EMQs With Brocarde
EMQs With Brocarde
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with UK Solo Metal artist, Brocade. Huge thanks to them 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 a solo artist, so for me, it all started with birth, the details of which are likely gruesome, but I was far too young to remember. So really, the history of Brocarde is the history of me, which is a bit of a rollercoaster, potentially quite colourful in places. I’ve always loved performing, and for me, songwriting and being an artist is just ingrained into who I am. Even when I was a child I used to hide in the woods at school and write songs, the lyrics at the time were about cherries and rainbows and would make any Metal fan feel quite nauseous but I feel as a five year old I can be forgiven for that, as it didn’t take long for me to become corrupted and turn to the dark side.
How did you come up with your band name?
Well, Brocarde is my name, and really, it represents a variety of elements that are intrinsically woven together to make one whole. I’m very hands-on as an artist, so I never stop creating. I love the cinematic video elements, and I exist with a lot of emotion, so I know how this shows in my work. It’s about channeling all of those emotions to create something positive.
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
I’m from London in the UK. I’m not really a scene type of person, so I honestly don’t know. For the most part, I live in a box. It’s like a coffin of confinement, I emerge occasionally for air, but I try not to concern myself with what’s popular or be too influenced by anything.
What is your latest release?
Pandora’s Box. It’s a theatrical, horror-inspired, sarcastic screw you anytime. The video, which was shot in a scare maze in an abandoned theme park, is so great for any horror lovers. My music is hugely inspired by horror and twisted themes.
Who have been your greatest influences?
I’m inspired by the mavericks and rule breakers of the world. I love music and lyrics that take you on a journey like Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen or Paradise by the Dashboard Light by Meatloaf; those aren’t just songs, they are conversations. I love the multi-genre perspective, as when I write, all I consider is what instrument is going to tell the story, and how I can set the scene for a listener. I love people like Danny Elfman who orchestrate cinematically.
What first got you into music?
Ultimately, it’s an outlet for emotion, so that’s what captured me. From an early age, I was performing and doing theatre, which felt restrictive to me, playing a character and bringing someone else’s vision to life. I wanted to create those stories and songs myself and bring them to life in my own way.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Julie Andrews, because she’s my childhood hero.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Honestly, there are so many amazing Metal festivals, but Inkcarceration appeals to me as it’s in a haunted prison.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
Honestly, because of my ability to speak to ghosts and fascination with the paranormal world, I’ve had some very weird messages and gifts over the years. The one that sticks in my mind was someone wanting to gift me their dog’s ashes, so I could communicate with its potential ghost. There’s been a lot of randomness, a guy wanted to give me a lock of his hair, the requests are, shall we say… interesting!
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
I’m not sure if one message would have the ability to touch everybody, but I’d really just want to say thank you for the endless support. Being a music artist isn’t easy, and often a kind message or someone saying that they love your work can honestly mean the world. I want to encourage everybody to truly embrace who they really are and have the courage to stand up for what they believe and try to live a fearless, empowered life, as life can be too short.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I’ve lost a few friends to rock n roll; it can be a cruel world. I think everyone’s story ends as it should, so perhaps I wouldn’t mess with reincarnating anyone.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
The creative freedom, I’m lucky enough to live a creative life. I travel the world and I bring my vision to life on a daily basis, that’s living the dream for me. In terms of hate, there are a lot of nasty people in the music industry who will manipulate you and try to break you. It’s important to surround yourself with good, honest people; often, that’s survival.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Make it less conformist. It’s important to remember it’s a business driven by money, which creates hurdles for new artists.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
My own, I’m so biased, but it’s my life story, so I feel I’m allowed to indulge myself on that one!
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
I love the romanticism of vinyl, having the physical product, holding it in your hands, seeing the artwork, and having a physical token of someone’s endless hours of hard work and dedication. The problem is that practically to have music in our fingertips wherever we go, we need streaming and we need downloads, it’s a necessary evil.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Being onstage at The London Palladium was amazing.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
There’s no boss that wouldn’t fire me immediately! I’ve always worked for myself, and it’s always been creative. I have a successful website brocarde.com, and I create content for this, which keeps me busy between music releases. I visit haunted locations, day tourism hotspots, and interview bands.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Marilyn Monroe, Lemmy, Meatloaf, Freddie Mercury and The Queen. They are all dead, so I would have to communicate with them unconventionally.
What’s next for the band?
I’m on a mission now, so the music’s going to keep coming! I have a new album out in 2026, so I’m nervous and excited for that.
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ffg89mOICKAre1NuTcwv4
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?
Well, there are various different types of round pieces of bread, all with different names. I would say typically a roll for a basic savoury sandwich. A muffin has a different texture and is floured and typically associated with breakfast. A tea cake has dried fruit in it and would usually just be toasted and buttered. But if you’re celiac like me and have your sandwiches gluten-free, you can often refer to a round piece of gluten-free bread as cardboard. Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?Thanks for having me.
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