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Band page - Borealis
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Band Profile
Q: What is your name and your current position in the band?
A: Sean Dowell, Drums
Q: How would you categorize the style of the band? And did you ever consider or try playing other styles of music than the one(s) you are playing now?
A: I'd call it melodic/power metal. I used to play all types of rock and thrash metal but I enjoy playing power metal the most.
Q: What is your latest album and why should people buy it?
A: World of Silence is our debut album we released in 2008. I think its a really strong debut album in the sense that it was self financed, produced and released and has been said to be in the same quality as major bands such as Kamelot, Evergrey and Savatage. Its a hard hitting album from beginning to end and is a blend of melodic leads and vocals over-topping a heavy rhythm section and sweet riffs.
Q: Tell us about the history of the band. More specifically, when was the band formed, how did you meet, and have there been any particular highlights or low points in your career, any crucial events that have taken you where you are today?
A: The band fully formed in 2008 when Kenny Fobert joined the band but that was after the release of World of Silence. Before Kenny joined the band we were a four-piece who all knew eachother from high school. We each had the same passion for melodic metal and decided to try playing together. After some small time local shows we were given our first break when we got to open for Kamelot and Epica. The crowd reaction was so good that we then got offered the chance to open for Sonata Arctica. The crowd response was so intense even the promoter said he'd never seen an opener get such a good reaction. We still felt incomplete though. We needed another guitarist to take some of the weight off Matts shoulders so he could focus more on his singing than trying to sing and play hard riffs and the same time. We were long-time friends with Kenny and we finally asked him to join in the summer of 2008. We are now working on our new album with a newer more unique sound that we hope everyone likes.
Q: Was there ever a time when you wondered if your band would remain just a local outfit and never make it in the industry?
A: There were times when I wondered if we were ever going to make it, especially the times when we played those ghetto shows infront of 3 people in a rundown shack. But the drive to succeed completely overwhelmed the fear of failing.
Q: Can you share with us one or two of your favourite moments with the band?
A: I'd have to say the crowning moment was opening for Sonata Arctica in Toronto. Matt and Werlick started playing a harmonized solo during Forget the Past and the crowd cheered so loud I couldn't hear the music or my metronome. It was the most people we have played infront of and when the show was done they were screaming for more. The promoter told us he'd never heard a local opening band go over so well before.
The second I'd have to say was opening for Edguy in Toronto and getting so drunk that I made a complete ass of myself infront of Tobias Sammet. But he just laughed and started telling us about all the funny drunk times he has had on tour. He is a hilarious guy.
Q: How is the writing process in the band?
A: I really like how we write every song as a band instead of one person writing everything. This way we get a clash of influences that (hopefully) creates something more unique. And in the end we are all happy about the songs we write since we all helped write them.
Q: What brought you on the path to becoming a musician? Did you ever consider or take any other paths through life besides music?
A: I was once a competitive hockey player working hard to play professionally. I had a drumset but I never really played it since I had no dreams of being a musician and I had no band. Then I was introduced to power metal and I fell in love. I started practicing drums way more and hockey way less and eventually I started a band with some high school friends (Borealis) and, soon after, quit playing hockey all together.
Q: Do you have any idols? If yes, who?
A: My musical idol is Hans Zimmer. I have many more but Zimmer just tops it all. I love his scores and it would be a dream one day to make a metal album with him writing orchestrations for it.
Q: Do you have any regrets looking back at your career? For example any songs or even full albums that you regret recording? If so, what made you regret it?
A: Haha we all regret writing Black Rose. It was the first song we ever wrote and we are all hate playing it now and feel like its our weakest song.
Q: Are there particular songs in your catalogue that the fans love but you're not particular fond of yourself?
A: Fans seem to really like Midnight City but its my least favourite song (besides Black Rose).
Q: How important do you rate the lyrical side of your albums?
A: I think lyrics are really important to our music. Sometimes they can really speak to a fan on a personal level and sometimes the song just has a really good story. A good story with the write music behind it can really hit you on an emotional level. If the lyrics can do that then I think they have done their job.
Q: What do you think about the state of the music industry today?
A: Its seen better days. Music downloading has definitely affected the industry but ticket sales and merch still seem to be going strong. We'll see when we get a little deeper in the industry.
Q: What do you think is the best way to fight music piracy?
A: Haha, I don't think you really can. No matter what changes are made people are going to find a way to get music on a computer and start downloading.
Q: Do you have a life philosophy? If yes, what is it?
A: Great success come with great risk... So don't be a pussy.
Q: Can you describe a typical day in your life?
A: Wake up, go to work, haul stones around for 10 hours, go home, shower, eat, practice drums, watch TV, go to bed, wake up and do it again.
Q: What do you like to spend your time with besides music?
A: Partying with friends, drinking beer, watching movies, being gross and lazy.
Q: What's the craziest thing that has ever happened on a tour?
A: Haha, I'll let ya know when we get back.
Q: You're heading off to live on a deserted island for a couple of years with your portable entertainment system... Which albums, movies or books would you bring? (Max. 3 of each)
A: Albums: Inflames - Come Clarity, Nightwish - Once, Steve Jablosnki - Transformers Soundtrack
Movies: Transformers, Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen, Rambo
Q: What is your favourite joke?
A: Hahaha, I don't really know... I guess the one that made me laugh the hardest was:
Q: Whats sitting in a corner and getting smaller and smaller?
A: A baby combing his hair with a potato peeler.
Q: Can you tell us about any future plans for you and your band?
A: Right now we're getting ready to go on tour and are also preparing to record our new album. The next step is to get the album done and hopefully get noticed by a label then tour our asses off.
Q: Thanks for answering these questions. Now you are free to write a few lines to our readers.
A: Thanks for making it all the way through the interview. Stay metal!
Added by Steen - 8/11/2009
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