Interview, New Fire Music
NIVIANE
04
Nov
Nov
Niviane is an American power metal band formed in 2015 hailing from Sacramento California. Co-founders, guitarists Mark Miner & Claudeous Creamer along with bassist Rick Stallkamp and drummer Mark Sprague created the band’s sound by melding together their collective influences of classic heavy metal fused with modern European metal stylings.
Interview By: Guitarist Mark Miner for our latest single & video “Psychomanteum”:
We love your new fire music! How did you come up with the concept for the song?
Mark: I believe it was New Year’s Eve 2018. I had the song mentally mapped out and we were demoing songs for The Ruthless Divine. I was with Rick and Gary and we immediately started tracking the basic ideas. Once we got the intro, it sort of morphed into what it became. The process was very natural and it came together quickly.
What is your favorite part about the song?
Mark: The straight forward riff and Norman’s vocal execution is crushing. It’s a very moody song with lots of ups and downs. Lyrically it’s a tragic love story which I thought was very clever on Norman‘s part.
What were you most meticulous about on your latest song?
Mark: probably the bridge section. We wanted something to separate it from the arrangement. There is a key change, some octave slides, Gary came up with this very cool melody over the top to have a counterpoint which is very cool sounding.
Your latest collaboration, how did this come about?
Mark: The initial intro was originally just a clean guitar. Rick actually had the idea to have bass and drums included to have more of a driving effect.
Who did what on the song?
Mark: I think I had about 80% of the song mapped out. Rick threw in his ideas with the intro and bridge. Norman is pretty much the sole lyricist for the band.
What was the writing process like?
Mark: as stated earlier I had the idea and once we started the demo process it actually came together pretty quickly.
What kind of mood was set in order to create the magic?
Mark: I think that song dynamically is one of our best. It goes from this dark haunting sort of vibe to this straight ahead crushing riff that just hits you in the chest. Norman‘s vocals are everything from clean and melodic to very aggressive. Aaron added these very cool and haunting keyboard lines which just glued everything together. It’s a really dynamic song arrangement wise I think.
Is there a critique you’ve gotten on the single that you worked through and it’s made the overall work better?
Mark: Not really. We are pretty much completely self governed when it comes to songwriting. We are our own best and worst critics.
What are you most excited about for fans to hear on your latest single?
Mark: I think because it was different from what we had done before. We wanted to show growth and I think that’s a good example of going into our second album and the progression from the first.
What has been the best feedback so far?
Mark: The fans’ reaction live is incredible. It has a lot of energy but again is very dynamic. The video feedback has been great as well.
Leave us with your favorite fire lyrics of the song?
Mark: Calling thе dead
The sacred words read
My own blood I shed
All your socials!