SOURCE – For those not yet familiar with For I Am King describe the band in one sentence.
Alma (Vocals) – For I am king, it’s simple… just metal!
SOURCE – What will you remember most about the recording of the album Revengeance?
Alma (Vocals) – Tommie! Our producer, he’s a really chill guy to record with. I have troubles feeling comfortable in the studio, and he really makes you feel welcome and at home. And he always has good ideas and tips.
Jaap (Drums) – Chill sessions and waiting on the final product! Hearing the same songs over and over again drove me mad. Luckly for me I have no soul.
Wouter (Guitar) – The excitement of the finished product and tracking guitars.
SOURCE – Nowadays in every album the person responsible for the sound production is strongly mentioned especially when he is a known one. How important do you think is the producer to the sound of a band?
Alma (Vocals) – I think it can be very important. These days there are so many bands, and having a good sound can make a difference in setting yourself apart from the rest. And your sound needs to fit your band.
Jaap (Drums) – That’s what they say indeed. The ‘big names’ can certainly be a big add-on on how well you get recieved with your release on social media and the bigger magazines.
Some magazines only review release from certain producers or record labels. More important for me is that the sound your tracks will be released in are good and professional and pico bello sweet. Ain’t gonna cut it if you still release it in this genre on a cassette deck recorded with one room mic.
Wouter (Guitar) – Definitly important, especially if he can give you a good sound.
SOURCE – Is there any difference in how you are treated by national media compared to foreign media?
Alma (Vocals) – As far as I can tell, everyone is enthusiastic. I think there’s a difference in the Dutch media, because they already know us from our previous bands.
Jaap (Drums) – Both have been very kind to us! Keep that positive vibe UP!
SOURCE – What’s the situation for your type of music where you live right now?
Jaap (Drums) – Well the situation is very difficult at this moment in the current market. Not only for us but also for the other bands which we grew very close to over the last year playing our first gigs together (You know who you are). In the early years for me (2000 till 2008) even local shows could get sold out on regular basis. That’s something you don’t see anymore. The newer generation of metal and hardcore kids (age 15 – till 20) don’t come to the local shows on regular basis as we did. I don’t blame them and here is why:
The government almost cut down the entire subsidy for the local venues. So the most of them went broke or simply couldn’t afford any more bands playing and are just doing what makes profit for them – dance evenings. Where you could easily visit a local show in your hometown around 2002 you now have to travel for at least 1 or 2 hours to see your favorite local band. This in combination with the costs of public transport is simply way too much money for the new and young generation of metal and hardcore kids. Most of the time they still live on their parents wallets, as in pocket-money, or make a little money for themselves. In that situation I would do exactly the same, save up some money until you favorite band comes over to visit your country and spend your money on this 5-10 occasions a year!
SOURCE – What has been the biggest obstacle to over come as a band from starting out to where you are now?
Alma (Vocals) – Everything has been done already, and I think for us, making music that we love is the #1 priority and we hope to reach more people with our music. We’re really focussing on playing outside of the Netherlands.
Jaap (Drums) – Focus, time management and money. It’s a full time job, it’s serious business!
Wouter (Guitar) – Time management.
SOURCE – Facebook is a huge resource for bands in the 21st century. How has Facebook helped you get known and reach new fans?
Alma (Vocals) – Through social media we’ve reached so many more people than by just playing shows. I don’t think bands can survive without a Facebook, I’m guessing you guys found us through social media.
Jaap (Drums) – Facebook and Youtube have a big part in this adventure. In 2000 you only got to know new bands when you visited local shows and the bigger ones. Nowadays you simply put in your favorite band, immediately you get some recommendations right beside the band you searched for, and discover great music in that way. This isn’t bad because this helps to push the quality of the music or your release because everybody can hear it.
It has to be good!! But support comes now in plays and not in the local shows which is something we have to embrace. It can help you and your band out in so many ways! Use and abuse it, we live in very interesting times.
SOURCE – Take us through your typical day.
Alma (Vocals) – I work as a visual merchandiser, I get up in the morning, shower, get dressed, ride my bicycle through Amsterdam to work. I’m usually done around 5 o’clock and then I hit the gym. Then I do grocery shopping, cook and enjoy my evening. Kind of boring actually hihihihi!
Jaap (Drums) – I live for the music, so boring stuff during the day and awesome stuff during the evenings!
Wouter (Guitar) – Eat, shred, sleep, repeat!
SOURCE – If a metal fan comes to visit Amsterdam – The Netherlands, what would they see and do?
Alma (Vocals) – To our place and party hard! There are a lot of fun places in Amsterdam, actually too many to say, so come over and we’ll take you on a tour!
Jaap (Drums) – Yeah like Alma said. Get in touch and we’ll have a party you won’t forget. There are so many things Amsterdam has to offer. Even I discover new places to go to every single day.
Wouter (Guitar) – Rijksmuseum !
SOURCE – Final thoughts or comments?
Alma (Vocals) – Thanks so much for this interview and stay metaaaal!
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