St. Louis metal artist Daniel Bohn blends local musical heritage with diverse genres to craft a unique sound. In this interview, he delves into his influences, themes, and creative journey.
1. As a
solo artist emerging from St. Louis, how has the city's musical heritage
influenced your sound and approach to metal music?
St. Louis has a rich musical heritage that has profoundly influenced my sound
and approach to metal music. The city is known for its deep roots in jazz,
blues, and rock, and these genres have a strong presence here. Growing up
surrounded by this diverse musical landscape, I was exposed to a wide range of
sounds and techniques that have shaped my artistic vision.
The blues, with its emotional depth and raw power, has taught me the importance
of conveying genuine feeling through music. This has been instrumental in how I
approach the emotional intensity of my metal compositions. Additionally, the
city's rock scene, known for its bold and innovative spirit, has inspired me to
push boundaries and explore new sounds within the metal genre.
Moreover, St. Louis has a vibrant local music community that encourages
collaboration and experimentation. This environment has allowed me to engage
with other musicians and artists, fostering a spirit of creativity and
innovation that is reflected in my music. Whether it's the intensity of metal
or the nuanced elements drawn from other genres, the city’s musical heritage
has been a crucial part of my artistic development.
In essence, St. Louis has provided me with a rich tapestry of influences that I
weave into my metal music, making it a unique blend of tradition and modernity.
2. Your music blends elements of Death Metal, Progressive Metal, and
soundtracks. How do you balance these influences to create your signature
sound?
The key to balancing these influences is finding a way to let each one
complement the others rather than compete with them. I approach songwriting
with the mindset of creating a narrative journey, where each genre serves a
specific purpose in the overall story I want to tell. By carefully blending
these elements, I strive to create a sound that is both dynamic and cohesive,
ultimately reflecting my own artistic vision while paying homage to the diverse
genres I draw inspiration from.
3. Your compositions delve into themes of conflict, resilience, and mental
illness. Can you share how these themes have shaped your latest album and the
emotional journey behind it?
The themes of conflict, resilience, and mental illness are central to my latest
album, and they’ve played a pivotal role in shaping both its content and
emotional journey. Each of these themes resonates deeply with me, and I’ve
aimed to translate these personal experiences into the music in a way that can
connect with listeners on a profound level. My love for concepts and complex
fantasy stories weaves mental illness to symbolize the them of my stories.
Overall, the album is designed to take the listener on an emotional journey,
from the depths of conflict and turmoil to the heights of resilience and
recovery. By weaving these themes into the fabric of the music, I hope to offer
a narrative that is both cathartic and relatable, and to create a space where
listeners can find solace and strength through the music. While pulling in my
love of fantasy to tell these tales in a interesting yet magical way.
4. The album follows a dark narrative involving gods, revenge, and the destruction of courage. What inspired this concept, and how do you translate these intense themes into your music?
The concept of the album, which delves into a dark narrative involving gods, revenge, and the destruction of courage, was inspired by a mix of personal experiences, mythological stories, and existential questions. I wanted to create a concept that continues through multiple albums and not only reflects deep, universal themes but also provides a canvas for exploring complex emotions and dramatic storytelling as they progress through my career. Personally i have always loved fantasy stories like the Witcher, Lord of the rings etc. And i wanted to bring my own universe alive through music.
5. As a multi-instrumentalist handling guitars, drums, piano, bass, and
vocals, what challenges do you face in the creative process, and how do you
overcome them?
As a multi-instrumentalist, managing guitars, drums, piano, bass, and vocals
can indeed present a set of challenges, but it also offers a tremendous amount
of creative freedom. Mostly my largest obstacle is playing live, not having a
band to play with makes that factor hard. Also, it takes time away to master
one instrument, as you focus on many rather then one.
6. The track 'The Red Blight' and 'The Last Trek Kujira' play pivotal roles
in the album's storyline. Can you dive deeper into these tracks and their
significance in the overall narrative?
Coming after the dark and somber ending of Colors of the land, I wanted to
start the next chapter with a epic and powerful track. The Red Blight'
signifies the spread of a malevolent force that threatens to engulf everything
in its path. This force is both a literal and metaphorical plague, symbolizing
the breakdown of order and the erosion of hope. The lyrics explore the impact
of this blight on the world and its inhabitants, highlighting themes of despair
and the struggle against overwhelming odds. The track serves as a stark
representation of the narrative’s darkest moments, setting the stage for the
subsequent developments. This track shows us the true nature of the Gods. And
how ones on insecurities can lead to a dark twist of fate.
Kujira' marks a crucial transition in the storyline, offering a glimmer of
resolution and dark ending amidst the chaos. The term ‘Kujira,’ which means
‘whale’ in Japanese, evokes a sense of grandeur and endurance. This track
contrasts sharply with the preceding darkness, as it represents the final,
arduous journey of the magnificent whale, and hope its self.
7. Signing with Sliptrick Records was a big step for you. How has this partnership impacted your music and your approach to the industry?
Despite the partnership, Sliptrick Records has respected my creative vision and allowed me the freedom to explore and develop my sound. This level of artistic autonomy has been crucial for maintaining the integrity of my music while also benefiting from the label’s support. The balance of creative freedom and professional backing has empowered me to push the boundaries of my music and explore new artistic directions.
8. Your music has been described as 'melancholy, created in a way never before.' How do you achieve this distinctive atmosphere, and what role does melancholy play in your music?
I feel Melancholy plays a large role in my music. I feel the themes of mental illness, stories of mythology and fantasy help provide a framework for exploring complex emotional landscapes. It serves as a powerful tool for connecting with listeners on a deep, emotional level. The sense of melancholy allows for an exploration of themes such as vulnerability, introspection, and resilience. It’s a way to express and process profound emotions, and to offer a space for listeners to engage with their own feelings.
Achieving an atmosphere of melancholy involves a special combination of atmospheric soundscapes, emotive melodies, dynamic contrasts, and innovative production techniques. By weaving these elements together, I aim to create music that is not only emotionally resonant but also unique in its approach, allowing the melancholy to shine through in a way that feels fresh and deeply impactful to others and myself.
9. The quote 'Science is the magic of gods' is quite intriguing. How does this perspective influence your songwriting and the themes you explore in your music?
I feel my quote 'Science is the magic of gods' captures an intersection between the mystical and the empirical, suggesting that the advanced understanding and technological achievements of science can seem as wondrous and mysterious as magic. This perspective significantly influences my songwriting and the themes I explore in several ways.
My music has always been inspired by a fusion of mystical and empirical themes, exploring the wonders and implications of scientific discovery, and infusing the music with a sense of awe and mystery. It allows me to craft a rich, conceptual landscape where the boundaries between science, magic, and human ambition blur, with the hope to create a compelling and thought-provoking experience for the listener.
10. As a solo artist, how do you stay motivated and inspired to continually push the boundaries of your craft?
It is a hard thing at times, there are always ups and downs. I have struggled with outreach and disappointment with that. However, my love for music and maintaining these key steps: Drawing Inspiration from Diverse Sources, Maintaining a Routine and Workspace, Engaging with the Music Community, Reflecting on Progress and Success and Staying True to Personal Vision.
11. Looking to the future, what can your fans expect next? Are there any new projects or directions you’re excited to explore in your music?
Some really exciting things! 1st. I was picked as part of Leprous’s new track Faceless to join in on it as part of the Choir/Backup vocals. That song just dropped! So check it out! 2nd. a new track that is quite a bit different then most of my previous work is coming out in November, so stay tuned for that!
Daniel Bohn - Musician (@projectdanielmusic) • Photos et vidéos Instagram
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