Interview with Guitarist Raphael of Prior the End (Germany)




By Mick Michaels




COSMICK VIEW: Hello, Raphael! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with me, it's greatly appreciated.

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?
Raphael: Since I don’t have first-hand insights in foreign Metal-Cultures like the US for example, I can only assume that the main aspect to distinguish the European fans is their Festival-Lifestyle. Non-European Artists often seem to consider Europe as one of their favorite destinations because of its refined Festival-Culture which contains multiple days of communal experience. Regarding the taste in music, I think that it's becoming more and more diverse considering the growing mixture of folk and modern genres.

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?
Raphael: I think the unity in expressing intense emotions through powerful sonical art is the most intriguing part of Metal Music. It’s channeling raw feelings one might not show in daily life. Also the appreciation and the incorporation of all different kinds of styles by honoring musical craftsmanship is a stand out for me.

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?
Raphael: If we wouldn’t think in categories, it would be much easier to be honest. On the other hand, it might be a tool to display the incredible diversity of Metal and Rock. Oops, I did it myself.

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?
Raphael: As for financially dependent artists, it’s extremely hard. Germany doesn’t quite shine when it comes to cultural work in its full dimension. So the support is rather limited. There is almost no safety net which makes planning an unbelievably hard task.

CV: What do you feel makes your band and its particular approach to songwriting work? What keeps the band together and making music?
Raphael: The aspiration not to repeat ourselves. We’re always longing for something new. This keeps you moving forward. I cannot tell if we’re actually successful with it, since I’m too involved, but we’re trying our best. 

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?  Raphael: Starting with not considering us a Heavy Metal act. See, there is the genre thing again. I like to think that one doesn't know what we are going to do next. So this could be something separating us from others.

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?
Raphael: In a scientific way that statement is actually kind of accurate. There are only so many chords and melodies you can play. But I think the human being behind it often is neglected. Even if it’s hard, don’t think too much about what you are doing and it will become unique, because you are unique. It’s the combination of personal delivery and cultural influences what will make you owning it.

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?
Raphael: There are certain things that just don’t give you the fulfillment that you seek by doing them alone.

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?
Raphael: Since there are too many “stars” that are anything but iconic to me, that’s a highly debatable topic and perhaps pretty subjective.

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?
Raphael: The release of our upcoming second album ‘Cutting My Roots’ on the 13th of May. We finally feel it’s the right time after a long wait.

CV: Thank you again Raphael for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.
Raphael: Thank you for having us. Stay safe.

Check out Prior the End at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/priortheend
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priortheend/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/PTEofficial

 

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, 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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