11 Questions with Volume 11 Music ~ NIGHTSHADE
1. Band History 101. Tell us your story...how did it all begin and how did you get to where you are today?
It started in 2005 as soon as I got my first guitar, I wanted to made a band then named it “NightShade” because I heard “hide” from X-japan streaming it during an interview. After that I wrote few songs, we played a show, then two... We signed our first album on Rising Records, and the two others on Bullet Tooth, toured all over Europe, USA, Japan.. then released our new album on my own label Marked Man Records few days ago. How did we get there? We worked our asses off, made compromises, played shows and tours as much as possible, wrote songs during our time available, made promotions etc... We're still far away from where I wish we could be, but i'm proud to see that after almost 10 years we're still here .
2. Influences are one thing, but we want to know which band/ artist inspire you to make music today?
Bands who inspired me are Queen, Hans Zimmer, Orelsan, Aerochord, Craig Armstrong, Harry Gregson-Williams, X-Japan, Ellie Goulding... They're not metal (except some of them) but the vibes and power in their songs or even their lyrics make me feel somebody else and help me write something that I really represent.
3. It's up to you....dream tour package...go!
Outch hard choice... it would probably be a weird package but I would say X-Japan / The Black Dahlia Murder / Born Of Osiris / NightShade / Crystal Lake and a special DJ set of BORGORE
4. Given the state of recorded music these days, how do you get your music to the people? Is file sharing a viable tool in gaining new fans?
There is no 99 options. The most important things is to record something with a great production, because your music can be stopped after few sec if it sounds like shit. There is a tons of bands out there, and the audience know that, so if you don't make a great product they will just listen to an other one. Then, you have to get it distributed! Physically (even if it's just to sell it at your shows) and digitally! When I say digitally I mean download like Itunes, Amazon...and of course streaming like spotify, deezer, applemusic... After that, if people want your product, it will probably finish on some blogspot, torrent... ok, you're not gonna win any cents on these one BUT some of the downloader gonna like it and gonna come to your shows, buy your merch or even buy a physical copy to support you. So yes, file sharing are important to gain fans, because if they can't listen to your songs, how could they be able to like your band?
5. Touring is quite possibly the most important component in today's musical landscape. Do you have a favorite place you've visited or maybe a place you hope to play one day?
Japan is by far my favorite place to play (and probably the same for other members). People are reactive to the songs, shows conditions are perfect, japanese are very great people, their country are beautifull etc... At the same time i'm a huge fan of anime, mangas, japanese video games etc... so it help, it's like my paradise on earth. About a place we hope to play one day, I'm thinking of Indonesia, Australia and Mexico. It's three really different place, but they have their own great point.
6. Is making a music video essential to a band's success in this day and age? Why or why not?
Yes, because, even if it can sounds stupid, sometime the music video will save your song haha. How many time did you watched a music video and at first you were like “Hmmm this song is not that good” but you keep watching cause of the video, then realise at the end that the song was finally great! More than that, a music video can let you express your own vision of the song. And on the promo side, a music video are easy to share, it don't cost anything to watch it, it can be programmed on tv etc... And to finish, 99% of labels now want the band they sign having a music video to have a product to promote in addition of the new album, so YES, if you're in a band SHOOT A PROFESSIONAL MUSIC VIDEO!
7. Favorite recent movie release? Why should we see it?
Deadpool! It's freaking amazing! Funny, violent... and it follow the same atmosphere as the comic book.
8. How important is social media interactions with your fans? Has social media killed the “rock star”?
It's really important nowaday. People need to interact with the band they like or they will just listen to an other band. You always need to post something new on your social network to be sure they will keep be interested by what you're doing. About killing the “Rockstar”, maybe, I just think that with internet it's way easier to communicate with bands etc... it's not like in 90 where you was just able to listen their music because you bought the album and now about their life because you read an interview in a magazine. Now you can directly post a comment on their status, send them a tweet or a mail etc...
9. Is “the album” still a thing? Singles and EP's have taken over some genres...what are your thoughts on this format, in regards to your music?
I think so. I love to buy a final product personally, and it's easier to make an opinion about a band by listening 10 songs of them than just a single... But I know EP and Singles works a lot in country like Japan... But in my opinion, it's better to release an album than an EP, even if it takes more time to the band to write it. Last great EP I bought was “Zombie” from TDWP.
10. You've been given full control of a struggling record label. What do you do to make it a success?
Hard work, there is no secret. If you want to make it work, you have to work on it 24/7, talk a lot about promotion and products placement with your distributor, going to shops to be sure they're using your PLV and putting the album in front of other, working with PR press for more promotion... Everyone have to hear about your products, so you have to do everything you can to be everywhere in shops, magazines, internet, tv... and having people talking about you.
11. The last word is yours! What's coming up for the band?
Thanks a lot for this interview! Sorry for my broken english, wanted to have it corrected by my guitarist but he didn't found the time to do it... We are working on many tours, will release some more videos, and will announce some great news as well. Be sure to catch us on the road this year!
Get the new album ‘Predilections’ here.
Visit NIGHTSHADE here.