MWN: Well first I just want to take the time to thank you guys for answering these few questions. Now you guys were just at SXSW so how was that experience like?
Måntra: Super fun! It’s been a goal for us to play in America so to actually do it is like a dream come true.
MWN: That is awesome you guys were able to play SXSW! So with all these gigs in different places. Do you guys have a memorable memory from when you first started playing music together?
Måntra: Too many! The other day Rich was telling the story of when I went missing in Brighton after a show, but I don’t remember that one.
MWN: Oh no haha I would love to hear that story! Haha! I think that the music we like at an early age has a lot to do with what surrounds at home, but as we grow into our own states we start developing our own likes. So who would you say are some artist you grew up listening to and also grew into liking on your own?
Måntra: Personally I grew up listening to the Beatles, Tom Waits, Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan and Neil Young. But as teenagers we all grew up listening to everything that was on MTV and Kerrang at the time; from The White Stripes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Arcade fire to Muse, Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana. And now our tastes are really eclectic, we listen to everything from ambient music like Nils Frahm to Jono Mayer’s drum and bass jazz fusion stuff. We were lucky to have so much rock music to listen to when we were growing up. I feel like there’s a bit of a rock void at the moment. We need to change that.
MWN: Those are all amazing bands. I grew up listening to a lot of classic rock so I feel ya on that one. I surely do think people crave good guitar bands and I really hope that comes back! I’m so happy you guys are heading on that route. Out of all the songs you have released, written which one would you say is your favorite and you identify with the most?
Måntra: I think the most recent songs resonate the most with us, so there’s a new one called ‘Too Little Too Late’ that we’re all into at the moment, mostly because the audience like it too.
MWN: Now you guys have been touring all over. So what is the best and worst part about being on the road?
Måntra: Yes we have! The best thing is being able to play music in a different city every week and meeting new people, and the worst is the jet lag.
Måntra: It chose me mannnnnnnn!!!
MWN: Haha that is the spirit! There are artist who create music for the purpose of creating, others do it to express themselves, others do it to talk about social issues, and others do it for the business. In this case what is your purpose with the music you create? What is the motivation behind the songs?
Måntra: Money money money! Mmm we LOVE money and we’re rolling in it! My advice for people who want to be lawyers and make money is sell out and become a musician because there’s sooooo much money in it and that’s where our true passion lies.
MWN: Hahaha the cleverness behind that answer! The I want EP is out now so how does it feel like to finally release something you poured your heart and soul into?
Måntra: It’s such a relief! These songs have been pacing in their cage for a while now and I’m so glad they’re out in the wide world for everyone to hear.
MWN: So, off the record my favorite songs is “Destroy You” I love the start of the song- to me your music is so mysterious. So what was the creative process like for the album?
Måntra: Thanks! Well that wouldn’t be very mysterious if I told you..
MWN: Darn I didn’t think of it that way okay I guess that’s fair.. So how do you choose what gets put on the record?
Måntra: Rich blows smoke signals, Rob deciphers semaphore and I release carrier pigeons that pick names out of a hat.
MWN: I love that. That makes me want to be there and watch it all happen.. It sounds epic.. So lastly to wrap things up. First I want to thank you guys for taking the time to answering our questions. It was such a pleasure! Lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to the people who support your music?
Måntra: I’d like to hear what they have to say, so I’d say: get in touch!
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