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Ana Bhraka | ||
JUNIORS CAVE INTERVIEW
Back in 2003, a band named Year of the Gone was formed in Ottawa, Ontario. But, not to long after that formation, the band's name was changed to Ana Bhraka to embrace a new age of music for the Canadian Rock Band. Today, the band is making music together that is fun and exciting. In 2008, the band released their first album (The Flowerbed of Oblivion) which has been receiving a ton a rave reviews from critics and fans alike. What makes this band a treat to listen to is their overall style of music which embraces elements of alternative, progressive, and ambient into their overall sound. Recently, Jane Eliot (vocals and guitar) of Ana Bhraka spent some time with our Webzine answering some Q&A in this revealing interview.
Isaac: What has been the best part of 2009 for you musically so far?
Jane: I would have to say all the of new fans, radio play, licensing as well as a lot of other opportunities that have begun cropping up as a result of the release of "The Flowerbed of Oblivion". The downside of that, however, is that as indie artists we have a hard time keeping up with the extra work while still maintaining the existence that made us artists in the first place. It becomes quite a catch-22… and in the end, you just do what you can - even if that means letting a lot of things slide.
Isaac: What do you feel has been the biggest accomplishment for 2009 so far?
Jane: Beginning the writing and piecing together of our new album. Overcoming the "sophomore curse" or "writers block" or whatever you like to call it, and just getting on with it.
Isaac: Describe the music scene in your area.
Jane: There is no one "scene"; it is varied just like anywhere else. Lots of punk, metal, indie bands and straight forward rock bands... We definitely feel like a bit of an odd duck in these parts, but we don't mind. We wouldn't have it any other way.
Isaac: What has been the best venue to perform at and why?
Jane: As far as local venues, there are a couple of places that are "best" for different reasons. Capital City Music Hall for its sound, Babylon for its atmosphere (lots of candles and couches) - and because they let us do whatever we want with the place - but my heart is in Montreal, really. I just love the feel of that city.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about whom were your biggest influences in the music industry and why?
Jane: I grew up on a steady diet of the Beatles like a lot of people, but I was very much affected the first time (or 50 times) I heard Pink Floyd's The Wall and Dark Side of The Moon, probably because it was all so cinematic. It was more than music. Also, The Doors had a special way of giving me that out-of-body feeling; I guess I am influenced by music that is more than just music but also an experience. Peter Gabriel and Genesis deserve a mention as well as some of my band mates were heavily influenced by them in their early years.
Isaac: Let's talk about what you feel you will bring to the music industry?
Jane: Being in a female-fronted "art-rock" band with a high-concept nature already sets us apart. Other than that, we are very consciously and purposefully trying to do a lot of things differently; not necessarily to "not be pigeonholed" so much as not offer the same sort of experience that someone else has already brought to the table. At the very least, we bring our own original perspective, which any self-respecting artist should strive to do. As Martha Graham so wisely put "..There is only one of you in all time. This expression is unique, and if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium; and be lost. The world will not have it." - so we say let 'em have it then.
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to work with one artist or group, who would it be and why?
Jane: It's hard to name just one; there are so many talented groups and artists out there (although a lot of them are dead, of course). Off the top of my head, I wouldn't mind a tour with groups such as Radiohead, Arcade Fire, or Neverending White Lights, because I love the atmosphere they create and the kinds of fans they attract.
Isaac: How would you describe your music to others?
Jane: I can't... other than to say it is ours. I prefer to let others describe it - which they always do much more eloquently and favourably than I ever could or would.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you received from fans about your music?
Jane: Of course they love it, that's why they are our fans. They say a lot of things often along the lines of "it's mysterious and dark, yet it makes them feel good". One thing that struck us was that many individually said something along the lines of 'they really relate to it and get it in a big way, but they're not sure if anyone else will' - which was interesting to hear, because it tells us they are taking it very personally and making it their own so to speak.
Isaac: Where can fans locate you at online?
Jane: All the usual places, anabhraka.com, MySpace, Facebook, etcetera. To get the actual music online, they can find us on iTunes, Rhapsody, eMusic, Amazon, Napster…
Isaac: What can fans expect from you in the next five years?
Jane: I don't know. It's impossible to predict that far ahead. At this point, we are just doing one thing at a time - we may implode, we may put out 3 double albums - who knows? Right now we are just writing material and hoping it's not going to come out shite. Also, lately we have been talking about doing a video from The Flowerbed of Oblivion, possibly for Blackstars.
Isaac: Time for some shout outs to your family, friends, and fans…
Jane: Much love and thanks to them all.
Isaac: Final words…
Jane: I don't believe anything is final… music, like life, is a journey with no particular destination.
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from Sonicbids artists for general review and feature consideration. some exposure in a modern, inventive publication with an established client base. |
