What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
Masha Mysmane, at the age of nine, decided to pick up the guitar. She visited a small music store in Milan that also offered music lessons. When she turned eleven, she began singing and eventually met Elio, EXILIA’s first guitarist, at that same store. They collaborated for a couple of years writing and rewriting music, to shape the essence of EXILIA.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
Coming from Italy, it’s not an easy situation. Italy doesn’t have a large metal scene, so we made the decision to relocate to Germany in the early stages. However, we never viewed it as a sacrifice; rather, it was an exciting opportunity to achieve something remarkable and to evolve.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
The amazing European tour with Rammstein wins the first place! But also our extensive tour in the USA with Drowning Pool was an incredible experience for us. The connection with the audience and the friendship we established with Drowning Pool made it truly unforgettable. Music goes beyond just songs; it’s about passion and forging human connections.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
EXILIA’s music is best described as a fusion of fusion of alt-metal,nu-metal-punk and catchy melodies. Our sound is characterized by powerful and emotive vocals, heavy guitar riffs, and a very solid rhythm section. We aim to create music that is both intense and melodic, often exploring themes of inner strength, resilience, and personal empowerment through our lyrics.
What is your creative process like?
Our creative process is a vibrant collaboration. It usually commences with a musical spark or a resonating theme. From there, we nurture the idea, experimenting with diverse sounds and arrangements until the song takes its final form. Be it a riff or a vocal melody, we shape the song’s structure in our rehearsal room or personal studio.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The music industry…….We often notice many imitations, with identical sounds and voices. Moreover, the few record labels we have nowadays, seem to favor specific music genres, leaving little room for those who embrace a unique identity. We strongly advocate for fostering genuine artistry and prioritizing quality over quantity. True talent and creativity should always be at the forefront.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
Stay true with your real sound and inner vibration, and work hard for your dreams!
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
It’s challenging to put it into words because we always strive to maintain a high standard in our live performances. We put in a lot of rehearsal time before each show. However, if we had to pick one, we’d say our performance at Rocklake Festival in Austria last year was a standout moment 😉
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
We embrace art in all its forms – photography, graphic design, painting, the authorship of books – anything that grants the chance to contemplate and perceive the world anew… from deep within, not merely from the surface…
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We’re continuously working on new music and evolving our sound. Our 20th-anniversary celebrations of our mastrerpiece “Unleashed” are on the horizon, featuring special collaborations and exciting live dates. A Couple of big shows to promote the new album are right here in front us, we’re thrilled to be gearing up for an exclusive live show at the legendary ‘The Pitcher’ in Dusseldorf.
