1. We are talking today with Sophie, the bass player for the Gothic Metal band Etherna. Sophie, please introduce us to the rest of the band.
   

Hi everyone, let me introduce you to the rest of the guys. We have Mariano on vocals, Charlie on guitar, Nando on keyboards and Javi on drums.

2. We are an international webzine, Etherna hail from Argentina and are our first featured band from South America. How is the music scene in your home country and are you getting good support there?

 

Well of course we have to talk about the underground scene, which is where we move around. It’s pretty big as far as the amount of bands existent but it’s really hard to get yourself known and persevere because there’s not much support from organizers, venue owners, producers, etc. So it’s a really hard, hand-made-piece-by-piece kind of work.

Luckily, we’ve managed to be steady and bring a good show to audiences and the response has been great. We’re getting the support from people, sometimes more than we expect, and the Etherna family is growing.

 

3. The Etherna sound is very captivating and reminds me of bands such as Beseech and Charon. When Etherna first began was this the sound you were looking for?

Actually no, we never planned the sound and the style. When Mariano and I first gathered we wrote a couple of songs together (Like Roses and On My Knees) letting it all flow. When the rest of the guys joined we let all of our different influences kick in and Etherna came out. It’s funny how we are being compared to bands like HIM and Charon but at the time we started writing songs we didn’t even know of the existence of these bands.

 

4. Does Etherna have a primary song writer or do you write as a whole?

Talking about the music we write as a whole. When any of us comes up with and idea later on we all work on it, add things, make changes and mould it into a song. It’s actually a very democratic way of working. When it comes to the lyrics I’m the one who does all the writing.

 

5. Your first release was a 5 song EP. You are currently recording, when can we expect the full length?

We’re planning to release it in May 2009, that’s our deadline. Anxiety and excitement are kicking in already!

 

6. How is the work on the new album coming so far?

It’s slow but steady. When we recorded the EP we were green and it was more of an experimental journey, a painful one, because when you don’t know exactly how to accomplish your goal technically speaking it can be very stressful. We were doing everything on our own for the first time.

This time around, we’re working with a sound engineer and with a little more experience on our backs, so it’s been quite enjoyable so far. We know exactly how we want everything to sound and we’re certainly getting there. We’re really looking forward to have the record out. I think it’s going to be mind-blowing.

 

7. Will any of the songs from the EP, be on the new album?

Yes, there will be only two songs from the EP included. The remaining 10 or 11 songs are all new, more up to date Etherna. We’ve been working on more powerful but still melodic pieces. I guess our first single will pretty much summarize our sound but it’s turning out to be a pretty interesting, varied compilation of songs.

 

8. What do you think is most important when writing new music?

I believe that it’s very important to keep it simple at first and then work on details. That’s how we usually TRY to do it. It’s also of deep importance to me to feel connected to the people I’m writing music with and luckily we’re all very close and understand each other. So when it comes to creating music it has to happen in a relaxed, fearless environment where feelings and ideas can be explored, performed, discarded or kept.

 

9. What are a few things you would like our readers to know about Etherna, your country, and your music?

Well, about Etherna, simply be aware of the release of the new album this year, it’s gonna be worth listening to. We love what we do and work very hard to provide audiences with a great show and good heartfelt songs.

About our country I can say you’ll find a wide variety of incredible landscapes, all kinds of weather and if you come to Buenos Aires you’ll see a European kind of city with endless and fun things to do and of course, you’ll be able to see Etherna perform live!!

 

10. Where can fans get their Etherna merchandise?

To get our EP, T-shirts, etc, or just to ask us any questions you can write to info@etherna.com.ar

Thank you very much for the attention and support.

Sophie.