Sophia - CineMuerte
Interview By Erwin Van Dijk
A little chat with Sophia, singer of the Portuguese Alternative Rock act Cinemuerte, about her passion and the latest band infos.
Did you always wanted to become a singer?
It wasn’t part of the plan.
What do you do to keep your voice in top condition?
It’s a natural process. I don’t smoke. I exercise regularly. It helps. I always take real care of myself. I use to defend that my body is a temple.
Who are your favourite singers and why?
Freddy Mercury’s voice is unique. He’s a total performer with an unbelievable vocal range. Nina Simone’s vocal style, characterized by intense passion.
To what kind of music do you listen yourself?
Music can be divided into many genres in many different ways, but the way it touches people is always the same. So, regarding to music, if it’s good, I’m always open minded.
How did you became a member of Cinemuerte?
Cinemuerte is a band formed from the ashes of Nua. João Vaz and me, we had this band called Nua that ended on 2002. We both decided to put a end to that chapter.
And did you have any other bands before Cinemuerte?
João did, a lot! He began at the age of 15.
What are your other passions besides music?
Movies. I see them all. It’s a strong source of inspiration.
And is it easy to combine the band with your personal life?
It is really hard, painful. Music affects society, and society affects music. We, musicians, usually play in pain, create in pain.
What are the highlights for you with Cinemuerte?
To create. Nothing more, nothing less.
And did you and the band have any negative experiences with the band?
The lack of money, to create.
How was it for you to work together with the boys from Moonspell?
Great. A privilege. Love their music.
And what have you learned from this experience?
How to deal and how not to deal with the music industry.
I’ve noticed that there are quite a lot of metal oriented bands from Portugal lately. Is it easy being ‘metal’ in Portugal and how would you describe the metal scene?
The metal scene is very intense in Portugal. I think it used to be honest in the past. In my eighties. The kids had a dream. Today it is more likely a matter of anti-attitude.
What is the idea behind the name of the band. Or have you named your band after the Cinemuerte Horror festival from Canada?
We named the band after the fest. We liked the name. Just that. It wasn’t very important to us.
And how would you describe your music?
Human.
Who is responsible for the songs and music in Cinemuerte?
João and me.
Can you introduce us to the other members of Cinemuerte?
Sérgio, the drummer, we met him when he was playing with Fever a long time ago, when we were still part of Nua. Tiago, the guitarist started to play with us since the beginning of this new journey: Daniel Makosch, our label manager recommended him to play live with Cinemuerte because at that time the band was only John and me! Then Fred, Tiago’s neighbour and old friend joined us. They fit like I’ve never expected: you see, I’ve met a lot of musicians and playing together has always been a drama for 17 years.
The lyrics on "Aurora Core" are in English. Have you considered to use your own native language for the songs?
I don’t feel "native".
Why did you name the album "Aurora Core"?
Once, I woke up in the middle of the night with that name whispering turbulently in my head.
And what are the differences between "Aurora Core" and your first album, “Born From Ashes”?
The musicians we invited (Ricardo Amorim from Moonspell and Pedro Cardoso from Fever). The darkness in it. Mainly that darkest atmosphere.
And how do you look back at “Born From Ashes”?
A good takeoff.
Is "Aurora Core" a concept album or are it nine individual songs?
It’s a state of mind. You won’t find its beginning neither its end.
Is song writing teamwork in Cinemuerte or is there one mastermind behind the music?
Teamwork definitely.
And who was responsible for the artwork on “Aurora Core”?
Tiago Duarte is the artwork responsible. Please check his work here. He is a truly inspired artist.
Where did you get the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
Movies and life. Don’t trust a person that tells you that life isn’t a movie. My life was, is and will be.
And what are your favourite songs on "Aurora Core" and why?
"The House of the Past" and "Why, why?"
You have chosen to produce the album yourself but it was mixed and mastered in Germany by the legendary Waldemar Sorychta. Did he have any influence on the music and how was it to work with him?
The work of Waldemar enhanced our music, putting every instrument where it should be. He understood what we wanted from him and what our music needed in terms of mixing. We couldn’t be more satisfied with his work.
How did the press and, more important, the fans received "Aurora Core"?
We hate the word fans. We prefer friends! The press and the Friends have been supporting the band. Both recognize the value of our work and dedication and are willing to do more to promote the band. We usually find opening doors. Open hearts.
What are Cinemuerte’s plans for the future?
The future.
And the last question, is there anything the reader should know that I have not asked?
The next album we are preparing will be greater. That’s why, only now, I found some time to answer to this interview. It will be released next year. I hope you’ll not forget us. We won’t forget you.
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