Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Yidhra Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band since the recording and release of the new ep?

Well since the release of "Cult of Bathory" we did some touring, played a few really cool local gigs and started writing new material. We also hooked up with Jerome of Arts In Bloodshed Custom Effects to develop our signature FUZZ pedal the "Hexed Fuzz" which we are really stoked about. It's really versatile and has a killer tone. We go out on another tour starting 7/20/2016 and when we get back we're going to knuckle down on the new material and get in the studio as soon as we can.

2.In December you had released a new ep, how would you describe the musical sound that is presented on the recording and also how does it differ from the stuff you have released in the past?

I'd say it's equal parts Heavy, Melodic, Raw, Organic, Somber and Angry. The biggest difference is that I played rhythm guitar on "Cult of Bathory" and we tracked it live. It has a bit of different vibe than Hexed but that's about it. When you play the songs shuffled around they all sound good together.

3.Your lyrics cover some occult and witchcraft topics, can you tell us a little bit more about your interest in these subjects?

Sure, we are all really into all things Horror and supernatural. Movies, comics, literature, art, what have you, we love it. But as for myself, the witchcraft and occult influences were instilled in me from the get go. My brother and I were raised in a very open minded and free thinking environment. We were exposed to many different multi cultural belief systems through our mother. She always encouraged us to find our own path and never forced hers on us. She did what she did and only discussed it in detail when we asked. In short, she was a witch. What I like to call, an Episcopagan. A multi-theist with an appreciation for the more  positive aspects of Christianity.

4.I know that the bands name came from the Cthulhu Mythos, does your interest in this also go past Lovecraft and into the other authors that had expanded on this universe after his death?

Of course, Walter DeBill in particular. We have become friends with him through the use of the name Yidhra and he has even commissioned some original art from our lead guitarist Dave K.

5.What are some of the best shows that the band has played over the years and also how would you describe your stage performance?

We've been fortunate to have played with some amazing bands. Bands like Conan, Crowbar, Bongripper, Weedeater, Windhand, Buzzov•en and more as well as kick ass locals like Behold! The Monolith, Destroy Judas, teeth, chrch, Hornns, Ancient Altar, Pendulous, Wovoka, Colombian Necktie, Trapped Within Burning Machinery, Deathkings, Temple Of Dagon and more. There are a lot of great bands out there and promoters like Daniel at Church of the 8th Day are putting together some seriously epic shows.
Our shows are loud, and intense. We like to keep the show moving you know, not a lot of stage banter with us.

6.Do you have any touring or show plans for the future?

Yeah, we're heading out on a 5 day jaunt starting 7/20/2016 and working on getting over to the east coast and Europe in 2017.

7.The ep was released on 'Black Voodoo Records', can you tell us a little bit more about this label?

Black Voodoo Records is the metal side of the punk rock label Irish Voodoo Records. They are putting out some of the best local So Cal bands right now. A lot of the bands I mentioned above have had there records released by BVR. Danny is a great guy and he genuinely cares about the scene and the bands in it.

8.On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by fans of stoner and doom metal?

So far we have been pretty humbled by the amount of positive feedback and reviews worldwide. Sometimes, even with how connected we are these days, it's easy to feel isolated you know? So when we get orders, reviews or messages from people on the other side of the planet it's honestly pretty great. We are fortunate in that way.

9.When can we expect another full length album and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We're shooting for 2017. Maybe a split and a full length, we haven't decided for sure on that yet. As far as musical direction, we honestly let the songs dictate all of that. We don't sit back and plan it out like we need a slow song or a fast song etc. It's a fairly natural and organic process. Rest assured, it will be loud, heavy and wrought with riffs.

10.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

As individuals our influences vary quite a bit but we all agree on some of the more obvious influences like, let's say Black Sabbath. Dave and I come from a Punk Rock and Hardcore background with bands like Black Flag, Ramones, Adolescents, SSD, Die Kreuzen, Discharge etc. Where Chris and Erik are much more into the Classic Rock stuff.
I've been listening to a lot of ethereal music lately. That and 30s and 40s stuff. But I mix it up pretty heavily. I'll jump from ABBA to Venom in a heartbeat.

11.What are some of your non musical interests?

We touched on some of it above. Horror, Supernatural, Sci-Fi, creating art, collecting movie posters, vinyl, toys, comics, books, animal rights and watching the current social and political shit show unravel around us.

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

Thanks for your time and interest in what we do. We are very thankful for the support and exposure. It's sites like yours that help keep underground music alive.


Best,

Ted V
YIDHRA!

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