Interview with the band Astraya
by Mick Michaels
Cosmick View: Hello, and welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.
Melina: Hello! Thank you so much for having us!
CV: Artists face a lot of adversity and moments of having no control in such a turbulent music industry. How do you overcome those times as an artist when things look bleak?
Melina: I agree that during all the debates about streaming, AI, and the changing landscape of the music industry, there are moments when you wonder: should we even continue? Is all this effort worth it? Yet, the urge to create music is something intrinsic—it’s woven into who we are. It doesn’t vanish just because the odds of achieving significant success are slim.
At its core, making music is about joy and passion. It’s about the thrill of expression, the magic of bringing sounds and emotions to life. That’s something we’ve never truly lost; if anything, we’ve found it again and again, even in the most uncertain times.
And then there’s the extraordinary feeling when your music touches someone else. That connection—however small or fleeting—reminds you that your work matters. And in those moments, you realize that pride and fulfillment aren’t measured by charts or numbers, but by the joy of creation and the shared experience of the music itself.
CV: What's one of the hardest obstacles you have faced as a band? What lessons did you take from it that have made you a better, stronger group?
Melina: The hardest part for us as a band was finding the right members—and also having the courage to realize when someone no longer fit and making the difficult decision to part ways. Since we became complete with Klaus and Tobi, everything has felt so much simpler, flowing naturally.
We’ve learned the importance of clear communication and dividing responsibilities. It’s also essential that all band members share the same goals. This process took a long time and cost us a lot of effort, but it was worth it.
With the production of our new album, we’ve grown tremendously more professional. Everything now feels more focused, efficient, and in harmony—both in our music and in the way we work together.
CV: Does a band and its music need to be shocking or over-the-top in order to garner an audience’s attention these days? Is good songwriting not enough anymore?
Melina: I do think that good songwriting alone isn’t enough today. Although, to be honest, I don’t think it ever really was. Without the right contacts, the right network, breaking through has probably always been a challenge.
What really matters is persistence. Whether you like it or not, you have to engage with social media and everything that comes with it. And you mustn’t lose heart when the success you expected doesn’t arrive immediately.
The beauty of platforms like YouTube and streaming services is that they give you the chance to reach almost anyone in the world. For those of us making niche music, that’s incredible. The real task lies in finding your audience, connecting with them, and holding onto that connection. It’s a slow, often uncertain journey—but when it works, it reminds you why you make music in the first place.
CV: The bands latest single, "A Spark Within," is now available. Tell plus a little a bit the song and what inspired it.
Melina: "A Spark Within" holds a very special place for us. It came to life almost effortlessly, and from the very first moment we knew it had to be the opener of our new record Atropine – and introduce this new chapter of Astraya as our first single. We love playing it live because it carries so much power.
It also marks the first time we allowed ourselves to lean into something brighter. The song begins in darkness, almost fragile and uncertain, but as it unfolds, a quiet strength emerges. By the end, it carries a simple but powerful message: no matter how heavy the night may feel, there is always a way forward, as long as you hold on to hope.
Video to A Spark Within:
CV: What influences your writing style, and what do you feel it offers you uniquely setting Astraya’s music apart from others?
Melina: Our musical tastes as a band are quite diverse—each of us brings our own influences and styles into the mix. When we first came together in 2018, we started writing songs and jamming without any clear direction. Some of those early pieces even leaned toward pop, and we even experimented with a folk song at one point.
By the time we recorded our first EP in 2019, we consciously selected three tracks where the signature ASTRAYA sound was beginning to take shape—a sound that still defines us today: dark, atmospheric compositions without strict structures, featuring clear female vocals and lyrics that carry emotional depth and meaning.
Every note carries a weight of longing, a restlessness, and a desire to journey far beyond the ordinary.
CV: What does music mean to you? How has it changed your life, and what do you believe music has given you that nothing else would have?
Melina: Having struggled with anxiety and depression for many years, I can honestly say that without music, I wouldn’t have made it through the darkest phases of my life. That’s why I consider music as my best friend—someone I can always rely on, who never abandons me, and reliably allows me to escape the present and dive into another world.
CV: What more can fans expect to see coming from Astraya in 2026 and beyond?
Melina: We’re thrilled to announce that our second single, “A Theory Of Time”, will be out on April 8th! We’ve also created an amazing music video to bring the song to life, and we can’t wait for you to see it.
Then, on April 24th, our full album Atropine will finally be released. You can pre-order it now through this link and be among the first to dive into the world of ASTRAYA. So, for us, there are exciting times ahead—we can’t wait to share it with you!
CV: Thanks again for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.
Check out Astraya at:
And Pictures:
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, author, show host, big 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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