EMQ's

EMQ’s With MALEDICTIS

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EMQ’s With MALEDICTIS


Hi Everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Gothic Chamber Metal project, Maledictis. Huge thanks to main man John Marszalkowski for taking part. 

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name is John Marszalkowski. I write the music and lyrics for Maledictis. I play rhythm guitar and also fill in where additional instruments and vocals are needed. Maledictis started out as a long-distance recording project, making Gothic Chamber Metal during the quarantine of 2020.

How did you come up with your band name?

I was inspired by a scene in the movie “Amadeus” where Mozart composes his requiem mass on his death bed. The part he’s writing in that scene is called “Confutatis Maledictis” which is Latin for “Doomed.” 

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

I’m in Milwaukee, WI, USA, which is relatively close to Madison and Chicago. Between those 3 cities, there are some pretty awesome rock and metal bands.

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

We just released a single called ‘Delicta’ (feat. Mariangela Demurtas) earlier this month.

Who have been your greatest influences?

Tristania, Silverchair and J.S. Bach.

What first got you into music?

My family was very musical. My brother was a rock drummer, my parents were church choir singers, and my mother played trumpet. I started writing music after I got a guitar and learned a few Nirvana songs. 

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

I’d say Mariangela Demurtas of Tristania, but she has already sang on a couple Maledictis songs. Since my answer doesn’t have to be realistic, I’ll say the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Maledictis doesn’t play shows. 

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

A coupon for 30¢ off Shake n’ Bake.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

If you threw a party and invited everyone you knew, you would see the biggest gift would be from me, and the card attached would say “thank you for being a friend.”

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Freddie Mercury 

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

I love creating something that invokes emotion. I hate marketing.

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

It would be nice to rid the industry of all “isms” in the snap of a finger (sexism, ageism, racism, etc.). 

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

The Crash Test Dummies “God Shuffeled His Feet.” 

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?

I’ll say Downloads just because it’s what’s best for the environment.

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Maledictis doesn’t play shows. 

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

I have a few published books. I’d probably write more books.

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

I’d invite all the celebrities who I’ve sent fan mail to who never wrote back, because I know they’d never accept the invite. That way I can eat dinner alone with my pants off like usual. 

What’s next for the band?

More singles to come!

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

All of them! www.Maledictis.net 

Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?

That looks like a cookie to me.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

If anyone wants to mail me some of those Jaffa Cakes, my address is: PO BOX 210454, Milwaukee, WI 53221-8008, USA.

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.

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