EMQ’s With MOONSHADE
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Portuguese Melodic Extreme Metal band, Moonshade. Huge thanks to their vocalist, Ricardo Pereira, 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?
I’m Ricardo Pereira, lead singer of Moonshade – no clever puns to offer like ‘lead screamer’ or ‘lead sinner’, I’m afraid. This project began back in 2011, and since then we have released a demo called “The Path Of Redemption”, the “Dream | Oblivion” EP, our debut album “Sun Dethroned”, and a live session EP with songs from “Sun Dethroned”, titled “The Eventide Sessions”, released during COVID-19 season. We are now about to release our second full-length album, “As We Set The Skies Ablaze”.
How did you come up with your band name?
The name already existed when I auditioned. It’s a double entendre, meaning either a spectre in the moonlight, or the ‘shade’ provide by the moon during an eclipse. I gather it was also an homage to Moonspell, but don’t quote me on that.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
Moonshade hail from Portugal. We do have a very healthy amount of festivals and large touring bands often play here regularly, but in terms of Portuguese bands, the scene here, with less than a handful of exceptions, is essentially underground. It’s been better, COVID-19 hit us hard, but I prefer seeing that as an opportunity, and tons of bands did – small shows are popping up everywhere, and summer festivals are back. Feels almost normal again!
What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)
Our latest releases were the singles ‘Epitaph’, ‘Blood Of The Titans’ and ‘Everlasting Horizons’, taken from our upcoming album “As We Set The Skies Ablaze”, to be released independently on July 22nd.
Who have been your greatest influences?
I’m getting old, so influences are starting to pile up like crazy. However, I hold a special place in my heart for Rammstein and Metallica, who got me into Heavy Metal. I also draw a bunch of inspiration from the punk and hip hop scenes.
What first got you into music?
A couple of friends decided to take guitar lessons, which was great to pick up chicks, and I did it mostly to try and fit in. I was already into Rock, Punk and Metal, but actually participating, making music? It suddenly made sense. Ditched the lessons because I’m really not a Goo Goo Dolls type of guy, joined a Rock band where a friend taught me how to play the electric guitar, we played a few covers – Metallica, Green Day, Sum 41, etc. – and there it was.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician, who would it be?
Tosin Abasi from Animals as Leaders!
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Hellfest or Wacken. Those are the big leagues, after all.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Their undivided attention. That’s worth more than gold nowadays.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Get drunk on art and happiness.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Freddie Mercury. The best part is he’d owe me one, that would be one hell of a feature.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
Being able to create something that makes you proud and gives others joy. What I hate about it is absolutely nothing.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
How perishable everything is now. An album lasts for months before being mostly forgotten. It would be great if people took the time to actually listen.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Rammstein’s “Mutter”. It was my first album ever, my mother bought it for me.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?
Mostly whatever suits your fancy. You should know vinyl pays best for the band, followed by CDs and cassettes, then streaming. Don’t download music.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Definitely Vagos Open Air Festival, opening for Amorphis and Within Temptation back in 2015.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I’m already a biologist, so I guess I would focus on that. Writing novels would also be an option!
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
That’s easy – my bandmates, and my wife Sofia, who happens to be our media manager.
What’s next for the band?
Releasing our album and taking it to the grand stage!
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Everything about us can be found at our website on https://www.moonshadeofficial.com
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
They’re a lie!!
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you so much for having me and to everyone reading this, follow Moonshade on social media and on your streaming platform of choice, we have tons of news coming your way. Join us. You are expected!
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.