EMQ’s With Neo Utopia
EMQ’s With Neo Utopia
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Chilean Thrash/ Melodic Death Metal project, Neo Utopia. Huge thanks to project founder, Rainer Hemmelmann, 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 Rainer Hemmelmann, I’m the founder of this project. It began in 2020, during the lockdown I wanted to release my music, and the best way to do it in that moment was doing it all by myself. So, I began this 3 part little project, to be the basis of the future album.
How did you come up with your band name?
It is inspired by the book of Thomas Morus “Utopia”. But the great inspiration is the new world or new utopia that the same society is trying to generate.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I was born in Concepción, south of Chile, but for 15 years I’ve been in the capital, Santiago de Chile. The scene here is similar to other places in Europe. Chile is known for being a metal country. The local bands are performing really well nowadays.
What is your latest release?
The latest release is “Q3”, the final chapter of the “Q” project. Now I am beginning to work on the debut album, hopefully to see the light this year.
Who have been your greatest influences?
Some of the greatest influences for me are Dave Grohl, Tobias Sammet, Phil Collins and Peavy Wagner. And if I have to name some bands, it would be Dream Evil, Metallica, Sepultura, Arch Enemy, Kreator, Napalm Death, Rage, and Megadeth.
What first got you into music?
My brother when I was 8 years old. He listened to Metallica, Pantera, Marilyn Manson, and others.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
In my country I work and have been working with some great people that I admire, but internationally I would say that has to be Peavy Wagner of Rage or Niklas Isfeldt from Dream Evil.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
For sure Wacken, but at this time a little dream would be any European festival.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
With Neo Utopia, not so many, because I have never done a show yet, but at this time I would say the gift is listening to our EPs all over the world, without any shows it’s weird hehe.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Support your local scene, go to shows, have a blast!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I would say the mighty Joey Ramone and Lemmy, but the list is long.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
To be in touch with people and for sure to be on the stage. And what I hate is the asshole musicians that think they are almost gods.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
To open more opportunities to be shown the new music.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“DragonSlayer” of Dream Evil, “C.O.L.O.N.Y” of In Flames and “Swangsong” of Carcass.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CDs, or Downloads?
I was born with Cassettes. I know the relevance of the Vinyl and the easy handling of streaming or download, but I stay with CDs.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
With Plasma as opening act for Yngwie Malmsteen last year.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Lawyer or working in a record store.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Peavy Wagner (Rage), Lars Ulrich (Metallica), Tobias Exxel (Edguy), Peter Stalsfors (Dream Evil) and Edu Falaschi (ex-Angra).
What’s next for the band?
To start the demo work for the debut album.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6FG1N2huRfLpIsZBIweh0g
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/neoutopiaband/
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064321562605
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
Ohh difficult for me to say, but would go for Barm.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
The first thing is that I appreciate the time and opportunity to show this work, and I hope to visit your land in the next few years.
Stay heavy
lml
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
