Brave
By: David E. Gehlke
Blistering.com: There’s quite a bit going on with melodically, especially with the aforementioned “Hold On” and the instrumental. Do you feel melody is at the root of what Brave does?
Michelle: There is no question that we are heavy on melodies, there is always a lot going on. We try to make it dynamic, have heavier sections with lots of melodies and harmonies and then break it down into something a bit more relaxed. We really are fans of musical diversity.
Blistering.com: As a vocalist, you do a good job of establishing yourself with going over the top. In what ways do you think you’ve developed since first joining the band?
Michelle: Thanks so much! I’ve grown so much as a singer compared to when we first started as Arise from Thorns back in 1997. I feel much more confident now in my abilities and in my writing and I think that comes across. I used to sound so timid, but that has changed a lot. I became ‘brave’ and just starting belting it out little by little as time went on.
Blistering.com: On a related note, there seems to be a major influx of female vocalists in metal. What is your opinion of this and do you take it as a challenge?
Michelle: Personally, I love it. I love how the female voice sounds up against crushing guitars and drums. I just love that contrast. I don’t take it as a challenge or a threat at all, I don’t feel competitive in that sense, I just enjoy that style. There have been so many bands with female singers that we have been compared to over the years and I’m just now starting to listen to them. I am just now really started getting into The Gathering, how crazy is that? They’ve been around for forever and are now broken up and I just now and getting into them. I’m also digging right now Lacuna Coil and Mortal Love.
Blistering.com: “Something to This” has a cool Euro-pop vibe to it, that’s new ground for the band. What made you try out something in this vein?
Michelle: We were not going for that type of sound at all, but we have always talked about getting experimental with some electronic drums and other synth tones and they found their way onto this song. Just something different and fun to change things up a bit.
Blistering.com: Suvo’s violins take a prominent role on the album. What type of things does he bring to the table?
Michelle: Suvo is an amazing violinist and he his hysterically funny! I never laugh more than I do when I’m around him. From the first time that we ever met and jammed with him, almost six years ago now, he was on the same page with us musically and personally. He brings so much to each song with the violin, whether it be on a solo, as a background effect or by harmonizing with the guitars. The addition of violin to our sound has really been fun to play with.
Blistering.com: Describe the working relationship between you and your brother, Scott?
Michelle: Unfortunately, I don’t have any juicy stories about us getting into fist fights or anything..haha… We’ve always been pretty close and get along pretty well. I’m also married to our drummer Trevor, so it’s been a family affair for a long time. All six of us actually are very close and get along really well.
Blistering.com: Any sort of odd tension between the two of you in the studio or on stage?
Michelle: No not really, fortunately we are usually in agreement about things in general. Every now and again we’ll disagree and I probably allow myself to get a little more saucy with him than with anyone else, just because I can…ha ha…but for the most part, it’s all good.
Blistering.com: What was your musical background like before joining Brave? Were you a metal chick?
Michelle: I was definitely a metal chick back in the day, but I’ve always had an intense love of all music. I never dreamed in a million years that I’d be singing in a band, but I’m so glad I stumbled into this. It’s been life changing to say the least!
Blistering.com: Finally, what’s on tap going into 2009?
Michelle: We love playing live, so I hope to get some more shows on the books. Ideally we’d love to tour so we’ll see if the right opportunity comes our way. Please check us out at www.myspace.com/braveband for the latest updates or email michelle@bravemusic.com for more info.
www.bravemusic.com
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