Withem Interview

1.Can you give us an update on what is going on with the band these days?

Withem have some upcoming important gigs at festivals in Norway and the USA and we are currently booking more shows to promote The Point of You. The writing sessions for our next album have already started as well, so it has been quite hectic lately.

2.According to the fb page you are working on a new album, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical direction of  the new recording and also how will it differ from the album you had released in 2013?

The next chapter of WIthem's history is being carefully crafted, with the goal of pleasing our always supportive fans but at the same time reaching a larger audience within the progressive genre. The next album is going to be a concept album, and everyone is coming in with ideas and little bits and pieces that eventually will be part of the main story. We are aiming for something that can be easy to grasp but if you dig deeper into it it has this deep and thoughtful meaning that people can relate to. Ambitious? Yes... but if we don't set high goals to ourselves we don't evolve, and that's what progressive music is all about, isn't it?.

3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores with the music?

The Point of You was a collection of songs that told a wide range of stories based on personal experiences. Some more cryptic and some more obvious. With the next album we are approaching it as a whole, both musically and lyrically.

4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Withem'?

We like to think that Withem is a word that describes a little the relationship between the musicians in the band, like in the way that one depends on the others, and that no one can reach his own goals WITHout  the rest of the guys (THEM).

But to be honest? It's just a cool word that came in the middle of a thousand other options. We like the fact that the name is not immediately associated with progressive music, so when we get old if we want to start playing free jazz we can probably keep the same name...

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 have been blessed to share the stage with such bands as Pagan's Mind and Circus Maximus and those have been the highlights so far. We are soon playing at the mighty Progpower USA in Atlanta, Georgia and that is going to be a treat for sure.

Withem on stage strive to entertain and to show the fans that we really love what we do. Sometimes it's not that easy to play that blazing fast lick while trying to look cool and rock the stage, but we are aware that our job on the stage is not only to play every note right but also to capture the crowd's attention and make them have a good time!

6.Do you have any touring or show plans once the new album is released?

Definitely, the live scene is where we feel better, so we will continue promoting The Point of You live and also the new album when it comes out sometime in 2015...

7.The band is signed both to Sensory Records and The Laser's Edge, do you feel that both of these labels have done a lot of help for the band?

Sensory Records has been our home since the start, they welcomed us with open arms and it has been really easy to work with them. Sensory Records is a label that has been in the scene for a long time, always committed to support and bring the best progressive music to the fans. Also It's great to be sharing the label with so many bands that we personally admire.

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

Since the first demos came out we got really good feedback from the fans, and that's what really drives us to move forward. 

9.Are any of the band members involved with any other musical projects these days?

Our gifted drummer Frank Røe is always quite busy with his other projects (Marathon, Big City, El. Doom and the Born Electric, Dimension Act, and others). Also our guitarist Øyvind Larsen has his own studio (Lionheart Studio) so he is constantly working with new music.

10.When can we expect the new album?

Sometime in 2015... 

11.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?

We all listen to different music styles, but the common ground between us is the passion for progressive music. Some of us have some funky guilty pleasures, some of us have some AOR tendencies, but when you blend all in it always comes out as progressive music with strong roots in the heavier, but at the same time melodic, side of it.

12.What are some of your non musical interests?

Each member has their own personal interests, but for instance Ole Wagenius (vocals) is an animal lover and has his own horse. I guess that sooner or later we all have to call him a Knight!

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

Hope that everyone is enjoying our debut The Point of You, and stay tuned for more info regarding our next chapter in our musical journey.

Miguel Pereira

Withem

Oslo - 20/06/2014