ADifferentShadeOfBlackMetalZine: Grai Interview

Sunday, December 2, 2012

Grai Interview

1. Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

At the very moment we’re composing the material for the 3rd album. In the first half of 2013 the recording may be begun. Besides, we’re planning to take part in some gigs – we’re preparing for them. But mainly we compose the new material which’s going to gladden our listeners, suppose.

2.How would you describe the musical sound of the new album and how it differs from previous releases?

The album’s full of different wind-instruments sounds, female vocal-trio and more lively and merry music development. Though we couldn’t’ do without ballads, we tried to expound them more brightly. Moreover, in comparison with the previous one this album is more merry, bold and energetic.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the new release?

In particular we continue composing and playing music touching upon the theme of the holidays and our ancestors’ mode of life, some stories of nature. It contains much humor on a level of serious themes. But the major aim is to tell the listeners about all the sides of our ancestors’ way of life – from our point of view. We add to our music more wind- and folk instruments – a jew’s harp, kalyuka, bag-pipe, whistle.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

One shouldn’t rely on the literal translation though there’s a grain of it in it’s meaning. That’s the cry or a song of a bird which can be heard in the sky and everywhere. Like us for we want our song be hears everywhere.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and how would you describe your stage performance?

Each gig is great and unique in it’s way, but most of all we were impressed by the open-air “Peredvizhenye” in Pereslavl’ –Zalessky, “Bylinny bereg 2012” in Kimry, Folk-fest – 2012 in Ufa. We shared stage with Troll bends Fir, Skolot and many other well-known bands,. Fresh air, pure nature, great scene and sound and a friendly audience stuck in our memory.

6.Do you have any touring plans for the new release?

Yes, we’re planning to go to the festival “Nasledye 2012” in Tambov in the nearest future. But before that we’re going to visit Kazan. Ulianovsk and after that Izhevsk at the end of this year. Moreover, we’ve got some plans to visit Europe in 2013.

7.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of folk metal?

There were rather flattering feedback from the fans from South America, Chili, France – there were lots of reviews! Thanks to everyone for those pleasant opinions. And Russia. Of course. Thanks to everyone who knows and listens to us!

8.Are there any other musical projects besides this band or is this a full time line up?

Yes, some of us participate in side-projects, But GRAI is first-priority, naturally)) Ruzveld, Andrey and Irina take part in the project of Alex Nightbird Soloviev – Serdze-Kamen’.

9.What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

We think, it’s going to be a bit more complicated and melodious but thought-provoking, of course – more wind-instruments and merry inflammatory tunes. That’s going to be directed on folklore and nature even more.

10.What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

One can’t say that playing this music we listen to folk music only. Some of us listen to electronic music, some like jazz or classical music. Some listen to progressive, the others – pagan-metal. That would take too much time to enumerate all the genres and the bands. Concerning the first part of the question - our music was influenced be Cruachan, Gods Tower, Alkonost, Korpiklaani e.t.c.

11.How would you describe your views on Paganism?

Paganism is a way of displaying of patriotism and honoring and giving respect to your Native Land. To esteem former times when all the Slavic folks were a single whole when there were no fat feudal lords. I think we should never loose the pivot making us what we are. We all should know who we are and where we live.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Unfortunately, we have a lack of time. Mainly we spend it at the rehearsals and at work. But some of us are fond of travelling, going cycling, arranging the gigs and celebrating some holidays))))

13.Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Spend your time rationally, do what you like doing and the result won’t keep you waiting, That’s going to be beyond any expectations. Listen to true music! Wish you peace and all the best!