Discover the journey of Ignited, a heavy metal project born in 2016 from the ashes of Herege. Explore their evolution, collaborations, and future plans in this in-depth interview.
1.Can you tell us about the origins of Ignited and how the band came together back in 2017?
It is a heavy metal project that started at the end of 2016, bringing together former members of our previous band called Herege, which disbanded around 2009. The name actually has no mysticism under the hood; it's just a word that represents energy and power and suits the heavy metal genre quite well. For me it also represents the opportunity to do your best when time comes and keep preparing yourself as much as possible.
2.Your debut album, "Steelbound," was produced by Thiago Bianchi and featured artwork by Gustavo Sazes. How did these collaborations come about, and what impact did they have on the album's sound and visual identity?
The sound identity is influenced by bands we admire from the early 90s when heavy metal, according to historical accounts, became less fancy and pompous than it was in the 80s, featuring a more raw and straightforward sound. This is what we envisioned as a great source of inspiration for our work in the studio. Then we talked towards that goal and did the best you could.
Regarding the artwork, we have the idea of representing this factory-ish idea, some kind of metal forge with a bit more of a new approach in terms of design.
3."Steelbound" was recorded in São Paulo, Brazil. How did the location influence the recording process and the overall vibe of the album?
It was an interesting experience traveling to another state for the recordings. We spent 10 days at the studio, and it all went by pretty quickly. I wish we could have had more time to analyze the material and maybe improve some aspects. But, as they say, what's done is done, right? The vibe was intense, to say the least. It's important to value what we do, but also to keep the door to improvement always open.
4.The album's digital release in November 2019 was followed by live performances, including opening for Noturnall with Mike Portnoy in Porto Alegre. Can you share some memorable moments from those shows?
We were able to record the live album, titled SteeLive, which is available online, and capture the band's inaugural live performance for posterity. That's the best I can share with you. The rest wasn't easy to manage.
5. In 2020, the band secured a physical CD release through Voice Music Records. How did you manage the promotion of the physical release, and what were the challenges you faced?
We printed approximately 500 copies, and the record company distributed and sold a portion of them. Unfortunately, the timing wasn't ideal as it coincided with the worst period of the pandemic in Brazil, which not only hindered our ability to sell them effectively but also impacted our ability to schedule concerts, like everyone else. The promotion was made by me basically managing some marketing campaigns on social media and also a webstore that didn't work as expected for probably the same reasons. We also worked with PR companies and printed magazines for advertisements to promotethe album and spread the news.
6."Steelbound" has garnered significant streams on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. What do you think contributed to its excellent reception by the audience in multiple countries?
Yes, the songs have received a very positive reception, and I'm thrilled about that. Mainlyon Spotify, we got into many independent metal playlists, and on YouTube, we targeted some campaigns to the metal audience, with that, in other words, inviting people to take a look at what we had to offer. This is what has really generated some results.
7.Ignited participated in online festivals like the Heresy Metal Festival and worked on the live album "Steelive." How did these experiences differ from traditional live performances, and what motivated you to explore acoustic versions of your songs?
It was a specific period when everyone had to adapt to the online format, so we did what we could to maintain our online presence and it was nice to participate. The same for the live album that came as an alternative, once we already had the material, and then we just needed to organize and release it. I believe each format has its merits, but I have a preference for live performances. Nothing can replace the magic of real interactions yet. The acoustic version of the song 'Times' was a rearrangement that I initiated, and then the vocals were added on top with some improvisational touches and a different 70's-ish vibe. It was a good fit for that song in particular and I wish to have more of it in future.
8.You also released a guitar playthrough for the song "Roaring Gears." Can you share some insights into the process of creating this video and how it helps connect with your audience?
My wife and I handled the recording of the takes at home. It was a cool idea, and we always learn a lot from these initiatives, willingly, of course. I want to create more of these videos for the second album and personally, I find watching someone else's playthroughs inspiring, regardless of the instrument.
9.In 2021, you released a music video for "Living In The Dark," which received promotion from a European PR agency. How did this differ from your previous promotional efforts, and what impact did it have on your fan base?
We shared the press release in a cost-effective manner, similar to our previous efforts in Brazil. As a new band, it can take some time for the music we create to generate a significant level of attraction, so I'm not entirely certain about the impact at this stage. Our approach is to keep releasing new content and connect with new and genuine people in the metal world. Building a presence and audience often requires multiple rounds of exposure and engagement.
10.Can you elaborate on the band's decision to introduce Martin Bellucci as the new bass player in April 2022? How has this change influenced your sound and dynamics?
Martin is a dear friend from Argentina who currently lives in London, but we met many years ago in Brazil when he played in a Death Metal band with some other friends back then. He played in the Herege band for a brief period, and we shared the stage on two occasions. So, yeah, we have some great history together, and we work well together, discussing everything and refining whatever it needs. He certainly added a unique touch to the bass.
11.You mentioned working on the pre-production of your second album in 2022. What can fans expect from this upcoming release, and how does it compare to "Steelbound"?
In my opinion, this new record is significantly heavier and louder than the first one. The songs also incorporate a modern touch in the mixing process, resulting in a fresh atmosphere within the familiar heavy metal genre. I began composing some of these songs right after we finished recording the first album in 2019. Right from the very first song on the album, you can expect a massive wall of sound that possibly will disturb a few neighbors without a doubt. I honestly look forward to seeing people experience a sense of well-being and positive energy when they listen to the album.
12.Recording your new album in Gothenburg, Sweden, with Fredrik Nordström is a significant step. How did this collaboration come about, and what made this production experience unique?
Working with Fredrik was a special experience for me because I've been a great fan of his productions. Naturally, Dream Evil, his own band, played a significant role in my musical journey when I began exploring more metal bands in the early 2000s. The planning process took a considerable amount of time, and it was a complex task to coordinate everything. It wasn't an easy task by any means. During the recording sessions, it was truly remarkable to witness how he effortlessly understood everything that needed to be done. He led the band with a highly productive and enjoyable approach. I recall one particular day when we managed to track seven songs, just the rhythm guitars, and we didn't stop until my fingers could no longerrespond. (hehe)
I hope that for our third album, we can work together in some manner. Personally, I learned a great deal about the operation and recording through this experience as well.
13.Bravo & Bravo Films produced a new music video for you. Can you give us a sneak peek into the concept and visuals of the video?
We aimed to capture the essence of the lyrics, portraying it through our performance and the external scenes featuring a figure in black deep in contemplation, gazing into the void, so to speak. Working with the team during the video shoot was a positive experience, and I felt that we were in capable hands throughout the process. Everything unfolded according to our plans and expectations.
14.Finally, can you reflect on how Ignited's journey from its origins in Brazil to its current base in Stockholm, Sweden, has influenced your music and your identity as a band?
Since 2021, when I moved to Sweden, I've taken on the responsibility for all aspects of the project from here, including everything basically. I've been the one organizing this endeavor I'd say since the beginning, and my goal has always been to expand it beyond its place of origin. Undoubtedly, life here in Sweden has influenced the creation of new songs, and it will continue to have an even greater impact on future recordings.
I would describe our musical identity as something that's currently in a state of expansion, and my hope is to evolve in terms of consistency and innovation, so to speak, from one album to another. The idea is to infuse the heavy metal genre with a contemporary touch while also embracing new influences in a balanced manner.
Ignited (@ignited_official) • Instagram photos and videos
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