PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
I had the pleasure of catching up with Eluveitie‘s Anna Murphy, who plays the Hurdygurdy, vocals and flute in the band.
First, could you describe Eluveitie for those that haven’t heard your music?
Some heavily distorted guitars shredding around with flutes trying to cut through. And violins. And hurdy-gurdies, bagpipes and tons of other stuff. I think “clusterfuck” is a good word!
Your new album, ‘The Early Years’ was released on 17 August, you must be excited about that.
Yes, I am! It’s already been a while since it was released, I must be really late with answering this interview. I’m really sorry about that ;-)
Could you tell us how the decision was made to re-release ‘Vên’ and ‘Spirit’?
Well, a lot of fans were asking us how can they can get a hold of those releases and since they weren’t really available anymore we decided to re-release them. One idea led to the other and we eventually even re-recorded “Ven” and re-mastered “Spirit”.
I notice some have been re-recorded. Were any changes made to the songs themselves during this process?
We didn’t completely rearrange the songs, but we did change or add some elements. Let alone the fact that we now recorded with the current line-up (at the time of “Ven” Chrigel wasn’t even the lead singer yet) gives the songs a completely different sound! And I guess Eluveitie is on a higher technical level now too than they used to be if I dare say that.
You’ve already played a lot of shows this year across America and South America, and you have a lot more lined up across Europe for the rest of the year. How has the tour been for you so far?
Great, I always love touring. We had a small break during the summer and only played festivals, so that was pretty relaxing actually. We’re ready for the massive touring cycle coming up now with Sabaton!
Have there been any gigs or places that have especially stood out for you?
I am a huge fan of the USA. I love touring there and doing whatever the place you’re in has to offer which can be completely different from day to day. But that doesn’t make the shows there better than some place else, shows can be amazing anywhere. If we don’t suck that is.
Are there any of your upcoming gigs that you are particularly looking forward to? Apart from the UK ones, of course.
DUBLIN! IRELAND! YAY!
Finally! We’ve never played there and my whole family will be there! I’m half Irish by the way ;-)
I’ll get so horrendously wankered that I probably wont be able to play for the rest of the tour.
Given the length of the tour will you be able to take many breaks?
I actually think we have a couple of day-offs in between shows. I’m not sure and honestly I don’t like it that much.
I notice you have quite a few other projects on the go as well. How do you manage to fit it all in?
I don’t, hehe. I just always want to do tons of stuff at the same time and join this and that band and then eventually I notice that there’s no time. So that’s why not all my projects are always active. But I try my best of course! I have no friends, I don’t sleep and only eat on the go ;-)
With all the touring, do you manage to find time to go see other bands play?
Yeah, from time to time. I really hate it when my favourite bands play and I miss them which is mostly the case.
What has been the best gig you’ve been to so far?
Archive! That was the best live show I’ve ever seen, I almost forgot to breathe it was so intense.
Are there any unknown/new bands out there that you have seen that have really impressed you recently?
Krampus! I’m usually not a huge fan of other folk metal bands, but I went to see them with our drummer Merlin (he’s their manager) and was very impressed. Especially worth checking out if you enjoy our music.
You joined the band after having learnt the hurdygurdy for only 3 months. That’s pretty impressive stuff. Sounds like serendipity to me.
It was indeed! I would have never thought I’d end up playing the thing in a metal band when I picked it up…
The band has a solid following of fans, which is great. Looking at fan’s comments, you have quite a big following yourself. Have you encountered any over enthusiastic fans?
Yeah, there have been weird comments, letters and other things. But I guess that’s normal, I honestly don’t really pay attention to it and don’t take it that seriously. I mean, the “I want to marry you” comments may be overdoing it a little, but then I always think back to the time when I was watching Star Trek as a kid and thought I was in love with Data.
I don’t want to sound arrogant though, I really appreciate having so many fans and their support! Without them I wouldn’t be where I am now.
You’re due to play in London in November, so after the Olympic rush has died down, which is very wise. Are you planning on checking out any of the Olympic sites?
I haven’t really thought about that, but now that you said it I might just do that.
Finally, thank you for taking the time out to do this interview. Is there anything you would like to say to your fans in the UK?
Thank you to you too! All the best to our fans in the UK and thanks for the support. See you at the shows, cheers!
Read my review of ‘The Early Years’ – click here
Links:
http://www.eluveitie.ch
http://www.facebook.com/eluveitie
http://www.twitter.com/eluveitie
http://www.youtube.com/user/eluveitieoff…
https://plus.google.com/104670840870351847217
http://www.myspace.com/eluveitie
