Arkadius Antonik, guitars, vocals, keys and banjo player from German folk metal band Suidakra. Interview June 8, 2013
1. How was it working on the latest Suidakra album Eternal Defiance?
It was a real intense creative process for me. I really enjoyed being captured by such a great story. But at the same time it was also much more work than on the previous records, because I had to compose all the orchestrations and combine it with the metal parts without loosing the heaviness. To be honest sometimes it was a real challenge for me.
2. Where did the influences come from for this album?
I have to admit that the biggest influence was the concept story itself. There were no special bands or songs that inspired me, just the story. After reading it I’ve had so many visions and ideas in my head. I also was a bit inspired by a lot of movie soundtrack composers. It was a cool way to bring some fresh wind into the typical SuidAkrA sound
3. Any tours coming soon for Suidakra?
First of all we will play a few summer festivals here in Germany. In September/October we’ll hit the road with Ensiferum, Turisas & Equilibrium to play a big European tour. These are the plans for the year so far. But we also plan more shows and tours for 2014 and hope to go back to USA, India Brazil and China.
4. When writing a song is there such a thing as investing too much time?
Sometimes that could happen. I mean of course there are days I start to compose and I feel like I’m not inspired enough but I will finish a song. Usually on those days it makes real sense to stop composing and try again on the next day for example, otherwise you invest too much time into something that sometimes doesn’t make sense. But I think this is a normal process of being creative no matter if it’s music or art…
5. What equipment are you currently endorsing, etc.
I am endorsed by Gibson guitars and Clayton Guitar Pics USA. That all for now and I don’t need more hahaha Just a guitar and a pic… hahaha Just kinding… I also use a lot of Line6 products so maybe I will try to get endorsed by them as well.
6. Without Social Media could bands today manage to survive?
I think they could but it would be much harder for them to survive. I mean when we’ve started with the band I remember sending letters to the fans, not even emails and it was in the mid 90ties. Fuck that makes me feel old right now hahahaha…
I think the bands nowadays have much more options to present their music and have a closer contact with their fans which is a cool think
7. What were your earliest influences in life?
As far as I remember Music was always the most influence in my life. I mean my parents listened lot music when I was young. I remember I was listening an Elvis Presley Tape when I was 4 or 5. And I did it over and over again. So maybe I can be thankful to my parents that they influenced me in my young age which led into the fact that I’ve released eleven albums now. ;-)
8. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home?
All kind of different music, not only Metal. Of course Metal is the biggest part of my collection but I am very open minded when it comes to music. For me it’s important that the music touches me in a special way, no matter what genre it is. So beside Metal there’s also classic, rock, alternative and even pop music.
9. Someday do you see a biography being written about the experiences you acquired or will acquire in your life?
To be honest I’ve never thought about it yet. But looking back at all the things that happened I can imagine that it would be a real interesting biography with lot of different stories and funny stuff.
10. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour?
Oh to be honest it’s not that excited ;-) Usually you spent the most time in a tour bus, arrive at the venue, try to shower, make the soundcheck, wait, eat, and play the show which is the best part of the day. After the show we always enjoy to talk to fans. We really enjoy the show time and the free time after the show before you have to hit the road again. Sometimes on tour we have a day off and time to do some sightseeing or just party in a metal bar ;-)
11. Where do you see Music in 100 years from now?
I can’t even tell where I see music in 5 years hahaha. Music always developed and looking back 10 years the metal scene was so much different than now. I don’t even know if there are gonna be instruments like guitars in 100 years ;-)
Extra questions for Arkadius Antonik from Suidakra
Life without music would be… boring as hell
Favorite movie.. Only One? Hahaha Evil Dead the original
Favorite sport… Soccer
Favorite food… Steak no matter in which combination ;-)
Favorite drink… Jacky Cola
Favorite saying… There is always something inside
Favorite car… my own… KIA Ceed
Favorite book… Lord Of The Rings
Favorite band…Gorefest
Star Wars or Star Trek…Star Wars
PC or Mac… PC
Visit Suidakra Online at http://www.suidakra.com/
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