Interview with Maestus done by Patrick
1. Hello, how are things going in Oregon this week? Please introduce yourself to the readers?
SP:
Hello, Patrick. Things are going well in Portland. It’s the rainy season here, but that’s good for inspiration.
2. When did you first meet
the other members of the band and was it long before you all started Maestus? How did you choose Maestus as the name of the band does it have a special meaning?
SP:
I started Maestus in 2013 after wanting to explore a more melodic and deliberate side of my creative outlets. At first, the band was solely a studio project with myself and a friend/collaborator who goes by the name Sophos. Because we weren’t concerned about performing in a live setting,
it wasn’t until we had an option to perform that we sought out other musicians. Most of us in Maestus
have been writing and collaborating for the better part of 10 years. Kenneth and I are brothers and were previously in Arkhum, a black/death metal project that featured both NK (guitars) and CL (drums) at one time or another. Our keyboardist, SB, performed with many Californian black metal and progressive bands during the early-to-mid 2000s.
3.Deliquesce is the bands second full length which is being released through Code666 in Feb.2019 when did you and the band first come in contact with this label?
SP:
When we were recording the album in early 2018 we were thinking of many different options for labels. We reached out to some who weren’t interested, and then some that had full schedules for the next 12-15 months. After a productive dialog, Code666 reached out to us about releasing Deliquesce and we were very excited. They’ve had a great roster over the years. Amesours, Fen, Dynfari, Imperial Triumphant, etc etc. On and on. They’re a great label.
4. Does the whole band take part in the writing process or does one member usually write everything? The songs are very long and epic in length so I was curious how long does it usually take to complete one song?
SP:
For Deliquesce, the majority of the creative collaborations were between myself and SB. One, or both, of us would “hear” a riff, or keyboard part and then begin building off of that. I handled the majority of the guitar parts but there were times where she would sound out a guitar part
that was floating in her head, then I would interpret that. SB handled all of the piano & keyboard compositions. The fundamental aspect of the drums is something I lay out via MIDI, but ultimately, Cordell takes those basic ideas and crafts something that
will complement the music far better than I ever could.
The length of time it takes to complete a song varies. The ‘Black Oake’ rack took months to get to its current state, and for a while, I contemplated throwing it out entirely. But SB persisted, so the composition continued and we changed it probably 50 separate times to get it where it is today. Now it’s my favorite song to perform from Deliquesce.
5. Who usually handles writing the lyrics for the music what are some topics written about on the new release?Which usually comes first the music or the lyrics?
SP:
The music definitely comes first in our process. Often I’ll have an idea for a lyrical theme, but the writing process doesn’t usually begin until I’m prepared to begin building the vocal arrangements. SB and I will usually come up with an idea, maybe a handful of stanzas that fit to the music, and then KRP will help us to smooth them out so they flow better. He has a great eye for lyrics, as he writes them in most of the bands he works with.
6.Besides the upcoming Deliquesce
release are there any copies of the debut release still available to purchase? Besides physical releases does the band have any other merchandise currently available if yes what is available and where can the readers buy it?
SP:
Yes, we have a small number of copies of our record Voir Dire available through Glossolalia
Records here. We also have a Deliquesce t-shirt available here
which features artwork by Misanthropic Art. That one’s available in all sizes. More t-shirts, patches, and stickers are in the works and will be available nearer to the release of the album.
7.Has the band ever thought of making a music video for any of the bands songs? If you had the opportunity to make a video for any of the songs off of the Deliquesce release which song would you like to see made into a video?
SP:
Yes, we’ve definitely thought of making a music video for one of the songs. In a perfect world, I’d love to make videos for the majority of our songs. The length and arrangements of these songs allow for a lot of visuals & creative expression. In the future, we will absolutely make videos to accompany our music.
8.Does Maestus play live very often or do you prefer working in the studio? What have been some of the bands most memorable shows over the years?
SP:
I don’t usually like to lump
playing live and working in the studio together. Only because they’re completely different beasts. I enjoy playing live just as much as I enjoy writing and recording in the studio. I also handle all the engineering and recording for the band, so it’s fun in a different way, and we get to approach it from yet another creative angle. Both live and studio work are enjoyable, for different reasons.
9. Are there any tours or shows planned in 2019 in support of the new release? If yes where will the band be playing and who are some bands you will be sharing the stage with?
SP:
Yes, we are in the process of planning some unique lineups for select shows throughout the year. I shouldn’t say exactly which bands we’ve spoken to about tours, but we’re all excited about the possibilities that are in the works.
10. Besides working in Maestus
do you or the other members currently play in any other bands or solo projects? If yes please tell the readers a little about them?
SP:
The majority of our members have their hands in plenty of other pots. My other full-time focus is Pillorian and a close second would be my solo project
The Will of A Million. Both projects are working on new records this winter, hopefully for releases later in 2019.KRP, CL, and NK have a project called Lodge of the Empty Bed, with a couple of them playing in Grst. Another related project is Gash, a death metal band. Many of these releases can be found on Glossolalia Records, a label run by KRP.
11.2018 is almost over what
have been some of your favorite bands and releases in 2018?
SP:
We’ve been listening to the new material from YOB, Infernal Coil, Thy Catafalque, Aphex Twin, Behemoth, Akitsa, Sumac, Ellorsith, Yellow Eyes, Hyperdontia, Convulsing. There’s been a lot of good records this year, and of course, this list isn’t exhaustive. In addition to 2018 release, we’ve also been listening to a heap of Kauan, Armagedda, and Skogen.
12.
Thank you for taking the time to fill this interview out do you have any final comments for the readers?
SP:
Thanks to any who read this far. Enjoy your winters.
Band Contacts
https://maestus.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/maestusdoom
Label Contacts
http://www.code666.net/
https://auralmusic.bandcamp.com/
