_p.png)
Wrapping up the week with an interview featuring Sao Paulo, Brazil based High Moonlight. The band's sound is primarily hard rock based, with flashes of Black Sabbath and AC/DC thrown in for good measure, but each of the members' individual influences bubble up to the surface. Guitarist/composer Robert was nice enough to take some time out to talk about how the group formed, how they learn to stay on the same page musically, the band's creative process, the recording of their latest EP, and what the guys like to do in their spare time also. Here is the transcript from our chat:
Give us your name and your roles in the band?
OK. I am the guitarist and composer of the band High Moonlight, my name is Robert. Roberto is the other guitarist, Cris is the lead singer and Bruno is the drummer. This is the current formation of the band that underwent a reformulation but now it is already recovering with all the force.
Take us behind the formation of the group and how you all met?
The band High Moonlight has been around for a few years, but it has always been difficult to maintain a solid lineup, but we are now able to continue the work with new members who have joined the band. We met on the internet (this is a very useful tool for getting to know other musicians).
Describe your early musical influences and how they have helped shape and inspire you to this day?
My earliest musical influences were bands like Black Sabbath, Led Leppelin and AC / DC. I listened a lot when I became interested in music. Black Sabbath was essential to my training as a guitarist and musician because this band taught me how to be heavy and nervous without needing a lot of equipment. I understood early on that the secret to making a great sound is mostly connected in creating great guitar riffs, that's why my songs are full of creative and exciting riffs. And I have a lot to thank for these bands I mentioned.
How would you describe your band's sound to those who aren't familiar with you?
My songs are compositions that have as remarkable characteristic the construction of powerful riffs and beautiful vocal melodies. In other words, it is exactly what rock or heavy metal was when it came to the world and that most bands today have forgotten (main ingredients that are riffs, melodies and weight)
Heavy and creative riffs, this is the main feature and hallmark of High Moonlight.
What is the energy and joy you get out of playing and recording music, how big of a rush do you feel?
It is not only about joy, it is really more than that, it is also about motivation to move on, to have an objective, a goal or a dream to be fulfilled. Of course I have a lot of emotion and great joy when I'm composing and recording and when I finish recording and I stop to listen to my music I really feel very happy, I see every song I do as an extension of myself or a son (although I am not a father). But the main reason I'm always composing and recording is that I have a great desire to perform before I die, which is to record a great Rock album or two albums, who knows (laughs).
Talk about the recording of your latest release, and what it was like to put it all together?
My last release is a seven song EP that's on the SoundCloud platform for anyone who wants to check out. As I said, the band always had a hard time maintaining a solid lineup of musicians committed to the band's work and music, so I had to record almost all the tracks alone, including vocals. But with the arrival of the new members we managed to fit some new ideas into the compositions that were already recorded.
Besides music, what do you like to do in your spare time?
Sincerely? I love sleeping or spending time in the middle of the forest. This helps me a lot to get new ideas and relax a bit too. I'm a bit nervous, so whenever I can I try to do things that make me calmer.
What's coming up next for you, any future shows or new music you'd like to promote?
We started rehearsing with this new line-up, so the first thing that will happen will be the presentation on new shows that will come soon. Soon we are thinking of starting to work on new songs.
How can fans find out more info about you online?
I ask that everyone who wants to know more about our work contact us through our page on YouTube, SoundCloud and Facebook. Follow the links:
SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-478894939
Lastly, what is the one thing you enjoy the most about being in a band together?
The vibe of playing live music. The energy of people singing and enjoying their sound, this is a very magical thing that only a rock band can provide!