VOLUMES
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE SYNDICATE  l  WEBSITE: www.facebook.com/volumesband

Questions answered by Raad Soudani

How long did it take for the line-up of the band to settle and did you have a clear idea what type of music this band was going to make from the beginning?

We knew from the beginning what sound we were going to aim for after we formed the band within two months. Every person in the band is a long-time musician or engineer. So the experience was there and the collaboration worked well for us.

What lessons did you guys learn when you released the “The Concept of Dreaming” EP that made the recording and release of your new debut album “VIA” a lot easier?

We knew we had to take our two fan favourites “Intake” and “Wormholes” and re-release it onto the album as well as aim for the same element on the new album that these songs provide listeners.

Is this just a straight forward album or does it have a concept behind it and how does the album’s title “VIA” and cover art fit in with everything?

The album does have a concept to it. The cover art for “VIA” is basically a wormhole in the universe / current world that has opened. This portal leads to a new world run by conspiracy, technology, media that people are slowly falling into.

It probably isn’t that rare but seeing a Metal album with 12 songs on these days is impressive. How did the band approach the song writing process for this album?

The band has been working on songs since the beginning of 2009. Our EP came out at the end of 2010 so we have had more than enough time to achieve song writing. Also when we are on the road a lot, our producer Daniel Braunstein can work on any song.

Volumes is also a band that makes use of two vocalists. How would you describe each vocalist’s role in the band and how do they complement each other in the band’s music?

They both are lead vocals. We pretty much let them do whatever they want. They write songs together by collaborating ideas and songs and end up with what you hear. They both sound amazing together in the studio and complement each other so well, that people sometimes can’t tell the difference between their vocals. With a watchful ear, you can easily distinguish who is who.

One thing that I think is awesome about your band is that all the songs are recorded, mixed, and produced by the band itself. What made you decide to be so “hands on” with your music?

Before we even started the band, home recordings/studios were already in full affect. For the band it’s more of a hobby/passion. All members will be career engineers/producers/musicians.

For the guitar fans out there, which guitars do you currently use and did you use real amps or amp modelling for the guitars on “VIA” and what are your favourite guitar tunings at the moment?

Currently using Schecter c-7 hell raiser guitars and Axe-fx live. We used GTR for the recordings from Waves. We are currently in love with the A standard tuning.

When you started to learn how to play your instruments and develop your skills what were or still are your favourite songs by another artist to play?

The Faceless, Veil of Maya, and Meshuggah. These bands were so technical at the time and innovative that we would always cover their songs in the studio.

The band will be touring till mid December. What is your current vehicle of choice to travel with to shows and do people always bring along more things than what there is space for in the vehicle?

We are using the industry standard so to speak, Ford E350 and have two travelling trailers. One big, one small. Sometimes Diego and Raad bring 3 bags each and take up a lot of room in the small trailer. haha we are currently looking to upgrade to maybe a motorhome so we may bring a lot of crew members with us.

What do you guys usually do to pass the time between shows and how often do you get to tour with the same bands that you’ve bonded with on the road?

Party/collaborate with the other touring bands on social ideals or musical ideals. We even love to hang with our fans before and after shows to make it more personal.

Any other comments or anything else fans should look out for?

Purchase VIA at your local hot topic, best buy. Come to a show and meet us. Thank you guys for all the support we have been receiving and we will continue to provide everything people expect in a band.

INTERVIEW BY NEIL VAN ZYL