Join us for an insightful interview with Daniel
Bohn, a progressive metal artist whose music takes listeners on an emotional
journey. Discover the inspirations behind his unique style and the compelling
narrative of his tetralogy, exploring mental illness and the power of
resilience in the face of adversity. Get ready to connect with the profound
themes and raw emotions in "Emotions Of The Sky."
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how
you got started in music, particularly in the realm of progressive metal?
I think that adventure started as very young teenager, maybe 13? I loved listening to bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Coheed and Cambria. I enjoy music that breaks the boundaries of your standard format. Long songs and music that didn’t conform. I think that same flexibility has helped inspire its roots into me.
Your music is often described as having melodic
singing and soundtrack-like harmonies. How did you develop this unique style,
and what influences contributed to its creation?
Several influences, I have always been passionate
about movie/video game soundtracks, and the prog nature of bands like Porcupine
Tree and Between the Buried and Me. I guess taking all of that in, I crated a
sound I am still developing today.
The overarching story revolves around the struggles of mental illness, such as anxiety and depression and how they can shape our worlds. Being symbolic in a fantasy setting, I take these themes and explore them in a fantasy story that shows there affects on mortals and Gods, and all the pain we create from them. The hope is to help people find a way to fight and not give up.
In "Emotions Of The Sky," your main character experiences eternal depression and anxiety, trapped in a boundless realm by a goddess. What inspired you to explore such deep and intense emotions in your music?
Honestly from real world situations either I have faced or
witnessed. In a way, depression and or anxiety puts us in our own “Realm”of
constant worry, fear or loss that detracts us from the joys of the real world.
The Boundless realms places one in an actual physical realm that they must endure
constant visions or machinations built from the persons anxiety or depression.
Escaping it, is no easy task. Just like these mental illnesses, few survive
them and even fewer escape them.
Can you take us through your songwriting process
for this album? How do you usually start, and how do you develop the songs from
initial concepts to fully-fledged pieces?
I would say a mix. In some ways I start with a
story moment and things I envision i want in the piece. In other tracks, it was
an emotion I wanted to convey. Disdained Gods actually started from the drums
and wrote around them to create the full track.
It’s actually tough. I have always struggled with vocals. In some moments you get in the moment, and the music literally takes over you and you get performances that are exactly what you want. The trouble is, sometimes it's hard to get there, and it takes practice so you can replicate. Sometimes, I will take raw vocal takes, where I literally scream or sing gibberish to get in the vibe.
Progressive metal often incorporates complex musical structures and intricate instrumentation. How do you balance these elements while ensuring that the emotions and storytelling remain at the forefront?
There definitely is a balance. Personally, you don’t need things to be complicated just to be complicated. Sometimes simple is better. That being said, having intricate parts and complex situations can add flavor and richness to a track. So i always try to evolve by having these moments blend in with simpler ones.
Are there any specific musical or lyrical themes in "Emotions Of The Sky" that hold personal significance to you?
Absolutely, The Red Blight is a cumulation of so many aspects of music that I
love. Especially the 5.40 ish mark when the track turns, and pulls in that
black metal vibe. When the blight is spreading and corrupting the land and its
inhabitants, it's just so dreadful. It really pulls in the emotion and just a
ton of energy.
As a singer-songwriter, how do you tackle the
challenge of creating a cohesive narrative across an entire album while
maintaining the integrity of each individual song?
The album explores a protagonist seeking revenge
against the goddess who trapped him. How does this quest for revenge influence
the musical direction and atmosphere of the songs?
Well, anger and disappointment are definitely
motivators. But foremost, the goddess is spiteful and jealous of her own
sister. In her mind, destroying the world her sister made, was a way to punish
or inflict pain on her. I think more importantly, the main protagonist knows
they must take the burden on to stop her. They know they decide their fate, not
the gods.
"Emotions Of The Sky" is the third
installment in the tetralogy. How do you approach connecting the narrative
threads from the previous albums while also introducing new elements and
progressions?
Colors of the Land and Emotions of the Sky are very much a back to back sequel. The story continues right after, and brings us into new perspectives with new elements to add the story and world building. The Black and White Sea, is much more of a prequel, or a way to learn of ones past and the pain the protagonist had. Connecting them, can be challenging, as the lyrics only tell a small amount of the story. So much more is in the music and visual art. So making a call back to the Kahn in Silver winds, or other small connections lyrically or musically to show they are all in the same.
Honestly, I haven’t really thought about it. I would imagine it affects it for sure. But i’d hope that no matter where I live I can pull in the surroundings into my art.
Ya, we are all different, and experience things in vastly different ways. I hope that Emotions of the Sky, invokes emotions from the listeners, and they can feel it in the tracks.
Moving forward in your music career, do you plan
to continue exploring the tetralogy's narrative or venture into different
creative territories?
Well, the story isn’t finished yet! But, for now,
I will keep working on social media content for Emotions of the Sky and jam
with fiends. As for whats next release wise, I want to take a little break from
the concept. I think next, I will write an album of just whatever I am feeling.
Each song is its own piece and not part of a full story. I have some grooves I
would like to sing about, that do not fit the current concept project. I think
these would be a total blast to release. So stay tuned for those!
Overall, mental illness is a terrifying and serious thing. There is nothing to be ashamed of, and we're all in this together. We all have demons so to say, and the best thing we can do is fight them, grow and be our best selfs.
Daniel Bohn - Musician (@projectdanielmusic) • Instagram photos and videos
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