Olly Lexina from The End Of Melancholy talks about growing up in Krasnoyarsk is a city on the Yenisei River in Siberia, Russia
Interview Conducted on March 27, 2018
By Daniel Locke
Unratedmagazine: Tell me about your background?
Olly Lexina: Well, all started long time ago, when I’ve heard Nirvana. I decided that is exactly what I want to do in my life! To be a singer in my own rock-band. I went long distance with other band while I met Peter (composer guitarist TEOM) and offered him to create our band The End of Melancholy. It was in 2013. We tried to do a song and see what will happen. And the “Dolphins” appeared – our first song and clip. And here we go!
Any education in music?
In childhood I went in music school. I played on piano, singing and studied solfeggio (Solfeggio frequencies were sound frequencies used in Gregorian chants one of which was the great hymn of St. John the Baptist. The special tones of the Solfeggio frequency were used to unite man with his maker.) . Then I practiced to play on guitar, but the singing and writing lyrics always be the most powerful interest for me. So, I focused on it totally.
How did The End of Melancholy get started?
The End Of Melancholy
When we finished “Dolphins”, we went to the studio and reordered our single “Playing with Shadows” which consists of three songs, one of it is cover of Joy division’s “Atmosphere”. It was good experience to find our sound, our style. When it was finished, we’ve found the bassist and drummer and start to rehearsal. Filmed Dolphins and The Demon. Now we’re performing in Russia and recording our first album which we want to release this year. And after it we want to go on European tour. And my big dream is American tour of course. To visit this country is my big desire. Cause most part of music I adore is from this country.
I love you videos The Demon and Dolphins?
Great! I’m happy of it! Thank you!
How do the crowds feel about a female fronted metal band?
They love it! We’re just try to do our best and grateful for every kind wishes I got from our fans.
In Russia are there more English language Metal bands or Russia language Metal bands?
If we are talking about famous bands formed in Russia so they are singing on Russian language.
Local bands using both. My taste in music formed on bands like Marilyn Manson, NIN, Slipknot, HIM, Kittie, big influence of Nirvana and Hole, L7. So, I think that is the point. I adore English language from the childhood that’s why I’ve decided to enter the Linguistic university.Russian pop music is well developed and enjoys mainstream success via pop music media such as MTV Russia, Mus TV and various radio stations.
Is Russian Metal a little bit poppy?
The End Of Melancholy
No. It is hard and bloody issue in our country. Many bands try to do spite with that. I believe in us!)))
How big are the following metal bands in Russia: Catharsis, Epidemia, Shadow Host, Mechanical Poet, Arkona, Butterfly Temple, and Temnozor?
I know such names as Catharsis and Arkona. I think they have much fans.
What is Nashestvie rock festival which attracts around 100,000 fans annually and was dubbed “Russian Woodstock”?
It’s famous festival here, yes, but I never want to visit it cause don’t listen at all those bands who played there. And as I know our audience not ready for music on English. They need to understand poetry, I think…but I hope the situation will be different someday!
What are the most popular foreign metal bands?
As for me all started, as I said, when I’ve heard Nirvana. I fell in love with this band and started interesting in other bands and have found such big bands for me as Hole, Marilyn Manson, NIN, Slipknot, Kittie and many bands! I love many bands and styles, but these are the most important and beloved for me.
What is the average cost of a concert ticket in Russia?
For local concerts it’s around 300-500 rubles, for more famous it can be 1000 and more. Nowadays to go on concert for famous band it is around 2500-3000 thousand of rubles and more.
What is Ethnic roots music in Russia?
Well, the most famous singer of ethnic Russian music is Pelageya. She’s incredibly talented and very beloved in our country. I like world music a lot! Always happy to find some beautiful songs of this genre. But as for me I adore the Wardruna! My god, there are fantastic!
What type of clubs/places do you like to play in (size)?
It depends on people, if I see the fire in their eyes, it doesn’t matter where are we now, on a big stage or not. But if we are talking about technical moments…you know I have a dream! When I was a child I have a DVD with Marilyn Manson’s live perform in Koln, Germany, Antichrist superstar era…so it was a show at the big live stage at the day, and I had a feeling that it is very cool emotions to perform on a such stage, someday.
What music fests would you like to play in?
Oh! That’s what I was talking about in the previous question! I want to perform at the Wave gothic treffen, its’a dream. I visited it twice and it was amazing, amazing atmosphere, everybody looks normal haha. And of course, we’re fucking knock back the Waken! It’s a catch phrase of our band=)
How would you explain your live performance?
Well, I kind of…dive in it. Expose myself but at the same time I feel myself very safe. I tell my story, about evolution of my soul, about my fears and my power…I gave it to people and..see theirs eyes connecting with it…so…that’s it! You know every song full of my experience…I always filled it with my energy, like put a spell in lyrics…I speak with “you” in my song. Maybe you can feel it. Ofcourse you do!
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?
At the end of this year, we will release our debut album and I want that you will listen to “Peaceful warrior”, “The red lights” and “Paradox intention”.
Who is your favorite female singer and why?
The End Of Melancholy
Courtney Love. She’s my everything. She’s the most incredible rock-singer in the world.
And if we are talking only about the voice, because I don’t know much about her person…I adore Sandra basic’s vocal…it is perfect! Very beautiful and powerful singer.
Also, I love Christina Scabbia, she’s so powerful, beautiful and talented women. I was at her concerts twice and every time I cry of emotions and power I caught from her…
How do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I travel with concerts with my band around the world.
Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?
Really, I haven’t. I will think about it.
What is on your bucket list?
I dream about traveling, especially want to visit America, Italy, Spain, Norway, Thailand…and all countries what are exist.
What is on your phone for music now?
Marilyn Manson – you and me and the devil makes three
Anything in closing you would like to say?
I feel you…
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