Goaten's journey unfolds as they share their origin story, influences, and musical evolution. From international acclaim for "The Following" to collaborating on film soundtracks, discover the band's unique approach to metal.
1. Can you share the origin story of Goaten and how the
band came together in 2018?
Thank you for inviting us to this interview. We've known
each other for several years from the local music scene and have previously
collaborated on different bands. In 2018, we decided to form a new band to
write songs influenced by our shared interests, including films, classic horror
narratives, and the heavy metal sound of the 1980s. Daniel Limas and I began
rehearsals, and shortly after that, Rafaah Drinkwine joined us just a few weeks
later.
2. Your music is rooted in traditional 80s heavy metal.
What drew you to this genre, and how do bands like Judas Priest, Accept, and
King Diamond influence your sound?
Our connection to traditional 80s heavy metal traces back to
our childhood in the mid-90s. While popular culture and sports dominated
television, our fascination leaned towards horror movies with practical effects
and the dark atmosphere by hard rock bands from the 80s. Developing an
appreciation for the bands you mentioned was a natural progression. I
distinctly recall borrowing numerous homemade tapes from a friend named Eduardo
Kellermann, who played an important role in helping me explore new bands during
a time when internet access was limited, especially in Brazil.
3. Having toured extensively in Rio Grande do Sul and
other southern states of Brazil, how has the local music scene shaped your
identity as a band?
We were deeply involved in the Hard Rock scene within the
metropolitan regions of Porto Alegre for many years. Additionally, we
participated in numerous festivals that featured bands from diverse genres.
When we formed Goaten, we already had connections with friendly bands that
invited us to tour across these states. This was a rewarding experience because
forging partnerships not only influenced our identity but also helped us
discover ourselves, contributing to the vibrancy of the music scene.
4. "The Following," your debut EP, received
positive reviews internationally. How did this reception impact the band's
journey, and did it influence your approach to subsequent releases?
This reception had a motivating impact, inspiring us to
write more music and actively participate in numerous festivals. While 'The
Following' served as a good kickstart, we recognized that certain aspects of
production and arrangements could be enhanced. It's a common sentiment for many
bands to reflect on their initial releases in this way. Undoubtedly, it remains
our rawest release.
5. "Bells," featured in the film "The
Macabre," showcased a different dimension of your music. How do you
approach creating music for films, and how does it differ from your typical
songwriting process?
When we composed "Bells", our goal was to create a
horror movie atmosphere within the music. The approach differed slightly in
terms of vocal delivery; it required a narrative style, often from the
perspective of an observer. After completing the recording process, we actively
sought out horror movies in development to propose the song for their
soundtrack. That's when Grime House Films reached out, and the partnership
began.
6. "Crimson Moonlight," your second EP, saw a
special cassette edition under the Czech label Tapes of Terror Records. How did
this collaboration come about, and what significance does physical format hold
for the band?
After discovering their reputation for releasing beautiful,
high-quality tapes, we started following the label, and to our surprise, they
reached out to us following the release of "Crimson Moonlight". The
significance of the physical format holds strong importance in the metal scene,
which actively preserves the culture of CDs, LPs, and tapes. This may be
attributed to the nostalgic connection formed in our youth when we used to
explore the booklets of our musical idols. Consequently, we find that this
feeling resonates with us and many other bands, contributing to the enduring
appeal of physical formats today.
7. "Phantom Chaser," the first single from your
2023 album "Midnight Conjuring," was released in the LP 7” format.
Can you tell us about the creative process behind this single and the decision
to release it in a specific format?
Although this song has a Hard Rock appeal, it maintains
Goaten's typical occult theme. A subtle influence from Ratt's album
"Invasion of Your Privacy" is noticeable. In terms of lyrics, it
describes a haunting encounter with a mysterious figure that induces fear. We
decided to release it on a 7" LP because, at the time, we also had the
song "Finally Free" recorded, and this format is perfect for
featuring two songs.
8. Your track "Metal Blade" from the album
"Midnight Conjuring" will be featured in the upcoming film
"Infernal." How did this collaboration with Grime House Films and
Eric Mathis come about, and what can viewers expect from this soundtrack?
The main idea came from Eric Mathis, so the song tells the
story of the upcoming movie. Eric asked us for a song influenced by Slayer's
"Show No Mercy" and told us about the plot. In the movie, some
friends must search for a heavy metal key to break a curse and reclaim their
souls. "Infernal" promises to be a heavy metal masterpiece, and we
are looking forward to it!
9. As you continue to evolve, what themes and influences
can listeners expect from your first full-length album, "Midnight
Conjuring"?
Listeners can expect an album with themes such as the fear
of the unknown, freedom, mysterious figures watching them at night,
empowerment, and creatures crawling around their houses. They can notice
influences from Edgar Allan Poe, 80s horror movies, Herbert George Wells, and
cosmic horror. Additionally, there are a few songs heavier than our previous
EPs.
10. Looking ahead, what are Goaten's future plans, and
how do you envision the band's musical journey unfolding in the coming years?
We have a busy schedule lined up for 2024, with a series of
shows planned to promote our album extensively. “Midnight Conjuring” is set to
be released in South America through Cianeto Discos and in the US via Stormspell
Records, both in CD format. We are in the process of confirming two additional
labels for the release in other formats. Excitingly, we're already immersed in
the creation of new songs for our second album, aiming for a release within the
next year and a half.
We appreciate the opportunity to discuss our latest release
in this interview. For those eager to catch our live performances, feel free to
reach out, just give us a call! Stay updated on our latest news and events by
following us on social media. Thank you very much! We genuinely appreciate the
chance to share more about our music. Take care!
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