A Q&A with Exilia
Distinctive alt-metal from Milan…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
Our most recent release, ‘Heroes and Dust’ is all about the battles we face in life and the strength we find within ourselves to overcome them. It’s about embracing both our heroic moments and the moments when we feel like we’re just dust in the wind.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The process of putting a release together can be challenging, especially when trying to maintain the integrity of the music while meeting various logistical and creative demands, and this is always the hardest part. It often involves navigating through multiple stages of production, from songwriting to recording, mixing, and mastering.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it?
The producer plays a crucial role in shaping the sound of a release, bringing technical expertise and creative vision to the project. Alternatively, producing one’s own material can offer the freedom to experiment and explore different sonic directions, allowing the band to fully express their artistic vision, but we love to work with Joerg Umbreit, he is able to bring our music to a higher level, we are a team!
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
We want listeners to connect with our music on a personal level, to feel empowered or understood through the themes and emotions conveyed in our songs. Each track typically comes together through a collaborative effort, with each one of us is contributing with ideas, melodies, and lyrics, which are then refined and arranged into a cohesive piece of music.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
Our creative process is a vibrant collaboration. It usually commences with a musical spark or a resonating theme. From there, we nurture the idea, experimenting with diverse sounds and arrangements until the song takes its final form. Be it a riff or a vocal melody, we shape the song’s structure in our rehearsal room or personal studio.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
Since the inception of our project, we have been heavily influenced by a variety of bands and artists, including iconic names like Korn, Metallica, and Pantera. We are drawn to their original sound and the raw, authentic emotions that their music evokes. Their ability to create a visceral experience that resonates deeply with the listener has been a significant inspiration for us.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
We would love to tour Australia because it is an amazing place where you can still experience nature and see animals roaming freely. We would love to play at Wacken Festival in Germany too 🙂
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?
We would choose ‘Feel the Fire’. This song embodies our signature sound with its fresh, melodic elements and powerful lyrics that resonate with listeners. It’s a track that exudes energy, capturing the essence of what our music is all about.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
As for the band’s ambitions, we might aspire to reach a broader audience, collaborate with other renowned artists, and continue evolving creatively, evolving and evolving….. solidifying our position within the music industry to make a record every year 🙂
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Upon leaving the stage, we want to express gratitude to our fans for their unwavering support and convey a message of hope, unity, and resilience, encouraging our audience to stay true to themselves and pursue their dreams.
Check out Exilia at exiliamusic.com
