A Q&A with Chaoseum
From Lausanne, Switzerland, Chaoseum’s full metal racket… here’s guitarist Valéry Veings
How did you get the title of your latest release ‘Second Life’, and what does it mean to you?
That was an old idea. I got this title before the birth of the band. Each song in this album talks about a second life. Sometimes it is just sci-fi, but many titles talk about our personal experience.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
We recorded in two different studios – drums and vocals at Conatus Studio and Chaos Studio. Andall tracks was sent in France at Slab Sound Studio for the te-amping, mixing and Mastering. We have to coordinate rigorously this process.
Who produced the release–what did they bring to it?
At Chaos Studio, Loïc and I worked for all musical parts except drums and cello. For the vocals, recorded by Vladimir Cochet, CK sought to use a lot of different voices. And finally, Gwen Kerjan at Slab Sound Studio knows exactly what sound we want, and he is a great sound engineer.
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
First, have a good time and hope they are interested to follow us. If possible, also come to see us during a show. We could talk together after the concert.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Loïc and CK write the main musical part. Greg and I add our personality when we record it. And finally, CK and I write the lyrics. We didn’t play the song together before, but we record a demo version at home and then add arrangements.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Many, many bands. For the first album, Bullet for My Valentine, Papa Roach, Iron Maiden… For the new album, Korn, Trivium, Slipknot, Parkway Drive…
image: Stephane Harnisch
When the world is back to normal where would you like to tour, and why?
Europe, Japan and Australia are our priorities. In Europe, we only played in Switzerland, France and Russia. We want to discover other countries. And, of course, we have also never played in Japan or Australia.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
Maybe ‘Hell Has No Way Out’. This song is the transition between our two studio albums.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Be on tour! The stage is our first motivation. And during a tour you can discover new landscapes, new people and news artists.
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Thank you and keep your smile!
The album ‘Second Life’ by Chaoseum is out now
For more info visit chaoseum.com
