nasmore has perfected a unique sonic formula over time. What makes the artist's music so special is an incredible blend of influences, all performed with personality and passion. On the one hand, listeners will recognize the immediate edge of indie rock. On the other, it is impossible not to immediately latch on to the massively appealing pop hooks that drive the artist's music. nasmore's most recent studio work, "Welcome to the Hell," is actually a fantastic example of this remarkably executed balance of styles and influences. This track is a collaboration between nasmore and two amazing artists: Neil Taylor & La Strange. There is so much chemistry going on here, and the emotional impact that drives "Welcome to the Hell" is absolutely undeniable.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey nasmore, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. How has the time gone for you since our last interview?
Hey Kamil! Nice to chat with you too. The time flew by so fast, like a blink of an eye. Lots of work, many projects on the go, lots of new, very talented people met, and lots of music air pumped.
What role does the artist have in society?
Oh, this is an interesting question. I guess it depends on the artist and our perception of an artist, right? It could be anywhere from a clown to a role model, but we all tend to think of an artist as a role model. Because when asked this question, we think of an artist we admire. OK, I don't know what the right answer is. You are getting us into the whole lifetime-long social psychology topic, haha.
Your latest song is 'Welcome to the Hell'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
This track is a collaboration with two amazing artists: Neil Taylor & La Strange. Stylistically it is a fusion of cinematic industrial rock, a little bit of heavy metal, and a pinch of pop. There is so much chemistry mixed in this song to trigger your imagination and drag your mind to visit dark places. Hell, for example, hehe. Remember this famous saying by Freddie Mercury? He said:
"Oh, I was not made for heaven. No, I don't want to go to heaven. Hell is much better. Think of all the interesting people you're going to meet down there!" One day this quote just pops up in my mind, and I start envisioning these surreal, grotesque pictures of twisted reality. Like I am in a fantasy world on the streets of the middle eastern market and talking to this evil-looking travel agent lady. And she says with this thick Moroccan accent: "Hello dear! Do you believe in Hell? Did you ever think about what it is like? Would you like to take a peek? Just for a day or two? Stay in a hotel situated by the beautiful burning sea of lava with a nice spectacular view of torture and punishment. Or maybe visit a rock concert thrown by the Devil himself? Most of us humans do not require a reservation. Curios now? Well. Just come pick your nightmare, and we will serve it to you, cooked to perfection. Regardless of what your plans are, you are always Welcome to the Hell!"
Then almost immediately, I had this whole song in my head. It took me only half an hour to write the lyrics and record a melody (I was simply pouring it. A rare surprise!). And then the real work began. I knew it had to be a duet, and I knew I needed a gritty hard rock male voice and a beautiful yet very powerful female voice. So I called Neil asking if he wanted to participate, I played him a demo, and he said Yes! He likes dark music. His voice fits the song perfectly, and that guitar solo he played, ufff, it gives me goosebumps every time! Then I thought of La Strange. Her voice is amazing! It's big and very, very powerful! Just as I wanted! And I thought her experience singing for Cirque Du Soleil was a big advantage. And she likes dark too! I feel lucky to have this amazing duet performing on Welcome to the Hell! And I must give huge credit and thank you to Chris Egert, our God of Sound, who mixed and mastered it to perfection.
So that's how it was made.
What's your strongest memory of your childhood?
Good or bad? Did you say bad? OK. How bad? Oh, that bad? Hahaha. OK, but no, it's too embarrassing.
What's your most embarrassing moment?
See above, please.
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
Are you hinting that the artist is either way too busy to have a life or too deep into the artistic process to be surrounded by people? Not at all. None of it applies to me, though. I'm surrounded by people I love, and I appreciate them being around me.
What is your dream project?
I would love to collaborate with many great artists and then, one day, throw one big joint concert. Dreams, dreams, dreams… Well, you are probably dead if you don't dream, right?
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
If such a person ever existed, I would like to know them! Only to tell them – don't do it and make your own footsteps! Then if they insist, oh well, OK, I would say, "work hard and prepare to fail because you will fail many times until you see the fruit!"
When were you generally fulfilled in your position as an artist?
I am not quite sure. Possibly It happened when one famous producer friend of a friend changed "your stuff is a waste" to "your stuff has a potential."
What can we expect from nasmore in the near future?
A promise! When I decided to invest my time and resources in music, I knew I had to work hard, always keep my mind open, learn-learn-learn and learn again, and be prepared for all kinds of failures. So, I am committed to surprising my fans and giving them what they like – good music.