Hatefulmurder – Brazil’s new metal menace!
Interview conducted on December 13, 2020
By Dan Locke
Since 2015, after the departure of vocalist Felipe Lameira , the group is fronted by singer Angélica Burns , who brought a new sonic signature to the band and taking it to new heights! With her, the band released two records: Red Eyes (2017) and the amazing Reborn (2019). The latest one, still making headlines in metal publications around the globe, earning the band much deserved international recognition.
Members:
Angélica Burns – vocals
Renan Ribeiro – guitars
Felipe Modesto – bass
Tomás Martin – drums
What is your upbringing?
Renan Ribeiro: I started by taking guitar private classes, then I kept changing teachers as the years passed by until I found a “master” who I followed for a long time. After that, I took a technical course on music here in my city, Rio de Janeiro.
How did you discover music?
Renan: Everyone has always listened to music in my house, ever since I learned how to talk. But I fell in love with heavy metal itself at the beginning of my adolescence. When I was eleven years old, I saw an Iron Maiden concert on TV and it changed everything! It was Rock In Rio 2001 and they have put out a double live CD with that show.
How did you start to write music?
Renan: By the need of expressing what and how I felt. Metal has always allowed me to work on my strongest sensations and feelings.
What was your first performance at like?
Renan: I believe it was in a band formed by the time I was in elementary school. I was about fourteen years old. We played a set based on covers, it was a lot of fun. I believe I still have a tape with this recording [laughs]
What makes a good songwriter?
Renan Two things: you have to know how to translate a feeling into music or lyrics and search for a connection with whom is listening to you.
Your first record was in 2014. How has your music changed?
Renan: I believe we’ve all become more mature as people. Honestly, I think it’s very hard to be the same ones as years pass by and that reflects on the way we write our songs.
For your video My Battle. You made the statement “I thought Elvis died, but there he is right on the guitar”. Can you explain that?
My first reaction was: “I have no idea what that is about. It’s not on the lyrics”. Then I Google it and found out a link (https://kzclip.com/video/sihTEKrkVCA/hatefulmurder-my-battle-official-video.html) with a post and those exact words said by someone called “Eli V”, who I don’t know. The only possible connection I can make is that he’s found some sort of crazy resemblance between me, on the guitar, and Elvis – maybe because of the hairstyle and the sideburns. That’s all I can say, but those words aren’t mine.
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Renan: Some balance between drugs and salads [laughs]. Seriously speaking, I keep healthy by drinking a lot of water and following a good diet. It’s hard, but we do what we can.
Is the band thinking about touring outside of Brazil?
Renan: Yes! By the way, we have a European tour in 2020, which was postponed due to the pandemic. But the plans remain for 2021!
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Renan: Personally, I like it! It helps to divulge or spread our material. They don’t pay well, but even so, it’s a way to show our music to the whole planet.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Both! I guess there’s market for all kinds of taste!!
Why did you decide to do a Tribute to Death’s The Philosopher?
Angélica Burns: We had already thought about covering Death because everyone in the band loves them. We have even rehearsed, but we have never actually played it live. When the quarantine came, I suggested we record it. The chosen song was a suggestion of mine because this is one of my favorite Death songs. I’d already had the opportunity to sing this it in some live jams in the past. And, in quarantine, I saw the opportunity to pay a tribute to the band.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning of this song to you?
Angélica: Right now, I have K.I.N.G., by Satyricon, in my head. I think it reminds me of my teenage years when I was very “addicted” to Black Metal. And it’s a band that I love and listen ‘till today. I still listen to Black Metal, but not as much as I did back then. I was crazy about the genre.
What have you been doing with yourself in quarantine?
Angélica: Like the other band members, I have a day job. Therefore, I was working from home, like the rest of the guys.
Have you rediscovered or discovered any new hobbies?
Angélica: Well, I restarted reading and studying languages. I have been studying English and German.
With no real live music (mostly virtual shows) expect for things like Drive-In Theater shows with crowds for the past 6 months, what do you think will be the future of music?
Angélica: We are in a very complex scenario for the music industry. With the change in the last few years, from the consumption of physical CDs to digital platforms, most of the artists’ income came from live shows. With the pandemic in place all over the world, and with no prediction of the comeback of live shows, all of us, musicians, are facing very dark times.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of them and sell merch at the show?
Angélica: One way for the bands to support themselves has been the live streaming shows. We’ve recently done a live show on YouTube and asked fans to contribute to the band. In addition, bands can create online stores to sell their merchandise. Without forgetting, of course, the social networks that maintain direct contact with fans.
Live Nations just started Live Nation from Home, which are concerts from artist homes. An all-new virtual music hub keeping fans connected to their favorite artists featuring daily live streams, performances, new music, and more. Do you think it will be possible to make a living doing concerts this way?
Angélica: It is possible. We have done one recently and many bands have done it too. Many producers have organized several online festivals and they have really worked. It is not what we wanted, but for the pandemic scenario, it is what we have to work with.
You had a live show. How did it come out (HR Live sessions on September 26, 2020)?
Angélica: It was really, really cool. All fans responded very well and actively participated in the show and the chat. It was a very interesting experience. However, we cannot wait to return to the stage as soon as possible.
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