8th March 2023

Exclusive Interview: Veska talks writing and recording “Unbound”!

Granted an audience with the prolific Pennsylvanian Independent American Black Metal solo artist Veska, a man who has has unleashed a couple of standalone tracks, a pair of EPs and two full length albums since establishing himself in May 2021, we wasted little time in getting a second run of questions in. So here is the second half of last weeks interview which is all about the almighty “Unbound”. It’s Black Metal with minor deviations into the world of the Symphonic and hints of Doom, so if you do decide to check it out, consider your cerebral cortex tickled…

How did your previous experiences writing and recording help to smooth the path of the new record? “I’ve learned everything I know about recording through trial and error, so this one came together pretty smoothly, all things considered based on lessons learned from previous releases”

How does the writing process of a new track start? Melody, riff or rhythm first? How does it evolve from there before you consider it the finished article? “For me the process usually starts with the rhythm/riff first. From there I’ll get the drums added and add some flavor via melody parts if the song calls for it. Vocals are always the last to be recorded”

What was it like working with… in the studio? “Well it’s just me, myself, and I in the studio so I think we make a pretty good team!”

If you had the opportunity to work with a guest in the studio next time around, who would you like to work with and why? “I’d love to work with the man behind the Ohio-based black metal project Xenomorph. We’ve spoken at length over the past year and some change about all things music related as well as other topics. He’s a great guy and an even more talented musician, so I think getting to work with him would be an all-around great experience”

For us gear nerds out there, can you tell us what you’re using gear wise (pedals, strings, drums etc) to get your sound? “Being a studio only project at the moment I’m sad to say that I’m severely lacking in the physical gear department. A lot of how I achieve my sound is done via plug-ins and amp simulators. I do use a Schecter Demon-7 for the guitar tracks and I have to say I’m particularly fond of that brand. My bass guitar is a very standard Ibanez. My microphone of choice is the Shure SM7B. For drum programming I use Kvlt Drums 2 by Ugritone”

What difference would it make to you as a band if you could land an endorsement from a gear manufacturer? “Even though I’m not super gear-heavy at the moment, I definitely wouldn’t turn my nose up at an endorsement if one ever came my way… but I don’t see that happening any time soon!”

“Unbound” by Veska is out now and is available over at bandcamp