1.Can you give us an update on what has been going on with the musical project since the recording and release of the new ep?
A few social media things, I'm about to launch a merch store, and now have a batch #1 of Oenos wine I am not licenced to sell. I'm working on a music video too for one of the songs on the EP - and itching to get writing & recording new stuff.
2.Recently you have released a new ep, musically how does it differ form the stuff you have released in the past?
I'd say Crno IV is leaning more towards post-metal with some black, doom and sludge elements. Previous release was more on the black metal side with post and sludge. This new EP is a mix of songs I wrote a couple years ago and brand new stuff that seemed to work well together. I hadn't written any lyrics or vocal parts for the older songs so those were borne over the last year.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you explore with the newer music and also how would you describe your progress as a songwriter over the years?
The lyrical themes on the EP are failure, apathy, fear and the poor state of our planet - anxiety, with a glimmer of hope.
I'm ... developing as a songwriter. I don't have an education or similar in music. I find riffs and melodies seem to come to me fairly naturally when I've got the time to properly zone out on it. I get into some sort of a state of flow and things evolve from there on via experimenting. Lyrics I still struggle with and is something I really want to focus on improving. I think my music is overall growing in complexity; there's more layers, soundscaping and smaller things that make the songs more interesting.
On the recording and production side I have gotten much faster as I've familiarised myself with gear & tools and I've learned to listen and balance my mixes better. It has also become easier for me to get what I imagine in my head, a vision of sorts, on record.
But I know nothing. It's a never ending learning journey and there's so much music I haven't explored and touched.
4.I have read that a lot of the song lyrics are inspired by wines, what are some of the wines that you prefer to drink?
All the songs are named after the wine I had when writing. I tend to like full bodied, rich reds and currently drinking a fair few blends. 'Gratitude' 2019 from Boschkloof, Stellenbosch, SA and 'Andreza' 2016 from Douro, Portugal as the most recent highlights.
I do like to explore though so I tend to try all sorts from all around the planet - red, white, natural, berry, all of it.
5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Oenos'?
Oenos is an ancient Greek word for wine. I started naming my songs after the wines first, and the name followed. I liked how it sounded and it fit the theme of what I was doing.
6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the ep cover?
The original photo was shot by a friend of mine, Livia, at a cemetery close to where I live. It is a depiction of anxiety. I also wanted to incorporate some wine elements on the EP cover so took a bunch of corks with me to the shoot with a rough idea not knowing if it'll work. Worked, and I find the EP theme comes across well.
Check out Livia's photos here https://www.deviantart.com/monochromesofliv.
7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
I've so far written and recorded everything by myself, but open to working with other people and generally collaborating. It's not something I have actively pursued though, I quite like working solo as there's only myself I can hold accountable for the results :-)
8.Originally the musical project was based in Finland but now you are located in the United Kingdom, how would you compare the two countries?
There is the obvious language, size and location difference - and also plenty of cultural and historical things that differ. London's been a great base for exploring the world - I love travelling - which was a bit trickier from northern Finland where I used to live.
9.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?
I am not looking for a label.
10.on a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black, doom and post metal?
Very positive and the combination seems to resonate with other people than me too. The metal community is strong around the world.
11.When can we expect another full length and also where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
I've got tons of music written for the next full length. It tends to take me a while to get stuff finished so we'll see when I'll actually get it out!
There'll be more experimenting and I've also joined Archierophant on guitars and possibly more vocals (I did vox for a couple of songs previously) so working with other musicians is in flight.
12.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?
Anything black, post, sludge, doom. Some jazz, folk and ambient stuff too. I've been listening to the latest releases from Rivers of Nihil, LLNN, Lantlos, Kauan and Papangu recently and also seen quite a few modern jazz bands live as well.
13.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
My EP Crno IV is out now and you can find it on Bandcamp, Spotify and similar streaming services. Pick up a t-shirt or a tote bag from my merch store if you fancy supporting my musical adventures in other ways. I like reading your thoughts and getting feedback so don't be shy getting in touch via the usual socials (@oenosmusic) and email. Oh and any wine recommendations are always extremely welcome!
I would like to make more of my own wine. Know any good vineyards?
Thanks,
Sami / Oenos
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