Last years Metal 2 The Masses winners in Milton Keynes, Ashborn, will be using 2019 to concentrate on getting their name out. Having played Bloodstock last year to huge acclaim, they are using this momentum and recording their debut album in May as well as playing numerous gigs, attending festivals and ing heavyweight acts such as Vader. I thought this would be a good time to catch up with vocalist Marcin who tells us all about the band’s aspirations and goals for the coming year. Thank you, Marcin and best wishes to you and Ashborn in 2019.
Simple things first – where are you guys from?
Me and drummer Marcin K from Northampton and Mietek (guitar) and Peter (bass) from Birmingham. Originally we are from Poland.
How long have you been playing together as a band?
In this squad since December 2017.
Describe your music. What makes you unique?
Our music… I love those questions. I would say it’s a groove metal with some hardcore, death and thrash in it. I think the music we do is very real and we are not trying to play something that is not part of us.
Ashborn released a demo earlier in 2018. How does it feel to put in all your blood, sweat and tears and get a recording out there?
It’s absolutely amazing knowing that someone miles away is listening to our music.
How did it feel to win Metal to the Masses in Milton Keynes in your first attempt in 2018?
I am not sure if I know the words to describe how it felt. Massive thank you to everyone who has ed us at M2tM!
You are very active on the live front, from local pubs and clubs to having played one of the biggest festivals the UK has to offer in Bloodstock. What should we expect from a live show and how was the experience playing in front of a huge crowd at Bloodstock for the band?
You should expect a lot of rough energy and heavy riffs. Also be ready for headbanging! Playing in front of the Bloodstock Open Air crowd was an amazing experience and we will that weekend forever!
What are the lyrical themes of the songs on the demo? Is there a main lyricist?
No. There is no lyrical theme. I write about different things. All depends on my mood.
How often is the band able to get together and rehearse in the studio? Where do you get together and record?
Ones or twice a week. Due to the distance between Northampton and Birmingham it’s hard to do more often.
How are the songs constructed in the studio? Are there the main songwriters of songs that take care of everything or is Ashborn a band where all contribute to the songs?
Everyone in Ashborn contribute to the songs. I do all vocals.
Being a four piece and having different musical influences within the band, is there sometimes a lot of negotiating in the studio or do you feel you are writing the music you want to for the band?
We discuss about different parts of the songs and normally it goes really smooth.
How hard has it been to juggle the touring side of things with the everyday jobs? Do you have plans to go on bigger tours and further afield in 2019?
It’s not easy sometimes but at the moment we are managing. We need to thank to our families for all the . In the first few months of 2019 we have around 15 gigs booked and also few where we are in process of booking. We are hoping to get slots at a few big festivals. Ashborn will Polish beast Vader in June at the Hop Fest in Northampton but in May we are recording our debut album and this is our target for 2019. When the album will be ready we will try to play a few gigs in Poland and a few other countries.
How hard is it for a metal band like Ashborn to survive in the current climate where bands have to tour non-stop and sell merchandise in order to bring money back into the band?
All we care for is to have a good fun and play better and better gigs!
Being from Northampton/Birmingham, are there any other bands from your local scene that you would recommend?
There is some good bands around especially in Northamptonshire but I don’t really want to mention any, just in case I miss anyone.
A fun question to end this interview. If you were a DJ and were allowed to bring 5 CDs to the party, what would they be?
- Machine Head – Burn My Eyes
- Faith No More – Angel Dust
- Decapitated – Blood Mantra
- Sepultura – Chaos AD
And if the party will be later on this year I would bring Ashborn’s debut album with me!
Any last message for our readers here at Moshville Times?
Please underground bands and venues! Go to the gigs and smaller festivals and check new bands please! Also keep an eye on our page for all the updates and buy our debut album!
