Hi!! We are currently working on our upcoming US Tour with Powerman 5000 and September Mourning.
Would you please introduce your band to our readers who are not aware of your music?
We craft potent yet nuanced alternative rock. Our music draws significant influence from metal but tends towards a more accessible and rock-oriented style. We feel that we've struck a fine balance between these two elements in our album 'Perception'.
Could you give us a little insight into the formation of the band? When and how did it happen?
Vinc had been talking about shifting towards more accessible music and forming a rock band for some time (he was then playing in a metal band, Xaon, which he had founded). This didn't necessarily concern me, but gradually I began to realize my desire to sing. I heard him working on a song whose main riff I really liked, so I asked him to give it to me. That's how I composed the chorus of "Horizon," and that's how it all began.
At what age did you guys start playing instruments, and since when have you been into metal music?
Murielle: Despite always having a deep appreciation for music and giving it a significant role in my life, there was this notion that being a musician required coming from a conservatory background or starting musical pursuits at a young age, which is obviously entirely false. Consequently, I began my musical journey later in life. Singing came naturally and quickly became a profound passion. Subsequently, I started crafting vocal melodies for Vincent's music, and everything unfolded organically. I’ve been into metal music since my teenage years, it was as part of my musical universe as rock.
Vincent: I picked up the guitar at the age of 9 and swiftly formed a band with friends. As time passed, I ventured into founding and composing for various metal projects before feeling compelled to explore different musical genres. I've been listening to metal since I was about 10 years old because my brother used to listen to Iron Maiden, Guns N' Roses, etc., and he introduced me to all these iconic bands.
The Great Alone recently released ‘Perception’. Could you tell us something about it and walk us through all the track's lyrics and meanings?
"Perception" is a dynamic rock album exploring the intricacies of perception. Through powerful melodies, it delves into the psyche. “Perception” is a blend of powerful and soothing elements. The lyrics reflect our perception of ourselves, others, our surroundings and memories.
"The Call" is an invitation to dive in your psyche with oceanic imagery.
"Beyond Dreams" explores the fear of being tormented by some entities in your sleep.
"Mania" delves into the dangerous obsession with external validation.
"Stars & Storms" reflects on haunted memories of a place that burnt down.
"Prism" addresses restlessness during dusk; the fact that people's perception is altered when night falls.
"Cell" highlights the consuming nature of guilt and the mental prison where one can find themselves trapped.
"Quiet Place" explores seeking sanctuary from envy, to detach oneself from the gaze of others in order to flourish.
"Horizon" depicts thoughts of mental liberation and the fact that there’s hope even in the darkest places.
"Icons" explores the act of worshiping or admiring a person, an ideology, even to the point of losing oneself completely.
"Reverie" explores dreams and escapism with dreamlike qualities.
"Illusion" confronts the act of wearing masks in society and creating one or multiple personas that do not reflect our true nature.
How has the response been so far from listeners? Have you started working on new songs?
The release of "Perception" has already made a significant impact on radio, and we are delighted to see such a positive response. It's very motivating for us. We are constantly working on new songs, it allows us to have the luxury of selecting only the best for future recordings.
When and where did you play your first gig? How was the experience of going live for the first time?
Our first concert took place in London last July. The experience was fantastic; we realized that we could bring real stage energy to this album, and it motivates us to work even harder to deliver quality live performances filled with contagious energy.
According to you, what is the secret behind the band's success?
We’re not sure if we can talk about success per se at the moment, considering we've just released our first album. However, if we're discussing the overall interest shown in us, we would say it all comes down to the hard work we've put in and the care we've taken with our image. Every aspect surrounding the music is crucial; nothing should be overlooked or left to chance, as it eventually becomes apparent. We put immense effort into every aspect of our band.
Have you ever had an epic fail moment during a gig?
Vincent: Not with The Great Alone since we're just starting out, but with my previous band. We were on stage in a venue near our hometown, performing in front of our friends, family, and fans. I broke a string on my first guitar, so I grabbed the second one, but a string broke on that one too just before my solo. Luckily, I swapped instruments with the second guitarist and managed to play my solo just in time. Despite being careful about changing my strings, I ended up breaking two strings on two guitars within a minute; it just wasn't my day.
If asked to differentiate The Great Alone from other bands in Switzerland, how would you respond?
It's difficult to answer that question because we try not to compare ourselves to other bands as each one has its own journey. I would say spontaneously that we chose to focus on exporting ourselves from the outset because it aligns with our goals, whereas others might have opted to build a local reputation first.
How compatible are the band members with each other?
We get along very well and share the same commitment to the band. We're fortunate to have a good group dynamic.
Which bands/artists do you draw your influences from, and which are your favorite local bands?
We listen to a wide range of music genres, from film scores to black metal, and including Queen, Pink Floyd, Muse, Kings of Leon, Paramore, and many more. On the local front, we like artists like Emilie Zoe, Samael, and Kadebostany.
How do you guys manage your jobs and gigs, and how often do you gather altogether just for fun?
We try to combine rehearsals with enjoyable moments together, which makes organizing easier. Generally, we all get together at least once a month.
The Great Alone is a very promising formation. Looking at your future, where do you see yourselves in 3 years?
Thank you. In three years, it would be fantastic to have built up a sufficiently large fan base to be able to perform our own concerts and continue to grow the band.
Well, that’s it. Thanks a lot for your time. Could you speak out to all your fans and supporters?
Thank you for this interview. We are grateful to everyone who listens to and shares our music, as well as the podcasts, magazines, etc., that seek to get to know us. We are grateful for the interest shown in us and look forward to meeting you on the road!