Interview by Miriam C.
GOLD are not afraid to show themselves for what they are: some real openminded artists that love speak out for their ideas without shying from it. If you expect that “No Image” to be a sort of continuation of “Interbellum”, well, my dear you’re totally wrong. As singer Milena Eva stated many times during this interview “No Image” represents a sort a brand new start after being clearly musically misunderstood during the promotion of their debut.
On 24th October, GOLD has released their second album “No Image”, what you can say about its genesis?
With writing our first album we really tried to be original. Unintentionally we were invested in a scene and a genre that was hard to shake off. The most important thing with writing this album was showing our true selves and I know we succeeded. We do not hide.
“No Image” was recorded and mixed by Jeff Zeigler. He isn’t the typical producer that a metal band would choose due to his indie background (I’m not saying that’s a bad idea at all, IMO) but why and did you decide to work with him?
We needed to work with someone who could tell this dark and somber story with us. Jeff‘s previous work made us believe that he knew how to make a cold and sharp album with heavy guitars and soft, intimate vocals. It sounds dark, heavy, somber and real and that’s exactly what we needed it to be.
Also connected to the previous question, how was working with him? Musically speaking, in which direction did he help GOLD? And how did his indie rock background influence the band?
Working with him was good. He came all the way to Amsterdam (Amsterdam Recording Company) for us, which probably took him a little bit out of his comfort zone. For us it was new and exciting to have someone, a complete stranger, with a fresh view on our music.
I remember that “Interbellum” was released back in 2012. If you could draw a parallel between “Interbellum” and “No Image”, how did the band evolve from your debut?
With “No Image” we liberated ourselves. When Thomas and I wrote “Interbellum” GOLD had never been on stage. We were naïve. After playing that album over and over again we didn’t recognize ourselves in it anymore. We thought we made a really open minded album. But I guess we unintentionally wrote the album with a specific genre or scene in mind. With writing “No Image” we kept reminding each other that we wanted to make an album as open minded as we are ourselves.
In 2014, you welcomed Tim Meijer as your new bass player and beside playing the bass he produces beats for a Dutch hip hop project, how Tim‘s peculiarity blends into GOLD‘s musical view?
GOLD‘s musical view is dominated by Thomas and me. Tim makes his mark while creating his own bass parts.
GOLD was initially conceived in 2011 by you and Thomas. Your mission statement was (and I quote) “to play a distinct form of heavy rock as a monument to civilization’s decline”. Now, after 2 albums and 4 years of activity, did something change? Do you feel that this mission is fulfilled or it deserved to be get more explored?
GOLD has always been a mirror to society. This album is about reality. On “No Image” I try to explain my vision on life itself. I’m very honest about how fucked up life actually is and that we are all tired of it. We all try to hide from it. Everything on this album is pure and honest. The difference between “Interbellum” and “No Image” is that this time we didn’t hide behind empty metaphors or virtuoso guitar licks. So I think we just got more real.
The band identifies themselves as feminists and you have a singular post-urban world view: no borders, no sexism, no racism, no birthrights, so equality for all but how all this reflects in GOLD‘s lyrics?
This reflects in the honesty you find in the lyrics. When I write about life I write about repetition and how exhausting it is. When I write about love I also write about mortality. When I write about victory I don’t deny the fact that that comes with a price tag. So many of us need drugs or medication to feel accepted and understood. To experience life you have to be sad sometimes. “No Image” is a call to vulnerability and empathy. For me the logical result to being vulnerable and empathetic is equality.
I’d like to be provocative now, I totally agree and I’m against the racism and the sexism but in this case, let me get straight with you, do you think it’s possible to, in some way, shy away from any random label (I refer to the sexual orientation or being a black or white coloured person for example) where the world is established on it?
It requires an effort, but it’s definitely possible.
I think that the style of the cover album will raise many questions: it’s totally black with a simple light gray writing. Do you any specific reason for this choice?
The artwork consists of an image that is made of letters that spell “No Image”. It’s a crooked smile. It’s supposed to appear hopeless, but when you look a little closer it makes you smile.
Would you like to spend some words about the video of “Servants”? It’s quite striking how you have depicted today’s reality…
With the video for “Servant” we wanted to make something memorable and miserable. It’s a combination of harsh hyperrealism and happy cheerful emoji’s. It is up to the viewer to look at the happy stuff in front or the cruel reality in the back. It is exactly what we do on Facebook every day. We serve you a lot of stuff to think about and then we treat you on some fluffy goofball cats. Take life seriously but enjoy it while it lasts.
Instead, what insights you can share about the song “Shapeless” that you have recently premiered via Terrorizer?
“Shapeless” is about the desire to evaporate. To be a small numb particle of the great big nothing.
What are your next tour plans? Where your fans can catch you in the next days? Do you have any plans for a full EU tour?
We just came home from our release tour through Europe. We’re working on new shows in 2016.
So, Milena Eva, it’s time for your parting words – I really thank you for your time – please greet freely our readers and your fans. Thanks again!
Don’t hide behind traditions, coolness and norms, be vulnerable and have empathy.
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