Interview with the Members of Calarook (Pirate Metal from Switzerland)

August 31, 2020

Interview with the Members of Calarook (Pirate Metal from Switzerland)

Photo by Dan's Art

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! Welcome to TheCosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.
Calarook: Ahoy! Thanks for your interest for an Interview. We responded as a band together.

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?
Calarook: They have many in common…but also some differences. We think that culture of a country has a lot of influence to the music. Not only in Heavy Metal.

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?
Calarook: We can only speak as fans ourselves…the pure energy, complexity and diversity of the music. The fans are mostly very open-minded. And of course they all love beer.

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?
Calarook: Since we declare our music as Pirate Metal, we might be a part of one of those confusing sub-genres. We think those sub genres, which are coming more, and more, defines the sound of a band more specifically. But no band is forced to use them. Everyone is free to use the classic sub-genre declarations. In this case we might be Folk Metal.

CV: How would you describe the current state of the music business considering we are now living in a COVID aware, and maybe even feared world? Have things drastically changed long-term for artists and bands given the recent pandemic? What are your thoughts?
Calarook: In fact, there are almost no live shows at the moment…even here in Switzerland, where the pandemic is under control. Since the music business nowadays lives from the live shows and not from the records anymore, the industry will have a lot of problems to come back after the pandemic. On the other hand, the online business is growing faster than ever…also with the streaming concerts. But it’s way harder to earn something with this concept.

CV: What do you feel makes your band and its particular approach to songwriting work? What keeps the band together and making music?
Calarook: First of all, we are like a small family. Having fun is always important when writing songs. The first parts of a song mostly arise from just jamming around. Those are then written down and are completed either just by writing or by jamming. A song is only finished, when everyone in the band can stand behind the song.

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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?
Calarook: When we started, we did not have the plan to make music like a specific band or two. Every one of us listens to different kinds of Metal and other genres. We wanted to make music, which we like ourselves. This way, we assume our music does not sounds like a regular Metal band.

CV: Can an artist truly be unique? Some would argue there is no such thing as being unique; that it’s nothing more than a compounding of influences making an artist who or what they are. Would this then say that artists today are destined to be just copies of those who have already come to pass?
Calarook: Yes and No. Regarding only Metal, it gets more and more difficult to be unique. The genre has existed for decades. Either you play it even harder or faster than every band before or you combine it with influences from other genres. The other way is to find a completely new technique for your instrument. Then you will be unique.

When we look at music in general, there are no boarders. Either you take a concept which is already established or you think outside the box and create something completely new.

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?
Calarook: Always thank the crew at a concert. They are responsible for how you sound and that you look good at a concert. Do not be arrogant to them.

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?
Calarook: From a business view: From the point where you can make music for a living.

From a fans view: Like Lemmy once said: “If you're going to be a fucking rock star go be one. People don't want to see the guy next door on stage; they want to see a being from another planet. You want to see somebody you'd never meet in ordinary life”.
We could not say it better.

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?
Calarook: The release of our debut album “Surrender Or Die” on September 11^th. It’s a good soundtrack for the time at home, since you can feel a bit like a pirate while listening to it. And maybe when all this is over, we will someday even come over this big lake to party with you in America.

CV: Thank you again for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.
Calarook: Thank you too! It was a pleasure. All the best to you too. Stay safe!

Calarook is:
Philipp Wyssen: Vocals
Lukas Mischler: Violin
Nico Wiget: Guitar
Flavio Pompeo: Bass
Yves Locher: Drums

Check out Calarook at:

Official: https://www.calarook.ch/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Calarook.Metal/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Calarook

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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.