Vocalist, Alexandra Martin of Adastreia
1. Let's begin with your style of metal. I suppose it could be best described as Gothic with Classical influences. How would you describe it to new listeners?
I think the easiest way would probably just be the simplest, Metal music with some classical and gothic overtones. But underneath it is not as simple as that as we all have quite different influences and we don't compose with the intent of it coming out a certain way or style, it just does, we're quite a mish mash of sounds really!
2. Your newest album is called "That Which Lies Within" of the songs on the record, do you feel their is any particular one that really defines the bands sound?
There is a lot of variety on the album and I feel no song sounds the same. It's pretty hard to just say one that would best define us!. The latest is Towards The Absolute, its an unusual mixture of catchy choruses and leading off into the slightly unexpected. I think that could sum us up pretty well!
3. The cover art for the album is very striking. Tell us a bit about it.
Thank You! It was designed by Matthew Vickerstaff from Darkwave Art & Design. I gave him a few ideas at the beginning about what I wanted and he worked his magic! For us it works perfectly with the title of this album, stripping something away to the very core.
4. So Adastreia is based out of the U.K., have you had a chance to play outside the country at all?
Not yet unfortunately, but we certainly have plans to do so in the future!
5. What will be coming up for the band in the next few months?
We're currently looking for a replacement keyboard player. Hilary is moving back to Australia (where she originates from) so we will be working hard to find someone new and start rehearsing with them! And of course we will be promoting That Which Lies Within.
6. You are of course the lead vocalist, how did you come to join the band?
The band was my idea actually! I already knew Del and Matt and asked if they were interested, they were! So then they contacted Wes a friend of theirs and he was also interested! At first I played keyboards for the band as well as singing and of course that all changed when Hilary joined us. About a year later we decided to recruit another guitarist and we found Dave, who was a good friend of Wes's!
7. Your voice is very strong. Do you have formal training?
Thank You. I train privately once a week, and have been doing so for just gone three years..
8. Since singing in Adastreia, playing live and recording the album, has their been anything you found really surprising or unexpected?
Hmmmm I don't think there has been anything surprising or unexpected. But then there will always be things that are said, that maybe you disagree with and are surprised by, but then….that is show business!
9. What does being in this band mean to you?
I'm living my dream really! For a while I had a vision in my head of fronting a band and communicating myself through music. I really to love writing music.
10. What do you hope fans get from your music?
Simply just to enjoy! I couldn't ask for anything more.