EMQ’s with ISAURIAN
Hi everyone! Welcome to our new EMQ’s interview with Brasília, Brazil based Post/Shoegaze/Doom band Isaurian. Huge thanks to vocalis/guitarist Jorge Rabelo for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
My name is Jorge Rabelo, I sing and play guitar in the band. Isaurian was supposed to be a tiny solo project after my main band, Optical Faze, closed shop. My friends and I did an EP in 2017 called “All The Darkness Looks Alive” and it was well received. And it is too much fun to make music with people you love. So, it turned into a proper band and here we are. Last year, Roberto joined the band as a drummer and we moved Guilherme to guitars and soon after, Hoanna Aragão, who is an acclaimed, experienced singer, joined the band to slowly take over vocals.
How did you come up with your band name?
I often like to read about ancient history and had read about the Isaurian dynasty, a really specific moment in the Byzantine Empire that was known for their iconoclastic tendencies. Anyways, all this explanation to tell you there isn’t much of a deeper meaning. I liked the idea of having a one-word name that wasn’t taken and this one sounded good and was stylish enough!
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from Brasília, capital of Brazil. Brazil, as most around the world know, is birthplace to big, important metal bands. Brasília, specifically, used to have a much more seething metal scene. It’s been winding down mainly because it hasn’t been lucrative for venues to give space to metal bands that play their own original material. But we still have great, thriving bands here.
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest release is our first full album, called “Chains of Blue”. It was produced and mixed by Kevin Ratterman, who did great records by Emma Ruth Rundle, Young Widows, Strand of Oaks and many other big names. It was an intense but great experience. We recorded it partially live and to tape and did the 9 songs in 6 days.
‘Vanity Mirror’ (Lyric Video)
Who have been your greatest influences?
The first name that comes to mind is Type O Negative. They made such unique, beautiful music. The musical tastes in the band are diverse, but I speak for the band on this one. Also, personally, Paradise Lost, Jesu and Deafheaven can also be mentioned. And Limp Bizkit. Just kidding…or am I?
What first got you into music?
I am not sure. Music got me into music. I remember some compilation CD’s we had in our home and I just started listening to them. Discovered stuff like INXS, Tears for Fears, Roxette…And then metal came into my life with Biohazard, Fear Factory and Faith No More.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Oof, so many. Obviously, Paradise Lost and Deafheaven. We had the honour to work with Jesu on our first EP. Other names that we would love to create with: A.A. Williams, Tides From Nebula, Drab Majesty.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
First one that comes to mind is Roadburn. I just think it fits our style perfectly. Such a caringly curated festival made by people who love music for people who love music.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Nothing super weird. Hoanna has gotten some drawings of herself as gifts.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Hang tough during these shitty times and do your part to make the world a better place to live in. And thank you for listening to our music. I am not sure it is great music, but it sure is made from the heart.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
This one’s easy: Peter Steele.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love writing, recording and I love the way people connect with the music.
I hate that it is a 100% moneyless venture – at least as an underground, niche band – and that it is oversaturated to a point that you kind of have to beg for people to listen to your music for free.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Streaming should compensate artists way, way, way more.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Type O Negative – “October Rust” is the greatest album of all time.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
You gotta get on with the times, so streaming is the most important and accessible way to present your music. I’ll always have a place in my heart for physical releases, though. I haven’t downloaded an album in, like, 5 years or more.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Not sure it was the best, probably not, but the weirdest one was inside a deactivated bus. It presented so many technical challenges, it just wasn’t a great idea to begin with. But hey, it was unique and it was fun!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I am a government employee. We all have different careers. This band has made zero money so far.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
My fiancée and partner in crime, Hoanna, and my brothers Pedro, Vicente, Guilherme and Roberto.
What’s next for the band?
We are doing our best to promote the record while being inactive because of the pandemic. We are being forced to adapt and change. We are slowly getting back to rehearsals thinking of 2021. Until then, we just want people all over the world to listen to our new record!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Our official site takes you to all of social media and main sites:
Or click on the following:
www.facebook.com/Isaurianband/
www.instagram.com/isaurianband/
www.isaurian.bandcamp.com/album/chains-of-blue
www.open.spotify.com/artist/7gAjU2okeKEaqMDUoxtK2E
www.youtube.com/channel/UCRq_cMRL4A42w1vqWQr4_Ow
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
Never tried them. Are they soft? If so, they are a cake.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for taking the time to read this interview and listen to our music. Let’s hope this pandemic goes away soon and we can have live music encounters. We really wanna play the songs off our new record live. Stay safe and see you soon.
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