. With recent projects is well remembered co-working with Jinjer, Sad Alice Said, Robar, Blame. We are planning to continue to cooperate.

What plans has the Morton Studio in the

near future? Which new projects can be expected?

First, the finalization of our second full-length disc. The whole band walked up to this point several years and I do not regret that we spent so much time.Apart from own work, there are several albums and singles scheduled for spring and summer.

What can you say about music industry

evolution in Ukraine? What is happening now in heavy music?

We do not have «industry». There are a few union enthusiasts’: musicians, listeners, concerts organizers, sound and video makers. I want this enthusiasts’ become a critical mass, and all these efforts came in and started a resonance something more engendered the same industry, but it’s so far. There are many factors. First is economic. Second, cultural. But against all odds musicians become better. We are approaching the world level of writing, performance, concert submission video. We become more distinctive. And who knows, maybe this desire

for self-development persists even when we become one step with giants. The main thing - do not stop to evolve in this time of crisis.

What are the prospects for Ukrainian metal?

What groups is «the future» of our scene in your opinion?

To answer properly this question, we must explore it thoroughly. It is desirable to live another ten years at least, carefully watching music evolutions and looking for patterns.I often wonder about the future of our scene. For musicians it is important to do your favourite music that goes from the heart. For those who listen it is important to listen to your favourite music and support those who are doing it. Then everything will come. This is a simplistic view of things but in my opinion with an approach like this it’s much simpler to not make mistakes.I can add that the future Ukrainian metal scene is possible only under conditions of globalization. The domestic market is not responsible nor for bands expenses to create and promote music, neither those ambitions, which any good band should be given to achieve something. We need to get recognized in Europe and Asia.

What is the difference between Ukrainian and

European music industry? What we achieve, and what else should strive?

In Europe and the United States it all began. It’s all about rock music, pop more

sophisticated styles. Their musicals «roots» are drawn in ancient times. Less music borrowing and more music culture. Also the living standard and less barriers – language and visa.And we had a shortage - Informational and material - which crippled several generations of musicians and listeners. The language barrier is still here (and this should be something to do with it).Plus, we are missing respect for the rule of law and procedure. Europe is not just freedom. It is also a willingness to start building plenty of myself, the desire for order.Are our market, our metal-heads ready to buy all the music and programs they liked? Of course not! They simply cannot afford it. That is why I said above that two major factors are not overcome so quickly - economic and cultural.

Why, despite the large number of

good performers, «heavy» Ukrainian bands do not become iconic in Europe and the world? And what could change this situation?

That time hasn’t come yet.

MORTON STUDIO

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Almost none of the band becomes a cult with the first and second album. Also to become an icon it must be, for example, the founder of the genre or sub-genre. It is necessary to be unique. We have not sufficiently distinctive for this. None of the Ukrainian groups have not ripped pattern all over the world. In general while the concept of «us» and «them» is present in our discussion; until you are wondering what is compared or contrasted with Europe, and us, Ukraine, the world would not recognize us. We have our efforts to erase that line. And may the division into «them» / «we» will be erased and will lose relevance over time if we’ll move in the right direction.Now European labels and booking agencies do not really trust the Ukrainian groups. Because of the bad reputation of the country as a whole,

and the lack of reputation in Ukrainian metal scene, unfortunately. First important steps have already been making by bands and despite all the difficulties conduct European tours (Jinjer, for example), but this is not enough.

What advice would you like to give to young

artists? What will navigate on their career, what goals to set?

1. Look about on what finds greatest soul response.2. Play your favourite music, but be open to the new things.3. When a person in his youth love music, often he wants to be a rock star.He does not dream to live the life of a musician or sound engineer at weddings. Ideals transforming with the years but if the main dream is not

dead, we must go to get it. Remember: you cannot succeed without decades of hard work and without great sacrifice. You can become a star by chance, but that success always goes as fast as comes.4. Objectives of metal musicians are extremely difficult to achieve, and also ephemeral. During the time that you go to them, you can often lose motivation, faith, understanding what you want to do in this life. It is important not to rush. It is important to keep the love of the process: to play an instrument, listen to the music, going to gigs. To what are, allegedly, turned into a routine. Otherwise your goal will not achieved. How is it at AC / DC? “It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock’n’roll”!

Interview bySandra Konopatska

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