SOURCE – What’s been going on the past several years that have led to the long stretch between albums?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – Candiria has been on hiatus as a touring band for nearly a decade. The members of the band have been involved in other music projects over the years and now we have come back together because the planets have aligned and we are all ready to be active again.
SOURCE – Did having a band this time around change the songwriting process for While They Were Sleeping?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – Candirias writing process for each album has always changed. Each situation is always different. This album was written under its own set of extreme circumstances. A new record Label, changing band members, financial challenges and so on. But like always we persevere. The album was completed and we are very happy with it.
SOURCE – With the new album While They Were Sleeping, did you know it was going to be a concept album as you started writing the songs, or did that come later on?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – Carley (vocals) began writing the story line and lyrical concept for the album at the very beginning stages of the writing process. We did know early on that we were working on a concept album.
SOURCE – How does being on Metal Blade affect your expectations for the album?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – Metalblade records is one of the reasons as we decided we were going to come back together, full force, as a band. Brian Slagel’s interest in the band has inspired a great deal. We have a ton of respect for that guy and how genuine he has been. So our expectations are high because we know we are working with the right people.
SOURCE – The reaction to your new album, from the early reviews that have come out, seems to be positive. Do you guys pay much attention to reviews?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – We try to keep a healthy perspective on that kind of thing. Reviews and the best album of the year and that sort of thing should always be taken with a grain of salt. Once an album is released, it is out in the world forever. Many of the greatest albums in the history of all music were not received well at first but then have become revered over time. Although it is encouraging to receive accolades when an album is released it is really up to the artist to say what his best work is.
SOURCE – With over 24 years of music and 8 studio albums in an industry that’s unpredictable and forever changing, what does this longevity mean to you?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – It means one thing. We still love to make Candiria music and will continue to until it no longer makes sense to do so.
SOURCE – How has time and maturity changed the way you want to express yourself musically, especially with this new album While They Were Sleeping?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – I believe more than anything, maturity is what made us able to come back around, full circle, to understanding what made Candiria a unique and powerful band.
SOURCE – The way the music industry has evolved with album sales declining, playing a lot of live shows has become vital for many metal artists to be able to survive. You’ve been able to play a relatively few amount of concerts and still had a lot of success.
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – Yes. We have been really fortunate that the fan base we have has been so supportive and that we have a great team working with us to help make sure the record reaches as many people as possible.
SOURCE – With a new album comes a lot of touring, what does the rest of 2016 have in store for you and the rest of Candiria?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – We will be supporting the album heavily in 2017. We will be playing Warped Tour in the summer and heading to Europe to play Hellfest and other European dates as well. Maybe one day we can come to Brazil!
SOURCE – We’re about out of time. Is there anything that you’d like to add?
John LaMacchia (Guitars) – I am grateful that so many people from around the world are reaching out to the band for interviews. It means a lot. Please pick up a copy of the album. Thank you!
Link:
Video: