PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Ant May from Planetmosh recently asked Mats van der Valk, Guitarist with Dutch rock band Autumn a few questions to mark the release of their latest album, Cold Comfort – read the review on Planetmosh – http://www.planetmosh.com/autumn-cold-comfort/
Planetmosh: Your new album “Cold comfort” is due out in early November. Can you tell us a bit about the album?
Mats: Cold Comfort is our most personal and meaningful album to date. We feel that our sound and style have developed even more. The songs and lyrics are darker and deeper than on our previous albums. The overall pace is slower. We tried to produce the album in such a way that heavy parts are boosted by the sum of all instruments and not so much by a loud, yet flat production. Besides that, we’ve played the parts with more intensity than ever. We broke strings! I think you can hear it. This album is packed with moods and emotion.
Planetmosh: How would you say it compares to previous albums?
Mats: I think the music on CC is a manifestation of something that was already dawning since My New Time and Altitude. There was something dark brooding underneath. In many ways, it is a logical progression on the previous albums. We became very comfortable with our way of songwriting, and we had a clear vision of how we wanted things to sound. This album is more warm and open than it predecessors. The songs are longer, more dynamic and have many layers.
Planetmosh: Who writes the songs – is it a group effort or are there one or two main songwriters?
Mats: The main songwriters would be my brother Jens and me. Metaphorically speaking, we write most of the song skeletons. The foundation. We send our ideas to the other members via the internet and they add the muscle, skin and sinew. The Autumn sound would not exist without their contributions! We all add our signature qualities and details to each other’s songs. The final outcome is always one big surprise, which keeps us sharp and inspired. It’s a real group effort, but we never jam! The horror!
Planetmosh: How would you describe your music for someone who hasnt heard anything by you yet?
Mats: Heavy, multi-layered, dynamic rock music with a twist. Lots of twists, actually. Music that has secrets to reveal with every spin and leaves spaces open to be filled by own imagination. How about that?
Planetmosh: Why do you think so many good female fronted bands come from The Netherlands?
Mats: I guess it’s because we have so many inspiring countrymen. The Gathering and Within Temptation (among others) were doing something new and were being successful at that. It’s only natural that they inspired young musicians to follow in their footsteps and create their own style. That’s my theory. I also believe that the Netherlands had a head start when it comes to emancipation and feminism. The step to involve ladies in the macho rock/metal scene might have been a bit smaller than elsewhere.
Planetmosh: You have a few tour dates in the Netherlands during November. Are there any plans for dates in other parts of Europe? Perhaps even the UK?
Mats: We always have plans. We love to tour! We’ll see what happens. Spring of 2012 would suit me just fine, haha. We never played the UK. I hope we will, someday.
Planetmosh: What is your favourite type of live show and why – festival, large venue or small venue?
Mats: A festival when the weather is nice, large venue when they’re filled to the brim and small venues when there’s no soccer on the tube and the beer is cold, haha. We like to play. Period.
Planetmosh: What bands do you think have influenced your music?
Mats: I guess that all bands are influenced consciously or subconsciously. We are no exception, but with Autumn it’s hard to tell, because we all contribute actively to the end result. Every member of Autumn has a different musical background, so I couldn’t really say. I hope that we may inspire others.
Planetmosh: What bands do you like to listen to in your spare time?
Mats: We all have our preferences, but I like to listen to Oceansize, Entombed, Converge, True Widow, HERDER, etc.
Planetmosh: Which do you prefer and why – CD or legal mp3 downloads ?
Mats: I’ve bought some legal MP3, which is cool… but I really miss the booklet and overall excitement! I prefer CD or Vinyl (!)
