Interview with Guitarist Maurice Scholz of Black Lilium
By Mick Michaels
Maurice Scholz: Hey there, thanks for having me.
CV: Do you feel Heavy Metal music in general is viewed differently by fans in Europe compared to fans elsewhere, especially in America, and if so why?
Maurice: I don't have the feeling that it is. Maybe back when the internet wasn't as prominent and access to different bands wasn't as huge so you only had a small variety representing the music.
Nowadays everyone can exchange music and thoughts on a whim so Metal has become a shared feeling. Now Japan on the other hand...haha ;)
CV: What do you feel makes Heavy Metal music so alluring to the fans? What is it about the music that personally resonates so strongly with you?
Maurice: I think the enormous flexibility is what lets so many people…me included, enjoy the genre. Metal is an outlet, a safety net, something that lets you reflect on your feelings, be it positive or negative.
But everyone has a different taste of course and that's where you can search a huge variety of sub-genres. And if you don't like any of them, well just create your own.
CV: Has Metal splintered into too many sub-genres in your opinion, thus, making it harder for newer bands to actually classify themselves as one style over another? Is it confusing for fans as well?
Maurice: Like I said I think the variety of Metal is what makes it so great. I don't think it's that important to exactly pinpoint what you're playing, especially if you tend to be experimental.
There are always overarching genres you can use anyway and at the end of the day people can just take out their smart phone and give you a listen in a matter of seconds.
Maurice: I don't have much involvement in the business given that Black Lilium is just a semi professional band but from what I can tell it's at an absolute low point. No gigs mean no money and everyone involved in this chain of income is equally affected. Many people will have to fear for their future. In the long term I think the internet will play a big part now, at least until there is a vaccine.
CV: What do you feel makes your band and its particular approach to songwriting work? What keeps the band together and making music?
Maurice: We're a band that puts a good song first and so we are willing to make individual sacrifices. We are coming from very different genres. I think it's the love for music in general that keeps us together.
CV: On a more global view, how do you see your band’s music and songwriting separating itself from just being another Heavy Metal act?
Maurice: That's always a hard thing to answer. I think we are pretty standard on a global scale of things.
The biggest difference is that we are more like a Pop/Rock band with heavy shoes. Riffing, vocals, drums they're all Pop/Rock but it's in the sound of Metal.
We also have a pretty wide range from melancholic melodies to friendly hooks.
Maurice: From the beginning people always have copied each other...not only in music but everywhere else.
I think the key factor is not if the music is new or something but the passion that went into it. We are individuals. It doesn't matter if you play the most basic Rock n' Roll or the most Experimental Alternative Math Core. As long as it comes from heart it will always be special.
That said, it's always a good idea to break out of your comfort zone and explore new things.
CV: Are there life lessons to learn being in a Heavy Metal band that you feel cannot be taught elsewhere? If so, what are they?
Maurice: I view playing in a band as being part of a family. You have to be honest and you have to be willing to make compromises. You plan your future together and everyone helps each other out.
I don't think it's Metal in general. I've seen it with Pop bands, duos, etc...
CV: What do you feel makes someone a “rock star”? Does being a rock star automatically make one iconic or are the two completely different in your opinion?
Maurice: Good question. I think a Rock Star is someone who always polarizes in the media. It doesn't matter being a good or bad influence he/she is always the talk of the people.
I think a person like that is always iconic to someone as a Rock Star is the embodiment of a certain lifestyle or values.
CV: What's next for you? What can fans expect to see coming as the world looks to surmount a new normal laced with a load of restrictions?
Maurice: As of now regulations have been partially lifted in Germany and we can rehearse again. In fact, right after I'm done answering these questions we'll have our first rehearsal in 3 months.
What comes in the future I can't say for sure but what I can say is that if we piqued interest in anyone they can visit us on our website to stay up to date. Links to our album and social media are included.
CV: Thank you again Maurice for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.
Check
out Black Lilium at:
Official: www.blacklilium.de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackliliumband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackliliumband
Official: www.blacklilium.de
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blackliliumband/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/blackliliumband
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
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