Interview with Guitarist Alex Mele of REQUIEM'S EMBRACE

July 15, 2024

Interview with Guitarist Alex Mele of REQUIEM'S EMBRACE

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?
Alex Mele: I think maybe in Europe we have a more traditional way of seeing heavy metal! You know, most of the bands that invented the genre are English or German….

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?
AM: Really don’t know for other people but for me heavy metal is more than a religion… I like to collect bands discography and LIVE the music… for me is more than a simple song… I don’t know if you understand what I mean.

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?
AM: Oooh yes… but I suppose this is hard only for the new fans of Metal! For me exist only HEAVY FUCKING METAL… and maybe I can split in 3 or max 4 sub genres! You know… Classic… death/thrash, progressive, power/symphonic… and stop!

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?
AM: Actual status is terrible! Covid has finished killing a genre that was already dying. The new generations are only interested in naked women and not in the quality of the product! The genre survives thanks to us old users. At concerts you always see the same faces.

CV: What do you feel makes your band and its particular approach to songwriting work? What keeps the band together and making music?
AM: Well… we have released the debut EP right now so this is a very new band! Of course I am Kaledon’s guitar player and in that case, only passion is the key to staying united.

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?
AM: In reality it is in fact yet another band that offers a genre that is now inflated, but this is my band, my emotions and my style! So it will necessarily be different 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?
AM: Let's say that being original in 2024 is almost impossible, especially in this genre! But what I try to do when I write a record is to put the influences that I have collected in more than 30 years of music into my writings. So maybe this is the only key that differentiates my band from others. Everyone has different influences.

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?
AM: There are life lessons to be learned in every community! Being part of a team means that you have to put your ego aside and you have to work for the community and not for yourself.

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?
AM: Ahuauhauh in 2024? Rock star means to playing music in front of a pc while drinking ice tea ahuahuahuahu…. I only care about making good music... the rest is boredom.

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?
AM: Really don’t know… I try to live day by day and if I find the right inspiration I write new music. Then…I’ll try to release it in some way… this is the way….

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.
AM: Many Thanks… my pleasure… cheers!

Check out REQUIEM'S EMBRACE at:

Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/p/Requiems-Embrace-61555859811019/&ved=2ahUKEwinmdin55yHAxWmkIkEHbGUCxIQFnoECAgQAg&usg=AOvVaw1PzjpaCpWDUjtaBvegdWaQ

Sleaszy Rider Records: https://sleaszyrider.com/artist/requiems-embrace/

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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.