Interview By Si Smith
From a self-production entitled "F*** you all" back when the band were called The Core, these guys have come a long way. Reactions to their debut were mixed, many unsure what label to put on the band, with many finally settling for "modern metal" as a suitably vague non-description. But it is clear from "Eleven Scars" that this time My Inner Burning are here to prove what defines them; from the opening bars it is a bold statement of self-identity. I spoke to the illustrious Becky to hopefully unpeel some of the scars.....
From the first guitar intros of "Masquerade" it is clear that My Inner Burning are a very heavy band. What is it like as a singer for a band with such a heavy sound? Do you find that the fans accept you immediately as a female frontperson?
I´m asked that quite often. I had no problems being accepted as a female frontperson so far. In the past I sang in an alternative rockband with a considerably softer sound, but I have to say that metal makes me feel home and I really need that heavy sound.
"Eleven Scars" is not a concept album as such but there do seem to be central themes. As lyricist, where do you look for your inspiration, particular on some of the darker topics? Is there a lot of your personal experience in there or is some of it "artistic license"?
That´s right, "11 Scars" is no concept album. The themes of the songs are very different but they have one thing in common which is melting them together. The fact that it is a dramatic theme circling around the psyche of people. It’s about inner thoughts and feelings, experiences, fear and desire which are leaving a scar on your body and soul. Of course my own experiences and feelings are flowing in there too.. "When I´m Gone" for example, deals with a broken friendship of mine. I find my inspiration in people who had crossed my life or even accompanied me for a while. My lyrics are more like thoughts from different views than completed stories.
Generally speaking it seems that reviewers have been kinder to the band following this second release than many were following your self-titled debut. What do you think has changed about the band that makes this album so much more appealing than the last?
The new album is groovier and darker and all in all it’s a little more coherent than the first one. The basic structure of our first cd was already done before the band was completed, but with "11 Scars" we recorded an album where all of us worked together as a team right from the start.
Many labels have been thrown around regarding My Inner Burning - from gothic to modern to groove to melodic to heavy - Becky, where would you place MIB on the metal spectrum? What other musical influences are important to the band?
Many labels have been thrown around regarding My Inner Burning - from gothic to modern to groove to melodic to heavy - Becky,where would you place MIB on the metal spectrum? What other musical influences are important to the band?
Many labels have been thrown around regarding My Inner Burning - from gothic to modern to groove to melodic to heavy - Becky, where would you place MIB on the metal spectrum? What other musical influences are important to the band?
Many labels have been thrown around regarding My Inner Burning - from gothic to modern to groove to melodic to heavy - Becky, where would you place MIB on the metal spectrum? What other musical influences are important to the band?
That is in fact a difficult question. But it is not that important for me. I would just say metal, but for the people who need a more specific description to know what "11 Scars" sound like I would say gothic metal.
You released some videos on youtube about the recording process - some including your vocal recordings accompanied by "expressive dance" (strange hand movements) from you. It is clear from these that you sing not only with your voice but throw your whole body into the experience. How do you practice? Have you always known you had a great voice?
That´s true, it is difficult for me to keep my body still when I´m singing J that leads to strange hand movements while I´m recording. But when I´m on stage I can let it out in a different way currently I practice once a week with the band in our rehearsal room. A few years ago I built a sound booth in my rented apartment, so I was able to practice whenever I wanted to without disturbing the neighbors, but lately I moved into a house.
The album cover sees a dramatic picture of yourself surrounded by some symbols of abuse: alcohol, a knife.....for an album which comprises 11 stories and 11 scars, are there any which are particularly poignant for you? How do you throw yourself into the roles you play in each song?
I guess everybody knows the feelings that the album cover is reflecting… and those feelings are exactly the ones leaving back scars on you. "When I´m Gone" is a song which is deeply moving me, because it´s describing a part of my life. I guess I can say the song is one of my scars. I try to look at things from every possible view and I try to understand and to empathize with different views. That doesn´t mean that I don´t have my own opinion, but it enables me to write lyrics which are not concerning me directly.
Despite being such an energetic and heavy band at times, you allow space for the ballads of the album - for example, "When I'm Gone". There certainly does seem more of an air of vulnerability about your voice at these times. Do you feel at home singing these slower more pronounced vocals? What is your favourite style of song?
I love to sing ballads and for me it won´t do without it, but I prefer the heavy songs. I guess otherwise I would have stayed in the alternative rock style and wouldn´t be into metal.
