EPICA
DEsign your Universe - create your music
EPICA surprised with a real heavy new album and set a new direction for Gothic and Epic. Mark Jansen about he new long player, fans and touring (by Dennis Rowehl).
Autona: „Design your universe“ - this sounds like Constructivism. Are you somebody who thinks that reality is what you make out of it?
Mark: I think the reality we experience is the reality we have created ourselves. I don't believe in a God who makes our lives better if we behave like certain rules. I don't believe in it because it's an escape from taking your responsibilities and placing it in the hand of an unknown divine spirit. No, I really think we are the ones who have to do better and make this world a paradise again what it can be instead of destructing it.
Autona: The new album is great and harder than ever. What are the major reasons that the music is more aggressive this time?
Mark: One of the reason is our new drummer Arien van Weesenbeek, he is able to drum really fast parts. So as composer you use his talents. The other reason is that we do not want to go into the more commercial direction but the opposite. A third reason is the new guitarist Isaac Delahaye, he has a more melodic death metal approach of playing the riffs.
Autona: Especially in this so-called Gothic-section there are so many new bands that just copy the style of the more famous bands like Epica, Nightwish etc. - does it sometimes go on your nerves that these bands just copy instead of creating own ideas?
Mark: Not really, these bands often start by playing in the same style as the bands they really like, so with good reasons and love for music. After a while some bands find their own unique style and some won't. I don't see any problem in that. I dislike bands who start playing the music what is popular at that time just to make money. They make the music with the wrong intentions and often have a big ego on top, these kind of bands can better bury a grave and jump into it haha. Music should be made with the right spirit and for the right reasons.
Autona: It's impressing how many fanclubs and fanbases you have, especially in South America. Do you have any idea why you're that huge right there?
Mark: Our kind of music is very popular over there, and Epica is touring every now and then there so that's a golden combination. We love that crowd as they are always very enthousiastic and I guess the feeling is mutual. Can't wait to tour there again. Always a big happening for us!
Autona: Are you frequently in contact with your fanclubs?
Mark: Yes by e-mail and myspace I am in contact with most of them on a regular base.
Autona: Right now you're back on tour. What's better – touring or recording in the studio?
Mark: Touring! Recording in the studio is an obligation compared to the great feeling of touring. Composing songs and touring is the best for me. I know there are also musician who prefer to record in the studio abpve everything but I'm definately one of those musicians who thinks the opposite. Nothing better than interacting with a hot and steamy audience.
Autona: Everybody says that the music industry is in a crisis. Do you have an explaination why especially Metal fans are such a loyal audience that still buy cds etc.?
Mark: Because Metal fans are not fake. Metal fans experience music with their hearts. All types of music which are mass productions with the purpose to make much money sound the way like plastic tastes....
Redakteur: Dennis Rowehl
© 2009
