Interview with Deha vocalist and all instruments of Slow done by Patrick
1.Hello Deha please introduce yourself to the readers? How are things going in Belgium these days?
Well, I am Déhà, 1985, musician, music producer (mix, master, recording), music coach (musicology, vocal coach ...) and trying to become freelance in music producing as my main job.
I am doing quite fine, despite the insane rain and cold weather here, hah.
2.When did you first become interested in writing and playing music?What was the first instrument you learned to play?What instruments do you currently play and are their any instruments you would like to learn one day?
Ouf.
I think I got interested in music back in 1989 when I was just four years old. From there, I’ve listened a lot, carefully, just listened, but I remember back then we had AMIGA computers, and I discovered that programs such as OCTAMED were sound trackers, kind of an old-school digital audio workstation, used to make video games music. So I started like this.
I’ve learnt to play guitar first, but it’s not my main instrument. As I learnt by myself, I am quite incapable to play live with guitars. So I consider myself more of a bassist. I also play a bit of piano and drums.
I’ve learnt to play guitar first, but it’s not my main instrument. As I learnt by myself, I am quite incapable to play live with guitars. So I consider myself more of a bassist. I also play a bit of piano and drums.
I’d love to be able to play those instruments masterfully. And violin / cello / Theremin. Mostly.
3.Who are some of your influences and favorite musicians?
Too many to say, seriously.
4.Deha you started Slow in 2007 when did you first get the idea to start this band?
I wanted something which was a ‘trip’ to deep waters, and space at the same time. This kind of darkened blue mood. For me, it almost was the antithesis of Yhdarl, which was primal darkness, suicide, and so on. Now I believe Slow has emerged to something better since “Gaïa”, when I introduced voices to the band. Maybe a bit more mainstream, per se? But it has become what I wanted, and it is even more amplified by the presence of Lore in the band.
5.Who would you say are Slow's biggest influences?
Darkness, serenity, drowning, voyage, Blue.
There are no musical influences in Slow. I never influence myself with other music.
6.I believe you are the sole member of Slow did you plan on working as a one man band or would you like to find new musicians to work with?
Well, Lore got into the band this year, as I was composing/finalizing the latest album “V – Oceans”. For me, she is a milestone, despite such a small time she’s been in the band.
As for composing… I think we would stay like this right now. If one day we go live, then, I already know who I would ask. (Dan if you read.) It’s true that I am taking care of almost everything in the band (all instruments, voices, production), but once again: Lore gives me limits and puts other limits away. The workload is more than shared.
7.If you had the opportunity to work with any musicians{past or present} who would you like to work with?
Hm. I believe I would go for Jacques Brel, first. Then I’d love to work with Devin Townsend, or Ihsahn. But I’d add Diamanda Galas also. I have no idea, too many outstanding artists. As much as for example I would love to collaborate with my friend Amduscias from Temple of Baal.
8.V-Oceans is Slow's fifth full length which is being released through Code666 how did you come in contact with this label?
I have no damn idea. I was contacted by them, out of nowhere. It’s still an amazing shock. I didn’t even go to ask or else.
9.How long did it take to write the music for V-Oceans?
June 15th 2015 until June 15th 2017. Two years.
I know the dates because it was just on the day that Shape Of Despair released their masterpiece Monotony Fields. Fate had it that I finished two years later.
I know the dates because it was just on the day that Shape Of Despair released their masterpiece Monotony Fields. Fate had it that I finished two years later.
10.Besides the upcoming release are any of Slow's previous releases still available for the readers to buy?Besides physical releases do you have any other merchandise available for the readers to buy if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
Right now, only digital. Yet I am planning some reissues of the other albums, in case. Priority being on album IV & III.
No merch, unfortunately.
No merch, unfortunately.
Everything digital is on musicalexcrements.bandcamp.com
11.Besides working Slow do you currently play in any other solo projects or bands?If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
I am pretty known in the ‘scene’ to have a lot of bands & solo projects. Yet the main ones are :
. Clouds (international / atmospheric doom)
. Ter Ziele (Belgium / Depressive black / doom)
. Imber Luminis (solo / atmospheric something metal)
. Maladie (Germany / progressive black metal)
. and I would stop here.
12.When not working on new music or band business what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I try to make photo retouching under the monicker I BREATHE NEEDLES. Or well, the typical : games, listening to music, watching movies, …
Yet : I don’t have a lot of free time. Which is okay.
13.Thank you Deha for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final words for the readers?
Don’t be ignorant.
Band Contacts
https://www.facebook.com/slowdooom/
https://musicalexcrements.bandcamp.com/
