EMQ’s With Artifer
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Estonian Modern Melodic Metal band, Artifer. Huge thanks to their rhythm guitarist/ vocalist/ songwriter, Markus, 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 Markus, I am the rhythm guitarist, singer and songwriter for the band Artifer, a modern melodic metal band. I started this band as a solo project back in 2019 just as a creative outlet, but after the pandemic ended, Artifer gained some members and was sort of reborn into a full band.
How did you come up with your band name?
It’s a fully tongue-in- cheek name honestly. It comes from the latin word for artistic which is “artifex”. As the band first started off as just an artistic outlet, it seemed fitting to make fun of it.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We’re based in Tallinn, Estonia. The scene is relatively alive. There are a ton of bands from all sorts of subgenres everywhere, however, the situation with venues could be better.
What is your latest release?
Our latest release FOR NOW is our last single “Still Alive” which we also filmed a music video for.
Who have been your greatest influences?
For me, influences have varied and changed a lot throughout the years but some I have taken a lot from would be Linkin Park, Max Martin, Metallica, Mark Tremonti and Queen.
What first got you into music?
I’ve loved listening to all kinds of music for as long as I can remember but if we’re talking about making music, then my friends back in middle school wanted to put together a cover band and invited me to sing. It kind of took hold of me ever since and never let go.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Beartooth or Bad Omens for sure.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
I think Pinkpop would be an amazing experience. On a slightly smaller scale Jera on Air would be just as big of a dream.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
We’ve mostly been giving out gifts ourselves. We have yet to receive any.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
Keep loving music and supporting all your favourite acts!
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
Freddy Mercury without a doubt!
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The creative side and energy of live shows is to die for honestly. On the other end hand however – the marketing and constant need for grabbing attention online is incredibly tiring.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Definitely to move the focus back on music from social media.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Meteora” by Linkin Park.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
A physical copy of vinyl or CD feels great to own, but if we’re talking convenience then downloads take the crown.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Barbar Feast 2023. It was a fantastic experience and left a super strong impression on us!
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
Probably some mechanical or culinary jobs.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Tolkien, van Gogh, Da Vinci, Diogenes, Freddy Mercury.
What’s next for the band?
We have multiple shows coming up this fall and winter as well as plans to release a new single.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
One link to rule them all: https://linktr.ee/artifer
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?
My English friends will probably crucify me for this but I think it is a Roll?
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Just want to express our gratitude for being featured! On top of that we hope the heavy music scene goes on to lead a long and successful life!
Stay heavy and keep rocking!
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.