Tell us about Portland! I know they have one of the most famous skateparks called Burnside, famous artists got their breaks there, and such an eclectic music scene, what’s your thoughts on how the music scene is over there lately? Any spots you like to
go to?
I like the music scene here because it’s small and the venues are intimate. I usually go to the Hawthorne Theatre, The Bossanova Ballroom (on Burnside), The Roseland Theatre, or the Crystal Ballroom for bigger shows. I also enjoy seeing big bands at the Moda Center. There are some great local acts here too. My friend’s band Hippie Death Cult is quite good, and I recently saw a fun band called Danava at the Star Bar. It’s THE place for up-and-coming bands. Another cool local band is Witch Mountain. In fact, my Miss Randall singles from last year were recorded by Rob Wrong, their guitarist. Oh, and I also love Unto Others and would love to collaborate with them. That is truly my jam as well.
Tell us about your newest latest venture or a story about being on the road. Anything from scary to inspiring!
I think the scariest moments are the things that make us uncomfortable, like improvising or playing an impromptu show. This happened when I was in Europe last summer recording music in Germany, Finland, and Sweden. While in Finland, I went to one of my favorite band’s studios and recorded with Jan Rechberger (Amorphis) after getting off a plane what would be the drums to “Hell or High Water.” On my last day in Stockholm – literally getting on a plane to fly out at 8 am – I went to my friend’s house party in the suburbs and ended up jamming to songs that I’ve never played in my life with none other than this legendary Punk Rock saxophone player Claes Carlsson from
Ebba Grön.
Your latest single with your German bandmate Waldemar Sorychta in your band Qarinah, “Hell or High Water,” was recently released. Tell us the story about this song and the process!
This was an older tune of ours that was pretty much shaped up from the beginning. It was straightforward and right to it. When we got together in late 2022, we were leaving this one on the backburner but then we decided to make it the debut. The lyrics kinda came through in a moment of frustration and pure anger, as we had both been struggling to make a statement after feeling left behind by the music industry. Waldemar is an incredible musician, and yet, not many people know about him. That in itself is just wrong, he has worked with the best musicians in the industry, from Tristania, The Gathering, and Lacuna Coil. Aside from his amazing band Grip Inc., he has toured and played shows with Overkill, Therion, and currently, Exhorder. As for myself, I also have felt the brunt of feeling left behind by the “scene” but in truth, it’s because I never sold out, not even when I had the opportunity. So, with this song, we state that we’re here to say we’re back and stronger than ever!
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