Interview With Seraina (ST) and Mike (MM)
What was the beginning point for your music career? How did it all start?
ST: My Parents were always into music and we were often listening to blues, country and rock music when I was little. My father is playing bass and my mother always loved to sing as well as my sisters and brothers. So I have to say, my whole family is very musically and generally artistically talented.
I have so many different influences, favourite bands and artists, if I would list all that, I would need five pages (laughs).
Of course I also started to take piano- and vocal-lessons when I still was a Kid and later on I got more and more fascinated about music so I decided to work as a musician. Therefore I also studied music in Germany in Freiburg i.Br. and soon I also started teaching on a private basis.
Were there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
MM: Sure there were some. But looking at them from my today’s perspective, they were relatively small. Especially when you compare them with obstacles others had in proceeding their careers as artists. I was lucky my parents always supported me although they weren’t musicians themselves. One of the biggest challenges to me
was and still is how to use the time I’m given most effectively. Most of the time there’s no boss telling you what to do or don’t – which is nice on one hand, on the other as I said sometimes difficult.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
ST: I would spontaneously say it was the “birth” of our two albums. It’s very satisfying to release songs in which you have invested so much time and heart and soul.
“Bird of Paradise” was the first album and it really is like sharing a diary with strangers. The feeling for the upcoming album “Flowers & Pain” is pretty much the same. We already released three new songs and the response is amazing so far. Anyway, we can’t wait to share more music with the world which hopefully enriches some people’s lives.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
MM: We call our music “Progressive Rock” because this style of music leaves a lot of room for variation (twinkles).
What is your creative process like?
ST: Life itself is the biggest inspiration for my songwriting. Experiences, pain, fear, losses… all this is being processed and “converted” into something more beautiful, which in the end brings back new strength and power to carry on. It‘s also really inspiring to find out what holds you back and what pushes you forward in life.
About the workflow:
Usually I write a song, record it with only the piano or guitar, then I add the vocals and send it off to the guys so they can figure out what their part could sound like. After that we meet for a rehearsal, jam the song to find out what the drums and basses could play with it and we also do the arrangement together (sounds, grooves, etc.).
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
ST: For my taste, it could be a bit more about the art itself and less about entertainment and looks. I see entertainment and art as two very different things but in today’s “music world” it’s mixed up and most of the bands which get signed by big labels are entertaining acts and money does have a big role in the whole thing too. In my perfect universe it would be more about the music and the quality of the songs, the playing and the production.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
ST: First of all it’s very important to know in which direction the whole project should go. Then set yourself a higher goal and some small goals you can achieve on the way to reach the main goal. And finally; never lose track of the main goal (twinkles).
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
ST: That’s a fun question because we haven’t had many chances to play live since the pandemic started right after we released our first album. But right now I would say it was our concert at the “WeLive – Online Music Festival” in germany. Also because we have a pretty nice concert film of the performance and it was just a great and very beautiful experience.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
MM: I’d be working in another galaxy as a “stealth-mammut-breeder”. I think these are fascinating animals and very underrated. Haha just kidding (laughs).
I’ve also been asking myself this. Also in times when I wished I’d earn more money (grins). But then I only could think of professions that also have to do with arts like a photographer or graphic-designer. Or maybe something really down to earth like a carpenter?
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
MM: We just finished the mix of our next album „Flowers & Pain“ and can’t wait to release the beast on February 2nd next year!
Furthermore we got a very special offer for our fans until the new album will be released: A four-piece-EP Package including four new songs as well as four special tracks is available and can be ordered (only) through the band now!
In case anybody is interested in ordering the physical EP-package please don‘t hesitate to contact us on FB, Instagram or write us an email to deadvenus@gmx.ch to order your copies.
We’re also very much looking forward to the europe tours with “Imperial Age” in January 2022 and “Orphaned Land” which hopefully finally can take place in March/April 2022.
The Band
ANDRÉ GÄRTNER – BASS
SERAINA TELLI – VOCALS,KEYS & GUITAR
MIKE MALLOTH – DRUMS & PERCUSSION
