Hi! Can you describe the moment when you all decided to form Silen? What drove each of you to come together and create music?
We were all in a band called Darkeye before and after that failed we decided to give being a 3 piece a try and see what happens.
How did you go about selecting your particular style, and what aspects of early Mastodon and Tool resonate the most with your band's vision?
I would have to say the raw and aggressive sound of early mastodon with the composition of tool are the biggest elements of influence.
Could you elaborate on specific aspects of nature that inspire your songwriting, and how do you translate those inspirations into your sound?
I think it’s the dichotomy that nature can go from serene and beautiful to destructive and terrifying in the blink of an eye and without warning.
How did that experience of participation at Bloodstock Open Air shape Silen's perspective on the metal scene, and how did it influence your approach to creating music moving forward?
Bloodstock was fantastic even though it was hotter than satan's chilly. I wouldn’t say it has changed our approach to writing music in any way, we have always been very strict on ourselves to create the best music we can at that moment in time and we treat every gig the same whether it be Bloodstock or Poco Loco, we put 110% into every gigs.
How do you view the role of festivals in shaping the metal community, and how do you think your music contributes to this vibrant musical culture?
We think festivals are becoming more and more important especially with so many decent venues shutting down to be turning into hipster-run coffee shops. I wouldn’t say we believe our music has any real impact on the “metal community”. We do it for ourselves or others interested. Even if nobody listens to our music we would still do it, if they do like it then great.
Can you share any memorable experiences from your live shows that have had a lasting impact on Silen's musical journey?
Can’t think of any specific gigs that have had a lasting effect but as I said in a previous question, we treat every gig the same big or small, but I personally have found the less I expect a gig to be good the better and more enjoyable it usually lands up being. The moral of the story expect less and you're more likely to be pleasantly surprised.
Can you delve deeper into your creative process? How do you balance these diverse elements to create a cohesive musical narrative?
It’s actually very simple Dean comes in with a riff that makes no sense to anyone else, Frazer spends a few hours figuring out the timing and a unique drum pattern to match, Paul stands there looking confused then adds some filthy bass on top and then Dean writes the lyrics from the menu of whatever take away he’s had that week or horror film he had watched.
Are there particular themes or stories that Silen explores in your music, and if so, what are they, and why are they significant to you?
Nope not really, apart from the whole “nature” theme lyrically it is whatever comes to mind, sometimes just write lyrics to fit the music and find a story within it.
How do you navigate creative differences and ensure that everyone's unique musical perspective is heard and integrated into your compositions?
We have always operated as a complete democracy. Any ideas that don’t get 3 thumbs up don’t get used, but that does not mean those ideas are binned. Many times we will be working on a new idea and then realise an old idea that didn’t work in another song would work perfectly for the one we are working on.
How do you approach honing your skills individually and as a band, and what advice do you have for aspiring musicians looking to delve into the progressive metal genre?
Practice, practice, lunch, practice. Don’t pigeonhole yourself into one idea or style, keep it open and free flowing. No such thing as a bad idea, just the wrong application. Also don’t care what anyone else thinks or wants, there are 9 gozillion people on earth and you won’t please them all so you only have to please yourself.
How has your local environment and community influenced your music, and are there specific places or experiences in Kent that have directly inspired your songwriting?
It hasn’t influenced us at all really, as we said before we do what we want in the way we want to do it, if it means we don’t fit it that we’ll with another band stylistically then so be it, with our being to hippy dippy we are always true to ourselves. I would say the Red Lion in Gravesend has always been a home away from home for many metal bands based in Kent.
In the age of digital streaming and social media, how do you navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by the online music landscape, especially in reaching out to a wider audience while staying true to your artistic vision?
This is a very difficult route to navigate and one we’re not very good at. (Dean) pretty much hates social media and streaming, whilst it was great to start with I think it’s become more of a burden than anything else now. Social media as a tool to promote is nowhere near as effective as it used to be. But saying that it can be a handy tool if used properly, but no band should ever compromise on the quality of their music in search of likes and follows.
How do you strike a balance between paying homage to the past and creating something fresh and innovative in your compositions?
I think if you are true to yourself and what you want to do you can’t go wrong. I once heard a quote that originality is all of your influences wrapped up in a way that they cannot be fully recognised by others.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Silen?
To earth enough money from music to be able to buy all our shopping from posh garden centers.