SOURCE – What elements do you believe makes Kobra And The Lotus’ songwriting unique and special now compared to the past?
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – I think we have a really unique blend of hard rock and heavy metal. We’re a true rock’n roll band in the sense that we can show up, plug in, and really play/perform the songs live. Other elements that make us unique are: our musical virtuosity and instrumentation, specific sonic padding, guitar pedals (ie. Fuzz, octave), moody synth layers, duel lead guitar players even when the song leans more toward rock, and lastly I believe my vocals sound distinct.
SOURCE – Lyrically, where are you centered on Evolution?
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – The album is about self-development within an individual as well as the band. It’s an overall, grand, evolution. I wrote all of the lyrics from a very honest perspective of my experience of growing from youth into a woman. I also wrote about how it has been for me within the music industry. This record should empower people and leave them with a desire to step closer to authenticity, whatever that means for themselves.
SOURCE – How do you believe your audience is taking to the changes in style and more modern touches? Does fear ever set in when you’ve established such a strong, fervent fanbase that such a left turn could be hard to recover from?
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – The thing is, I don’t believe we’ve built such a strong and fervent fan base that it is detrimental. Even though we aren’t new, we aren’t a relatively large band. Most people are still discovering us for the first time when we tour with other bands. This band has always been one that can’t be pegged into one specific genre and that’s always going to make a few people uncomfortable. I’ve heard people call us at least 5 different musical genres and they mean it in the sincerest, kindest way possible. We can’t make everyone happy. We’re brave and always make bold moves with our creativity. I’m proud of us for that. It takes a lot of courage! We’ve had people trolling us since the very first record. Ultimately, I’m glad we’re making what we want to.
SOURCE – What can you say about the video for Burn!?
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – This is supposed to be a great, back to basics, raw, visceral music video. The kind of video bands used to do. We wanted to make it just about the music… not based on me being a woman, not based on my sexuality, not based on how much the guitar players can shred… just straight up about a band that really grooves together with an impact. A cohesive unit. In this video you can see me singing against myself. This song is about self-hatred/self-doubt. It’s about the negative voice in our heads. We need to squash it and burn it to the ground so that we can all live our lives to our best and fullest potentials.
SOURCE – When looking at your career, what would you consider some highlights either in terms of albums, tours, festival appearances, where you knew Kobra And The Lotus was moving up in the ranks and developing a stronger following that stand out still today?
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – Sometimes in an industry like this, particularly metal, it can be tough to see if you’re making progress. I would say signing to Universal Records Canada was a very big and proud moment. Attending the Junos for a nomination for Hard Album of The Year was also a big moment. I was the first female front woman to ever be in a band nominated in that category and it was truly the first time we were significantly recognized by Canada as being a part of the musical culture there.
SOURCE – Are you surprised by the power of social media today as far as influencing people in the world? How does Kobra And The Lotus approach their own social media content?
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – Honestly, I’m freaked out and find it all very overwhelming/disturbing. I struggle to navigate it for the band and for myself. I believe social media could have been good if we weren’t so mentally vain and irresponsible as a general species. I think it’s bringing out the worst in society and is also ruining the fun/surprising element of music culture. Kids need stimulation all the time now. People want selfies. Some influencers are promoting unattainable and manipulated photos that are screwing up our youths perception of reality.
We can’t promote our shows anymore without Facebook algorithms getting in the way and requiring boosted ads. It’s a nightmare.
SOURCE – Are there younger musicians who come up to you and ask for advice either relating to music or the business side of things? If so, what do you have them think about and consider?
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – I’ve had some people reach out to me on social media and we will also be visiting a school on this tour to do a question and answer. I really care for the younger generations. I always highlight:
1) How important it is to continue exploring things they feel passionate about because it builds authenticity and a sense of purpose. Being true to who you are is so important. It makes us kinder, happier, and puts us in touch with our own unique way to contribute to society.
2) Falling down a few times along the way is normal and everyone falls and gets back up again several times on their way to any success.
3) Learn how to separate constructive criticism from nonconstructive.
SOURCE – After all these questions I thanked the band for taking the time to participate in the interview and asked if they wanted to leave any final words.
Kobra Paige (Vocals) – Thank you very much for having us, we appreciate what you do for music!
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