Exclusive Interview: STELL/\RIS talk writing and recording!

Two incredibly well received singles down and currently working on their debut album, STELL/\RIS have seen their stock rise dramatically as they build their fanbase. Formed in 2019 in the Czech Republic they have built on the foundations of Metalcore influences to create their own sound with frontwoman Nicol showing off some impressive vocal range over the bands intense grooves and powerhouse rhythm section. In our second interview with them we talk about what goes on behind the scenes in the studio and rehearsal space…

What did you learn from the studio time for debut single “Find Your Course” that helped you with the recording of new single “Dust of Future“? “For me it was the first time I was recording my extreme vocals in a studio. So I knew that the second time will be way more better in any way. I learnt that I should really focus on my technique and be very careful about how I’m pushing it and how loud I am so I can make it. Guys are experienced in the recording process so I guess they weren’t surprised by anything”

How does the writing process of a new STELL/\RIS track start? Melody, riff or rhythm first? “You mean Dust of Future? If so, first there were lyrics, just a story about how I feel as a vegan in this world and how greedy and arrogant we as a society are to everything and everybody. Then there was riff, melody and here we are”

Frontwoman Nicol has an impressive vocal range; how do you go about getting the balance right between clean and unclean vocal parts? “Thank you! As for my technique it wasn’t really easy to learn how to do clean vocals and growls and screams properly during the whole set. Sometimes when I get too emotional I was screaming too loud without a proper technique and then I had a sore throat. As for composing songs, now it’s like half of clean vocals and half of harsh vocals. But we’re thinking about putting more clean vocals as we had a really good feedback on it.”

For “Dust of Future” you worked with Producer Damián Kučera (Skywalker, Depression Island, Criminal Connection) who also handled recording, mixing and mastering. How did you choose him and what was it like to work with him? “We wanted to work with professional and Damian is one of the best here in Czech Republic. Working with him was really good and I recommend it to everybody. He knows very well what he’s doing and cooperation with him is effective and really paid off. Also what I appreciate is the fact that Damian is a vegan so besides the music we could share some tips about our lifestyle”

If you had the opportunity to bring in a guest, who would you like to work with and why? “It’s really difficult to say. Guys would definitely choose somebody else than I would. I’d be happy to cooperate with Tati from Jinjer or Lena from Infected Rain. I’d love to know how they work, what are their tips on singing and how is it to be a professional singer. And of course I’d love to meet them”

For us gear nerds out there, can you tell us what you’re using gear wise (pedals, strings, drums etc) to get your sound?

What difference would it make to you as a band if you could land an endorsement from a gear manufacturer?