Get an insider's view into Sevi's journey, influences, and latest album 'Genesis' as they reflect on their remarkable performance at Varna Rock Adventure Festival 2023 in this exclusive interview.
1. Your
performance at the Varna Rock Adventure Festival in 2023 was remarkable. How do
you perceive the metal scene in Bulgaria, especially in light of such quality
festivals?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi – Thank you. I think that the Bulgarian rock and metal scene
has a lot to give to the world’s music picture. We have a lot of strong artists
and bands, warm audience and some really good festivals here with a long
history. For example, this year we will see bands like Five finger death punch
and Korn here in Bulgaria. Some of the biggest dinosaurs in music had their
emblematic shows here. So yeah, for such a small territory I think we are doing
really good.
2. Congratulations
on the release of the video for "World That Doesn't Fit" from your
latest album "Genesis." How has the feedback been for this video so
far?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi – I still can’t believe how many comments and views we got only
for a month. This song is really important to me because it touches deep
emotions, and it speaks about the strange reality that we live in, not knowing
what is real and what is not anymore.
I am glad
that so many people out there are feeling the same way. That makes me feel like
I can “fit” better into the picture 😊
3. SEVI
has been described as one of the most successful rock bands in Bulgaria. What
do you think sets your music apart and makes it so appealing to audiences?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi – Well, there are different levels of success and I am not sure
that there is a certain definition of “most successful” but for sure the thing
that distinguish an artist or a band is the honesty in his art. I believe that
being honest and authentic really makes an artist unique. When your art tells
real stories and speaks directly to human soul you can’t go wrong. So, maybe
that’s the answer for us.
4. Could
you share some insights into the creative process behind your latest album
"Genesis"? How does it differ from your previous works?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi: Well, yeah Genesis was really different like process. It took
3 years – 2 of which was that crazy Covid period, so I think that all these
processes and confusing feelings lay deep into the album themes. Besides this,
it was a true genesis for us in level of sound, line up and more. I feel like
SEVI is reborn now and ready for a new thrilling chapter.
5. Throughout
your journey as a band, you've collaborated with notable artists like Johnny
Gioeli, Thomas Vikstrom, and Jen Majura. How have these collaborations
influenced your music?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi Every collaboration is a valuable lesson and a new color to our
music. The work with Johnny for example turned into a long-term friendship and
we are even touring together. This year as well. We will be together in
Switzerland and Bulgaria.
It’s always
a good thing to be able to work with names like Johnny, Jen or Thomas. There is
always so much to learn from them.
6. The
concept of being true to oneself seems to be a recurring theme in your music.
How do you strive to convey authenticity and honesty through your songs?
Well, I
just believe that this is the idea of being a creator. I mean if you are not
honest in your music, paintings or else, there is no point. I am not thinking
when I write, I just leave the emotion to go through me and I am trying to keep
it as pure as possible. I even built up a vocal cabin at home so that I could
record my first vocals when I am working on a new song. That way I would keep the
strongest emotion alive.
7. SEVI
has ventured into various musical styles, from hard rock to acoustic ballads.
How do you approach experimenting with different genres while maintaining your
signature sound?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi - I really hope we are doing that. We never really put boundaries
to our songwriting and we are not afraid to sound lighter or heavier. I think
that an artist can’t escape so much from himself whatsoever, so I believe that
whatever style we approach there will be always us there underneath.
8. Your
band has organized festivals and embarked on tours extensively. What have been
some memorable moments or challenges you've faced during these experiences?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi: Well, we care a lot
about the original music so we are trying our best to give it more popularity. That
gave us inspiration to organize festivals couple of times so far. As for
touring - there are lots of kilometers behind so there are plenty of stories to
tell.. For sure the most challenging tour I remember was with Geoff Tate in
Germany 2 years ago. We were 22 people on a tour bus, sorry 21 and one woman –
me, ha ha
It was
constant party on wheels but also a lot, lot of work to do. Load in,
soundchecks, shows, load out etc. 12 hours a day – full program. It was our
first tour on a bus and there were lessons to learn all around. In so many ways
we could improve ourselves as musicians and performers…. Not to mention the
experience of sleeping in the bus on small beds while it was crossing the
country. Unforgettable. We were like family; we built up some great friendships.
For me the extra challenge was to be in top shape because I got sick so I was
trying to fight with the flu and give my 100% on stage every night.
9. With
the release of your fourth album "Genesis," what are your aspirations
and goals for the future of SEVI?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi – Our closest goal is to present the new album all over Europe
and we are planning a tour starting from June.
As for the
future, we want to expand our circle of shows in Europe and beyond, to make
more featuring projects and to keep our enthusiasm.
10. Can
you tell us about the significance behind the title "Genesis" for
your latest album? What themes or messages do you aim to explore through this
body of work?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi – The album is a compilation of our emotions during the last 3
years. We speak a lot about the reality that surrounds us and we touch deep
strings, searching for the answers: what happened to the world, what happened
to the heroes, where did love go, did we forget what is really sacred and
important in life? Above all this we are hoping for a real genesis for all of
us and a new beginning, we are hoping that the soul of humanity can be saved.
11. As a
band that has been active for over a decade, how do you stay inspired and
motivated to continue creating music?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi: It’s the support of the fans that keeps us motivated. We are
so thankful for every letter, every fan that comes at a show. Every time that a
person says that he or she managed to go through a rough period thanks to our
music or found an answer for a painful question, we know that our mission is
meaningful and we should keep going.
12. What
advice would you give to aspiring musicians, especially those aiming to carve
out their own path in the music industry?
Svetlana
Bliznakova Sevi: It won’t be easy but it shouldn’t have to be. Otherwise, you
won’t appreciate it. If you
are doing it for the music, not for success you can’t go wrong. Keep going.
SEVI (@seviband) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
Post a Comment