GONE IN APRIL: Who Says That Classical Music Can’t Do Metal

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Gone in April own Julie

Interview Conducted on April 30, 2018

Gone In April came to life in 2011, with the release of their debut album, We Are But Human. With the release of their second album, Threads Of Existence, in 2016, the band continues to unite a diverse palette of metal genres, such as symphonic, death, speed and goth. The band received praise from the international metal community, and performed within North America as well as Asia.- FB

Band Members
Julie Bélanger Roy – Violin/Viola and Vocals

Aaron Rogers – Vocals

Marc-Andre Gingras – Guitars

Steve Di Giorgio – Bass

Yanic Bercier – Drums

Unratedmagazine: Julie you studied viola at the Conservatory of Music in Montreal were you took up voice lessons with mezzo-soprano Gabrielle Lavigne. How was it to study with such a great singer?

Julie Bélanger Roy: Hi Dan! Thanks for having me at UnRated Magazine!

Julie Bélanger Roy

The conservatory was a very stimulating environment, where all the teachers were phenomenal musicians. There were only a few select students chosen every year to study there, so we were all grateful for the opportunity and were working our butts off to progress as fast as possible! Gabrielle Lavigne was a very good pedagogue who had a million ways of teaching each element of singing. I liked her a whole lot. She was very charismatic, had a dignified manner, and a warm personality. From the first time she heard me sing, before I even had an idea of what I was doing, she believed in me. She is the one who made me discover how powerful and expressive the classical voice can be.

What is your first memory of your singing in front of a crowd?

I first sang in a kid’s choir at 8-9 years old. I already had a very low voice so, although I loved singing with the choir, my mother pulled me out of it because the choir master made me sing too hi for my voice. It was a great decision, considering how singing in the wrong range can cause injuries in the long run!

You got your bachelor and headed to the United States. Why Tennessee?

In 2007 I visited Yanic who already lived in Tennessee, and I attended a viola festival at the University of Tennessee. I met the viola teacher and she encouraged me to audition for them. I was offered an assistantship for my Master’s degree (free attendance), so I decided to go. Since I also knew the voice faculty very well, I decided to stay and complete a master’s degree in voice right after.

What is the difference between a violin and a fiddle?

The instrument is the same, but depending on the style, it is called differently. Most often, people will use the term fiddle for Irish, Scottish, French traditional music and for Appalachian, bluegrass, Cajun music, etc. and they will say violin for classical and jazz. What is really interesting is that the way of playing is completely different depending on the style. I recently had to record violin for a few bluegrass songs: I had to forget my classical training and learn a totally new bow technique!

How did you discover metal music?

Gone in April

I discovered metal at the end of high school… I was into early music, classical and folk music when a few friends introduced me to bands like Sonata Arctica, Avantasia, Nightwish, Blind Guardian and Rhapsody. I instantly loved the combination of melody and raw power.

How did you get involved with Märchenbilder” (Symphonic Metal) and LES BÂTARDS DU NORD (Viking /Medieval Folk)?

I met James, the composer and guitarist of Märchenbilder while we were studying at the Conservatory of Music together. There were not many metalheads there, so we bounded quickly! We wanted to create our own blend of symphonic metal, where the orchestra would be very present. James, Yanic and I are always insanely busy, but we are slowly working on new Märchenbilder material.

Concerning Les Bâtards du Nord, it’s a beer story! I bought their first album in exchange for beer. Later that year, I was in a medieval festival, playing fiddle tunes for a group of friends after drinking quite a few beers. Olivier, the singer of the band came to me and told me he was impressed by how fast and well I could play, and I was in! Apparently, I don’t lose too many skills after a few drinks!

How did you find Gone in April?

Yanic was already playing drums for Gone in April and, since the music was very melodic, he thought my vocals would fit well in the mix. I was, of course, happy to join!

You are still very active in the world of classical music. You regularly perform with symphony orchestras, sing for opera companies and you are also an international recording artist. How do you find time to perform with Gone In April?

I don’t sleep and I don’t take days off! On a more serious note, as a freelancing musician, I decide which contracts I wish to take (symphony, opera, students, recording, etc.), which allows me to keep time for Gone in April.

Why did you pick that name? What inspired you?

