Metalwings own Stela Atanasova
Interview conducted on April 03, 2020
by Dan Locke
Metalwings is a Bulgarian symphonic/gothic metal band formed in Sofia, Bulgaria. Metalwings was formed in 2010 when vocalist/viola player Stela Atanasova had an idea of a project for the band that would play symphonic and melodic rock/metal with opera vocals. The idea combines sounds of female opera vocals, keyboards, electric viola, and lots of power in the sound of drums, electric guitar, and bass.
The band become its real concert life in 2011 in lots of concerts and live shows in Bulgaria.
Metalwings is so unique because of its own sound and specific elements in music. It combines lots of symphonic rock/metal, Celtic elements, melodic and mystic music. In addition to this, the music of Metalwings has the power of metal music and attracts the attention of the audience of its energy, strength, and symphonic sound.
Band Members
Stela Atanasova – Lead Vocals, Electric Viola, Keys;
Grigor Kostadinov – Guitars;
Vlad Enev – Bass;
Angel Kitanov – Keyboards;
Blackie – drums
Dan Locke: What was your upbringing?
Stela Atanasova: Everything about my childhood, my family, my education – it was wonderful. I wish I had the ability to take time back and even for a minute, but to feel those carefree and wonderful years.
How did you discover music?
I didn’t find the music. The music discovered me. For a long time, I tried to do different things and took different paths, but Music always found a way to bring me back to myself, and here I am – fully committed to her.
How did you learn to play all the instruments that you play?
I learned to play the viola and the piano thanks to my teachers. But thanks to my mother, I started playing music. She has made a lot of effort over the years to educate me and make me the musician I am now. I started playing the viola, then the piano, and somewhere out there I realized that I wanted to become a singer. Things were sorted out little by little, but with a lot of effort, sacrifice, and long hours of playing and singing.
What are your musical roots?
I had a great-grandmother who was a very good singer. My mother was an exceptional musician.
How is the live music scene in Bulgaria?
When there are big festivals and foreign bands, everything is wonderful. But this is not the case when it comes to local bands. We value the foreign rather than ours. It’s not easy for any of the local bands to handle here. We no longer have as many rock clubs as we used to, but there are some decent festivals where loyal rock and metal music fans can enjoy their favorite bands.
Stela- How did you get the idea to start Metalwings?
Sometimes fate arranges the puzzle in your life that completely random things and events lead you to a decision you wouldn’t have made just a few weeks before. And so, it was with Metalwings. I had completely different plans, but as the saying goes – if you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans. The band was just waiting for that to happen. This is how it should have happened, and from the moment I created it, I have no regrets about absolutely nothing done so far. Everything is worth it and will be worth it from now on.
How did your band get together?
The band’s original cast came together through online ads and close friends of musicians. But over time, the concept of the band began to change and some of the first members took a different path. I guess not only in Bulgaria, but in every country, the bands suffer from the same problems. It’s not hard to create a band at all. It’s hard to give it life, impetus, to find the way forward. But the hardest part is to keep it. And it gets harder every year. The bands are so many, the ambitions are growing, everyone wants to be known, the market is limited, the tension is big, it takes a lot of effort, finances, time to make things happen and this little by little begins to destroy the initial aspirations of the members and the band. So, it is very important what your expectations are and whether you are ready for constant battles for your dream.
How did you get your name for the band?
I very quickly came up with the name – I wanted something ethereal – to embody freedom, as well as an element showing the style of music. Metalwings is the perfect combination for the music we make.
For your video “Crying in the Sun” how did you come up with the idea of the video? And where did you record the video?
For a while, we thought about locations where we could shoot the video. Our keyboardist Angel offered the place, called Belogradchik and we all agreed because the place itself is very magical and epic. Just a month later we were landed on a rock, bruised by the wind, and did something really good. There was some magic in this place, which was also felt in the video. I think we found the perfect place to convey the message of this wonderful song.
You write all music and lyrics for Metalwings. How do you go about writing a song?
I usually write the lyrics first and then I compose the music. But sometimes the opposite can happen. The songs come with their time and their messages. I express what I feel and hear at the right moment when it has to be heard and felt.
How was it to work with Sofia Session Orchestra? How is it different from working with your core band?
Working with a real orchestra is an incredible delight and satisfaction. It was a dream for all of us and we deservedly ended up there, fulfilling our own dream. There is nothing more beautiful than hearing your music played by so many good musicians. This will remain one of the most precious and beautiful moments for our band.
On your latest video Realm of Dreams which feature Max Morton. It is a bit artistic. Tell me about it? And the making of the video?
This is a lyric video and is actually our first. So far, we haven’t released this type of video. The song itself is very nice, dynamic and so we decided it would be good to present it with a suitable video to it, to further emphasize its power and beauty.
Last year you share the stage with the Imperial Age. How was that?
Yes, it was exactly a year ago. We miss it. It was great. Great experience, emotions, and lessons in a very short time. We can’t wait to happen again.
It has been a year since your last tour. Any plans to tour soon?
We want it as soon as possible, but at the moment we are only focusing on our upcoming album and we don’t want to be distracted by anything else. We are doing something really big and different. That’s why we give 100% of ourselves to it and will think about concerts and tours when the album is ready and it’s time to show it to the world.
Do you have any endorsement deals yet?
No, at least for now.
How do you stay healthy on the road?
Adrenaline helps a lot in this regard, as well as good mood and laughter.
Are you going to tour this year?
Perhaps, if an interesting and good opportunity shows up and that does not interfere with the recording of our album.
How do you see yourself in five years?
Because I believe in myself, whether now or tomorrow, I know that in five years I will be exactly where I need to be and do exactly what I need to do.
Anything you like to close with?
Many thanks for the pleasant interview. Special greetings from the whole band. May we meet someday, somewhere in the world.
