INTERVIEW WITH MARTIJN WESTERHOLT (DELAIN)
» I will never let my record label tell me how to write my music. If I wanted to make money in the music industry I would not have chosen to make Metal. «
DELAIN is a Dutch Metal band that have been in Music industry for quiet some time. The band have always been working hard to make their selves known and their passion and attitude on stage make them, of the most passionate and powerful bands in the current Symphonic Metal scene. We recently had the opportunity to talk to the founder, to tell us a bit more about this new EP the band is releasing in February, tour plans and some other questions to get to know this band a bit better.
DELAIN will be releasing very soon a new EP called Lunar Prelude. What can you tell us about it?
The idea is releasing this EP was because we got loads of requests for new material, last year we had a crazy time touring and decided to include some live tracks and new tracks so fans can hear something new while they wait for the new album.
How was the vibe in the studio? Any funny anecdotes you would like to share with us?
The vibe was really good and positive. We recorded some songs live form our last headlining shows, we choose different countries. It has been very special because is the start of a new album. So it´s all excitement at the moment. Regarding anecdotes, well We started mixing in November and from one day to another literally I had to go to Sweden to finish the mixing, it was very fast but it helped.
How different is Lunar Prelude from The Human Contradiction?
This time they have been changes in the line-up with Ruben Israel, that was something new for him, he used to tour with us not being in the studio. This album is going to be more diverse, more heavy songs and orchestra bits. So far we have got really good response.
DELAIN is a band that have been through loads of changes, but now it feels like the band has found their place and your music sounds more confident.
Well, in the music itself, I don´t feel like there have been any changes, we have always had the freedom to write what we wanted to write. Charlotte Wessels and I, are the ones involved in this process and it´s very rewarding when people start recognising your sound. I will never let my record label tell me how to write my music. If I wanted to make money in the music industry I wouldn´t have chosen to make Metal.
DELAIN likes to have guest in their albums.Who would be your dream performer to feature in next DELAIN album?
There are always wishlist of musicians we would like to play with. Is in our DNI. We would love to have Miles Kennedy from ALTER BRIDGE, NICK CAVE and many others. I actually thought once to ask DIO but unfortunately that is not possible.
When it comes to writing, what is the main inspiration for DELAIN?
Charlotte focuses in the lyrics, she finds inspiration in daily problems, things you encounter in your life. When it comes to music I have all different sorts of inspiration such as African Music, Movies or some Metal bands such as NIGHTWISH. We make what we think is beautiful. We depend on our fans to play the music we do. They are the buzz of DELAIN.
Now that you have mentioned NIGHTWISH, you will be touring with them in North America very soon. Can you tell us about this new adventure?
We are really excited about this tour, we are good friends with them and it´s an absolute pleasure share the stage with them. We love touring in that side of the globe,we have always got good response. Is our forth tour there in three years so I could say we are hitting hard there. I am just worried about the snow but I hope is doable to travel there.
What would you say is the best and the worst thing of touring?
The best is that you have fun with all the people around you, always have the best time when is coming to an end,which is the stupid thing about it. When you are touring you can´t wait to go back home and you are at home you miss touring. Touring is always different it has some structure but on the down side of it is it can also be boring because everyday could be the same and you have no privacy. But you always have loads of fun which is why I love touring to be honest.
DELAIN will be doing loads of well-known festivals this summer as well as touring in small venues. What do you prefer Festivals or intimate gigs?
It´s difficult to answer because is really different. You are in a intimate gig, you can see people faces, loving or hating the music.In festivals you see the crowds as an entity, loads of energy going around, which is also good. Having all this people together is more challenging. In festivals you have to convince the people, is like a game that you have to play and hopefully win.
Why did you decided to play Keyboard instead of grabbing a guitar?
I have always loved piano, it came much easier than guitar playing. Using a piano to write music is fantastic I find it easier than a guitarr. When I was little I used to go to piano lessons and do classical music and that is why I´ve chosen to do that.
When it comes to social media, DELAIN is a band really active. Do you the band particularly enjoy communicate with fans through it?
Social media and music platforms like Spotify are really daring, for the music industry. Internet completely changed the industry, I rather think this as a business of being creative that you have adjust to this new ways to reach people and do nice things with it. It should not be seem as a negative thing, it should be seem as challenge to be more creative. It is a fantastic tool to communicate with fans and other musicians. I feel blessed.
Do you have any side project beside DELAIN?
I am not really good at that, I cannot divide my focus in different projects, both for me and Charlotte is our main focus. Occasionally some other members of the band does featuring in other bands.
Any kind words for METALCRY readers in Spain and UK?
I have a really close connection to Spain as I was born there and I lived there until I was six. But, I really enjoy playing there and in the UK. I would like to say thank you for your support, because of them DELAIN exists.