I love to sing ballads and for me it won´t do without it but I prefer the heavy songs. I guess otherwise I would have stayed in the alternative rock style and wouldn´t be into metal.
Towards the end of the album we see a couple of songs dominated by keyboard riffs - particularly "Enemy of Mine". Was it a deliberate attempt to make a more accessible pop-orientated riff or is this just the natural development for the song?
We haven´t planned to write a pop-orientated song sounding more accessible for the masses. Sauer brought the song idea, we liked it and ‘enemy of mine’ just developed. Give the song what the song needs.
You seem to have quite a loyal fanbase. How do the fans interact with the band? Do you set aside specific time as a band for relating to fans?
We try to keep up a friendly contact with our fans and take care for it. Especially after the shows we want to stay approachable and party with them instead of disappearing into the backstage area.
You seem to have performed a rather large amount of shows last year supporting the new material. How does the band function live? Is there a favourite part of the live experence for you, or a least-favourite?
Hhmm… we are definitely a live-band and we can´t wait to be back on stage again. Concerning me, the only thing I could relinquish are the long hours spent on the highway. Some years ago I was involved in an accident. It took some time, but I´m on a good way to getting used to it again.
In a previous interview for Femme Metal you expressed a desire to play at Wacken. As time progresses, do you find youself any nearer to that dream do you think? Are there any other dreams you have for the future of the band?
Definitely. Actually we took some great big steps last year. We signed a worldwide record deal with SPV, we found a great booker in Napalm Events and our second album, "Eleven Scars", will be released in Europe and the USA.
Many bands of similar genres undertake a cover song at this point in their careers, to hint at their influences. If you could cover any song in the world with My Inner Burning, what would it be and why?
Difficult question.. If I could cover any song in the world, I would cover a song that has accompanied me at a special time of my life. Maybe "Lightning Crashes" from live or "Invisible Wounds" from Fear Factory. Maybe a heavy metal version of "Traveling Soldier" from the Dixie Chicks or a MYIB Version of an Unleashed song.. that would be a great challenge J ...anyway, I would think it through very long I guess.
Finally, have you any personal message to give your fans out there?
Thank you so much for supporting My Inner Burning!
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Thank you so much for supporting MY INNER BURNING !
Thank you so much for supporting MY INNER BURNING !
My dreams for the future of My Inner Burning are to keep on defying to stand still. Maybe someday we´re able to quit our jobs and make a living from music. …and of course I still desire to play at wacken
Definitely. Actually we took some great big steps last year. We signed a worldwide record deal with SPV, we found a great booker in Napalm Events and our second album, eleven Scars, will be released in Europe and the USA.
My dreams for the future of My Inner Burning are to keep on defying to stand still. Maybe someday we´re able to quit our jobs and make a living from music. …and of course I still desire to play at wacken
I love to sing ballads and for me it won´t do without it, but I prefer the heavy songs. I guess otherwise I would have stayed in the alternative rock style and wouldn´t be into metal.
I love to sing ballads and for me it won´t do without it, but I prefer the heavy songs. I guess otherwise I would have stayed in the alternative rock style and wouldn´t be into metal.
"Eleven scars" is not a concept album as such but there do seem to be central themes. As lyricist, where do you look for your inspiration, particular on some of the darker topics? Is there a lot of your personal experience in there or is some of it "artistic license"?
"Eleven scars" is not a concept album as such but there do seem to be central themes. As lyricist, where do you look for your inspiration, particular on some of the darker topics? Is there a lot of your personal experience in there or is some of it "artistic license"?
"Eleven scars" is not a concept album as such but there do seem to be central themes.As lyricist, where do you look for your inspiration, particular on some of the darker topics? Is there a lot of your personal experience in there or is some of it "artistic license"?
"Eleven scars" is not a concept album as such but there do seem to be central themes.As lyricist, where do you look for your inspiration, particular on some of the darker topics? Is there a lot of your personal experience in there or is some of it "artistic license"?
From the first guitar intros of "Masquerade" it is clear that My Inner Burning are a very heavy band. What is it like as a singer for a band with such a heavy sound? Do you find that the fans accept you immediately as a female frontperson?
From the first guitar intros of "Masquerade" it is clear that My Inner Burning are a very heavy band. What is it like as a singer for a band with such a heavy sound? Do you find that the fans accept you immediately as a female frontperson?
