PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
We spoke to THE LIGHTNESS OF BEING about their background and more. Look out for the Londoners as they release their new EP, Diversions, on 1st June.
What is the full band line-up, who plays what?
Gabriel (vocals / guitar), Sam (guitar), Chris (bass), Sergio (drums).
How and when did the band form? Tell us anything interesting about your hometown.
Back in 2009… Gabriel had some black metal music on his stereo while Sergio (drums) happened to be supervising repairs at his flat. They started talking. Sergio hadn’t played drums for several years due to a work accident that broke his thumb, but forming the band enticed him back. They then found Sam + Chris by posting rough demos online and holding auditions.
We call London our hometown, although two of us are more exotic.
When and how did the band really start gelling and solidifying?
For the first year or so we jammed and worked on a number of songs Gabriel had written before forming the band. Then we started playing shows around London. It wasn’t until after around 3 years or so that we decided to record something and released our first EP “Movements”.
Who are your musical influences?
Likely every band says this… but we genuinely do listen to an eclectic range of stuff. But if we have to name main influences then these include… Queens of the Stoneage, Deftones, Soundgarden, Meshugga, Pixies, At The Drive In and Mastodon.
How far back does your history with each other (the band members) extend? Are you friends from school or any family relations?
We aren’t school or university friends and have various backgrounds.
Sergio (drums) works in the construction industry, Chris (bass) is a primary school teacher in Croydon, Gabriel (singer / guitar) works as a programmer/scientist and Sam (guitar) is in finance.
We’d all been in bands before – Sergio was in a metal band called Carnal Death which got some following in Poland. He’s also currently a minimal tech DJ by night…
In your opinion, how is your band different from all the other bands out there?
In terms of music… our songs probably span a broader range styles than most bands (a good or a bad thing depending on your point of view!). Likely people who enjoy similar music will hear our influences, but we think we have original melodies, riffs and song concepts – and it took us a few years to really be able to do that. In terms of individuals… there could be another rock band out there with our mix of nationalities and backgrounds, but it would be hard to find!
If a deaf person were to ask you to describe the sound of your music, how would you describe it?
Overall we’d say key elements would be distorted guitars, atmospheric feedback and delay, distinctive controlled groves… all based around strong rock vocal melodies and careful structure. The vibe is generally intense and dark, but not overpowering or carelessly aggressive. There’s been evolution over time… generally towards getting heavier.
Where can we find your social media sites?
