INTERVIEW with FlowerLeaf
Tell us about your latest release: the main concept; what fans should expect; what were/are your goals with it:
Our debut album STRONGER brings a message that we can be who we want to be, that not everything that happens is our fault and that together we are stronger. Is says that we can dream and live our loves the way we want to. The album has some really heavy tracks like Paralysis and Not My Fault but it also has some ballads and romance like Grain of Sand and The Flower and The Leaf. We hope that this album can place FlowerLeaf in the international heavy metal scene and that the audience can relate to the songs.
Did you have a specific sound in mind when you formed the band, or did that grow and evolve as you played together?
Marcelo and I have been together for almost 10 years and we’ve played in some bands together. When we started the project for FlowerLeaf we knew exactly how we wanted it to sound and after going through the production and recording process with our producer Raphael Gazal, I can say that the outcome is even better than what we were expecting.
How does your writing process normally work out?
Usually I come out with the lyrics and melody for the vocals. Then Marcelo and I work together on the harmony and structure of the music. But sometimes Marcelo brings some riffs ideas and we start composing the song from another starting point. We don’t really follow just one formula.
What are your ambitions and how far do you want to push your band?
We want to take the band as far as possible. We would love to take part in festivals and make tours. But we know that’s a long journey, so we always plan our next steps carefully. Right now, we want to start doing as many concerts as possible.
What are your influences/musical references and the impact those same influences had in your sound?
I’ve been listening to heavy metal and l since I was 13 years old. I started with Metallica, Helloween and Stratovarius but I soon discovered the world of female voices and I loved it. So I can definitely say that my biggest influences were Nightwish, After Forever, Within Temptation and Tarja. Of course there are lots of other bands that influenced me in other ways, but I can say that these were there when it all began.
Marcelo listens to all kinds of rock music. His biggest influences are Mr. Big, Rush and Helloween.
What’s next for you?
Right now we’re working with other musicians to get FlowerLeaf on stage and play as much as we can. We’re also in the process of composing new songs for our second album. We’re very excited about it!
Answers by: Vivs Takahashi
Photo by João Hannuch