GRAI interview online!

I interviewed Ruzveld from GRAI who released a new album entitled "Mlada" and a vinyl compilation "In the arms of Mara" lately. The interview deals with these two records, the band itself and their recent tour.

01. Hi Ruzveld! You released your new album on october 3rd, 2014. Is your new album entitled “Mlada”, a concept album ?

Yes, you’re right, the album was released on the 3rd of October 2014 by the label Noizgate records. The album is non-conceptual. There’re many themes united by the overall atmosphere, as I see it.

02. Can you describe us each song lyrically and musically ?

Yes, I can, but that’s too long. And people, reading that, will be bored and can even fall asleep. That would be better if every listener just got into the atmosphere and understood something important for himself personally. If one wants, of course. Shortly, I can tell you, that every song is a separate story with its lyricism.

03. Are you inspired by some bands, creating your music ?

Personally I’m inspired by such bands as Svartsot, Dying Fetus, Rotting Christ, Sithu Aye, Jungle Rot, Soul Cycle, Panzerballet, Sektor Gasa, Krasnaja Plesen’ and Kalevala.

04. Are you also inspired by traditional music ?

Sure, that’s an important part of our music and we try to search some examples of the traditional music from not only our country, but also the other regions and cultures. That’s always interesting to investigate some new folk instruments or vocal technics.

05. What the people can expect from the bonus tracks of the new record ?

Actually, nothing special. Most people have already heard them. But they haven’t been released physically yet. 

06. How was the tour ?

The tour was excellent! We visited 16 cities in countries such as Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Slovakia. In all the cities the reception was very warm and friendly.

07. Can you describe us your shows ?

That was really funny. There were some surprises; one of them was the new song. And we’ve made some show elements together with the guys from SatanaKozel. Hopefully, we managed to do everything we wanted to. Naturally we’ve played some old songs as well.

08. GRAI is the meaning for “the bird’s cry”. But what does this mean for you in particular? And why a bird ?

GRAI is like a symbol of life! As for me, GRAI is one of the unique sounds of nature. Really beautiful in its own way. Those who can hear the nature, know what I mean. When you are in the woods, the bird's cry sounds sacredly.

09. What do you think of the Folk Metal scene in Russia ?

That exists and that’s great. There’re many worth-while bands. That’s just good that they try to create something beautiful and important and to bring it to the wide audience.

10. Do you plan one official video for the album ?

We’re planning to make an official clip on of the new songs from the album. We’ll keep in secret, which one. As soon as we settle the financial issues, we’ll give the information in the Internet. We try our best to make the video come out.

11. Can you explain us the artwork for “Mlada”? What does it mean for you ?

The explanation is as simple as a cake. We have two girls and wind-instruments in our band – so there’re flutes and maidens on a cover!)

12. “Mlada” album was released under the flag of Noizgate records. Will you release more under that label ?

Yes, you’re right; the album is released by Noizgate records. There’s no info about our further cooperation. Everything depends on how good our new album will be sold.  So I can’t say anything yet, everything is in future. As soon as we get the new info, it’ll be announced.

13. Spirit of Ancestors Productions released a GRAI compilation in vinyl. 

Can you tell us more on that matter ? 

That’s a great release. I got acquainted with Jirka Meloun on Facebook. He suggested releasing the vinyl on his new label. So our release is the first one for the Spirit of Ancestors Productions. I agreed. We just had to make the artwork for it. And that was perfectly performed by Andrej Andreev, already known by his artworks for our new album «Mlada». You can order it here - www.soaprod.bigcartel.com/product/grai-in-the-arms-of-mara

14. What are the songs to feat. on this vinyl ?

Tracklist:

Side A: 

01. In the arms of Mara 6:29 

02. Winter tale 3:55 

03. Leshak 5:06 

04. Spring 3:29 

05. The wheaten song 3:27

Side B: 

06. The song about Native Land 5:13 

07. I will go into the field 4:27 

08. Drunkard-Helllbenders 4:51 

09. Hugging the storm 3:38 

10. Birch 4:17

15. Will “Mlada” and this vinyl compilation be available on your bandcamp page for sale ?

Yes, «Mlada» will appear on Bandcamp soon. The vinyl-compilation is going to be available on the Bandcamp platform one of these days already. All the information will be given on our Facebook page.

* The compilation is available on their bandcamp already. 

16. The last words are yours.

I’d like to wish you all the best and peace. Love your parents and never forget your friends. Good luck!