liv kristine is an Norwegian vocalist for Symphonic Metal band Leaves’ Eyes and notable from Gothic Metal group Theatre of Tragedy. Interview December 7, 2013.
Liv Kristine Interview
What’s new in the life of Liv Kristine?
Liv: Ten years have passed, and we have released five albums! Our final Release “Symphonies of the Night” has just been released. I feel very comfortable where my band and I are standing right now. My members and I have been gathering experience in the studio and on tour for 20 years, some more. Moreover, we just arrived from a three-weeks-long European-Asian tour which was absolutely amazing! Symphonies of the Night” is a very special album. We are really looking forward to the release of our up-coming album, which has its roots in both the “Meredead” and the “Njord” productions, however, it is another impressing and innovative step in the history of Leaves’Eyes. Symphonies of the Night” sounds heavier and more powerful than our post productions. “Hell to the Heavens” for example, is a strong, rough song that really kicks, as well as it draws the attention of the audience that this is a very interesting, solid and innovative album which unites 10 years of a Leaves’ Eyes history, dedication to metal and experience.
How was it recording the album Symphonies Of The Night for Leaves’ Eyes?
Liv: It is a very powerful album with an incredibly powerful sound as well as fine, amazing details to discover for the lover of gothic and folk-inspired metal. We are lucky to have our own Mastersound studio. Alex, Tosso and myself are a real dream-composing-team. For every Leaves’ Eyes production we’ve just “started somewhere”, going with the creative flow. Our teamwork is based on honesty and trust. This is of such a vital importance in a band. Moreover, all my musicians are first-class and highly talented artists, eager to develop and maximize our skills.To be honest, we’ve let any influence into our music as we felt like it; no external pressure, no “musts”. I’ve always been quite immune towards external pressure. I listen to my artistic heart and focus on my own skills.
Any tour dates for Leaves’ Eyes?
Liv: The recently played tour for Leaves’ Eyes went through Belgium, Bulgaria, Romania, the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Austria, China, Taiwan, and Thailand. Ahead of us is Russia. Next year begins with a handful of UK shows, followed by 70.000 tons of metal through the Caribbean and a US tour. Solo shows (special!) are scheduled for December this year. I hope to see you soon at one of our gigs
What equipment are you currently endorsing, etc.
Liv: We work with very good companies like AVID, ESP, Mesa Boogie, Randall, Focusrite, Line 6, Sit Strings, Faith Guitars, Shure, M-Audio, Presonus or SPL. Alex is even beta testing Avid / Pro Tools and Focusrite REDNET studio gear!
What would be some of the craziest stuff you’ve seen on tour?
Liv: a cockroach falling from the ceiling into my corset. I smiled and kept on singing. The poor animal was dead as the concert was finished, however, I guess it died happily;-)
What were your earliest influences in life?
Liv: I grew up with Black Sabbath and Ozzy, and some classical composers like Edvard Grieg and Tschaikowsky. I have been singing for as long as I can remember, even before I was able to talk. I have never had a single singing lesson in my whole life. Creativity and love towards music is the force behind my artistic work, as well as thankfulness towards my audience and fans all over the world. The adventure will go on for many years, I can promise you that! All of this is my life! There is only one thing being more important to me: my family.
What would be some of your main influences today?
Liv: the lovely and most amazing singer and composer Maite Itoiz (Elfenthal), moreover, Ozzy and Monserrat Caballe.
What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
Liv: Madonna, die Antwoord, and Lamb of God.
Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
Liv: I get up early before the rest of the tourbus wakes up. Normally I go for a run or do some yoga exercises in the early hours. Then I take a shower and get myself some breakfast. Mostly the others are still sleeping. Until suncheck I do my interviews, call my son, go for a walk, visit a cafe, or do some necessary shopping. After sound check I get prepared for the show with a cup of tea, some yoga exercises, then I get dressed. After show it’s time to meet and greet with my fans and friends…and a glass of wine. As soon as the nightliner-engine starts rolling I will fall asleep in my bunk. When my son joins us on tour we pay visits to museums, we go for a swim, or look for some nice toy stores or playgrounds. It’s a little bit different then, of course.
Where do you see music going in 100 years from now?
Liv: I wonder if people will still remember Ozzy, Elvis, Ozzy and Edvard Grieg?
Extra questions with Liv Kristine
Life without music would be – just not possible! I have had music in my head since I was in my mother’s womb.
Favorite movie – The French movie Amelie
Favorite sport – Yoga, running, skiing
Favorite food – vegan food, Indian and Thai (very spicy)
Favorite drink – tea or mango lassi
Favorite saying – treat other people the way you want them to treat you. It all comes back to you!
Favorite car – Toyota and Lexus
Favorite book – all books of Dalai Lama
Favorite band – Black sabbath/Ozzy
CD or Vinyl – paranoid by Black sabbath
Star Wars or Star Trek – Star Wars
PC or Mac – Mac
Check out Liv Kristine online https://www.facebook.com/LivKristineOfficial
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