Interview with Mohammed Maki of Shivered

June 03, 2024

Interview with Mohammed Maki of Shivered

By Mick Michaels

COSMICK VIEW: Hello! 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?
Mohammad Maki: I’m not aware of Europe and America since I’ve never been there but in Iran it’s very diverse, some consider it “Evil“ and “forbidden” but some folks love it to death.

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?
MM: I think Heavy Metal fans are way more dedicated to music than other genre’s because the Metal is just more honest and comes from the heart, Melody combined with powerful lyrics really resonates with 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?
MM: I’ve seen couple of sub-genre’s that are solely based on the subject of lyrics and those really confused me, I don’t like over-complicated stuff so in my opinion I don’t think we need more sub-genres in Metal music.

CV: How would you describe the current state of the music business considering we are now living in a post-COVID world? Have things drastically changed long-term for artists and bands given the recent pandemic? What are your thoughts?
MM: COVID is not serious anymore so I don’t think it’s something to be worried about.

CV: What do you feel makes your band and its particular approach to songwriting work? What keeps the band together and making music?
MM: I’m basically a solo artist for now, I write my own music and play all the instruments, I had hired session musicians but never had anyone who played an instrument as a band member. Being a solo artist has its advantages and disadvantages but I’m managing to do it.

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?
MM: I don’t limit “Shivered“ to only one genre and the next album could be radically different so I think Heavy Metal fans should expect the unexpected with “Shivered“

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?
MM: Truly unique in sense of style/looks and personality yeah I believe an artist can be unique but in their music I don’t think a band can be truly unique. There is an influence somewhere there.

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?
MM: I made tons of great friends through the years and I’m 100% sure if it weren’t for Metal music or music in general I would be loneliest man on the earth without any friends.

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?
MM: To be honest the word “Rockstar“ have lost its value over the years, since tons of Popstars and even rappers have called themselves Rockstars I don’t think we will see another true rockstar like “Kurt Cobain“ or “Freddie Mercury“ again.

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?
MM: Fans should expect the unexpected with “Shivered “I don’t like repeating myself so it’s either something different or nothing.

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.
MM: Thank you so much for having me, take care.

Check out Shivered at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shivered

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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.