In our first album, we tell the fictional story of a crusader who leaves with an army on the last day of April. As we follow him on his journey, we also open a window on human condition. The name of the band is related to his story.

I am going to name some violin players. Give me a sentence or two about each one.

Gone in April

-Laurie Anderson: Definitely an avant-garde artist! She sings, plays violin, composes, creates electronic music devices, directs movies, she is very present in contemporary music. I admire that she did not limit herself, or let others limit her.

-Papa John Creach : A very skilled violinist renown for his work in jazz, blues, pop and rock, but also played in symphony orchestras in the 30s in Chicago. As an African -American musician, he faced racial discrimination, but pushed through and claimed his place!

-Mahavishnu Orchestra : They created quite an interesting blend that inspired a myriad of artists. Fantastic musicians and great composition!

-Ian Anderson : Anderson definitely gave a new twist to flute playing in Jethro Tull! I like how he integrated traditional classical instruments in a completely different context.

-Jean Luc Ponty : One of the pioneers of jazz violin, a true virtuoso!

-Rasputina : I actually did not know about Rasputina, thank you for the discovery! I like it, it’s groovy and catchy.

-Rachel Barton Pine : She is an amazing soloist, and a lover of metal, she played with the thrash/doom metal band Earthen Grave. The classical music community is not always accepting of classical artists who crossover to rock or metal. Having one of the leading classical violin players in the world openly talk about her passion for metal definitely helps in paving the way for a more accepting classical world!

Would you want to play Rock on the Range or Louder than Life?

These are both huge festivals, and I never turn down a good opportunity!

What is the best Rock Movie?

I haven’t seen a whole lot of rock movies to be honest. I like School of Rock or This is Spinal Tap.

Is there anybody you would like to tour with?

I’d love to tour with Epica, Eluveitie, Lacuna Coil or Haggard.

How do you stay healthy on tour?

As a string player, I used to not worry too much about my health, but then I became a singer as well, and had to be more careful… A sore throat or a cough quickly becomes a problem. To avoid getting sick or tiring my voice, I try to sleep as much as possible and I avoid talking too loud before or after the shows. It sounds easy, but it is already quite a feat as we often have to cut sleep short and talk to fans over loud music! Otherwise, I limit alcohol intake and I stay away from cigarette smoke.

What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?

It varies a lot, we mostly play clubs that have a 300-400 people capacity but we also play festivals that have a lot more capacity as well. Whatever the size, if there is a good energy, I’ll have a great show!

What music fests would you like to play in?

Well, the Wacken is definitely one. I would also definitely love a spot at the Heavy Montreal.

Any endorsements?

Julie Bélanger Roy

Personally, I have an endorsement with Realist Violin. I was looking for a quality 5-string instrument that would sound good plugged or unplugged and that would not feed onstage. I’ve been quite happy so far.

How would you explain your live performance?

Warm and energetic. I love what I do, so you’ll see me smile quite a lot on stage.

Are you planning to tour this year?

We came back from a tour in Canada in March, and we are now planing shows for 2019.

If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?

I would say to watch our videos of As Hope Welcomes Death and Our Future Line, and also to listen to The Curtain Will Rise. These 3 songs represent well Gone in April’s blend of symphonic metal and death metal.

Favorite Quotes?

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. Gandhi

Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. Einstein

Favorite Reading?

The Wheel of Time, Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings.

Any Hobbies?

Crossfit, hiking.

Favorite Drink?

Red wine.

Favorite thing you like to cook/eat?

Chicken wings, sushis, and chocolate!

Do you like vinyl?

I appreciate the sound quality of vinyl, unfortunately, since I only have time to listen to music in my car, it makes CDs a better fit for me.

Who is your favorite singer and why?

It’s tough to only select one, as I like a lot singers. If I have to pick one, I would go with Cristina Scabbia. I admire her a lot for her strength of character, her great showmanship, and her singing, of course.

How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

It is a very difficult question, as I am involved in so many projects. Classical music and metal are really an integral part of my life, so I expect to be playing and singing for these two genres. Where, is another story!

If you could jam with anyone who would it be?

I have the chance to be working with phenomenal musicians both in Gone in April/Märchenbilder and in orchestras/operas so I rarely think about who I would like to play/sing with, but I remember thinking I would absolutely love to sing a duet with Roy Khan.

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprised you listen to?