Interview with IRON HEADE
!!!HEAVY METAL FROM CHILE!!!
We had a conversation with Sergio Masciocchi (Guitars/Vocals).Enjoy!
Welcome to the FILTHY DOGS OF METAL Webzine.
Tell us a few things about IRON HEADE (Members, Starting Year, etc.).
We formed Iron Heade in late 2016, and through these years we have had some formation changes. Nowadays the band members are Basthian on guitars and backing vocals, Patricio on drums, Gerardo on Bass guitar and Sergio on guitar and lead vocals.
You have recently released your single ''Master of Past and Present''. What is the feedback from your audience as well as from the press?
The audience was a little bit perplex at the beginning because they realized it was an instrumental song. It was our first single with this characteristic and the first one to be released after our former vocalist left the Band. So people were caught by surprise. The press was mild about it, mainly because of the time we released it. The country was in a state of turmoil due to the social movement plus the pandemic at that point. Most of the press was focused on that.
Label or DIY, and why?
DIY right now. We like to manage our times and produce music according to our expectations. It would be certainly good to be part of a big label aimed to work with metal but before we reach that point, if we, we have to be able to make our audience grow and claim a position among other bands that are ahead of us.
Do you prefer Vinyl, Tape, CD or Digital Format, and why is that?
We all agree that vinyl and tapes are great for collecting and to appreciate the art made for the album. But in the end, digital format gives you access to an almost unlimited amount of music and is the one format that has helped us to reach the other side of the world with our music.
Your music style is Heavy Metal. Which are your main influences (Favourite Artists / Bands etc.)
Iron Maiden is the most evident influence for us (as for half of the band out there Jajaja), but we pick influences from many other artists we like. The mixture of our different preferences toward music helps us redefine our sound. Heavy metal band from the 80s have been a constant source of inspiration for us.
Which things, do you think, a Band should sacrifice in order to succeed?
There are several things to sacrifice. Time with our families and loved ones is the first one. Too many time we had to postpone them for a rehearsal, recording session or gig. On the other hand, there is a thing about personal preferences vs what is best for the band that everyone should deal with. Sometimes you have an idea to be executed by the band, but the rest of the guys and manager don't think it is going to work. You have to be humble and sacrifice your ego for the greater good.
Have you ever sacrificed anything in your life for a better future of your Band?
I (Sergio) have lost a job for the band, which put me against the ropes economically and I guess I will do it again if necessary jajaja. I have seen Gerardo risk his job too many times to get to the shows. Basthian has put an enormous effort into accepting employments outside our city and travelling hours to fulfil our contracts as Iron Heade. Patricio deals with the university, jobs and the band at the same time, and the poor creature is the drummer, Isn't that enough sacrifice?
Jokes aside, I know all the guys have sacrificed, time, money and relationships. They are fully committed to the band, and I can trust them blindly.
Describe your ideal live show as a performance Band. Have you already experienced that?
I guess we all agree that our ideal show would be in a festival with a big stage, brutal sound, sharing with other bands, with a huge crowd singing our songs to finally leave the stage knowing that we gave an excellent presentation. (fireworks, a clean bathroom and food after the gig are optional, but it would be great).
Which attributes, do you think, that a new Heavy Metal Band should have in order to gain identity and be unique?
To gain identity and be unique are things you can't achieve by only playing. It is necessary to study other bands, to investigate about the market you are going to be part of (for better or worse, even independent circles constitute a market). Not being afraid to explore different aesthetics (we used to wear black and green outfits) and be faithful to your vision of music.
Do you believe that Bandcamp and other Digital Platforms help the new Heavy Metal Bands? Which, do you think, is the ideal way for a Band to promote its work?
Digital platforms are of enormous help nowadays. I'm amused by the number of bands you can get to know just by clicking on a link. To reach Europe, Asia or North America from Chile, without having digital platforms, would be extremely expensive and risky. The costs involved in sending packages across the globe are more costly than it seems, and there is always a risk of the things not reaching its destination.We believe that the ideal way to promote a band is to place its name and work in every platform, chart, radio, tv show, poster and magazine possible, as well as to play a lot. Once producers get to know you, you have to start deciding which venues are the most profitable. Each suitable venue, means more material to show on your websites and more exposition. Never stop sharing your progress and don't wait three years before realising new songs or albums. There are tons of bands out there, is easy to be forgotten before you make a name for yourself.
Tell us a few things about the New Underground Metal Scene in Chile (Bands, Fanzines, Webzines, Metal Clubs etc.)
There is plenty of places to play heavy metal; the thing is to earn a spot. Most venues prefer cover bands over original ones, but there are always people involved in the new underground scene, producing festivals and shows, which are amazing! Several webzines cover the news of our movement and give us more exposure. Bands come and go, but I dare to say that at least two of every five is here to stay. And those who remain are commonly good ones (Heilegen, Eternal Thirst, Iron Spell etc).
Do you know anything about the Hellenic Metal Scene?
We have listened to Northwind and Gauntlet as I can recall right now, both fantastic bands. It is common for us to gather together and listen to "NWOTHM full albums" youtube channel. It is impressive how much Tiago does for the new heavy metal.
What are your future plans?
We are waiting for the pandemic to end so we can begin recording our next album. We were working on it when the government established the quarantine. We hope we can release it in early 2021.
Thank you very much for your time & Keep up the good work! The closure is yours.
To all filthy dogs out there reading this: As soon as it is safe, go out and buy some tickets for a local band show, enjoy seeing them grow. Support the NWOTHM. United, we are stronger.Thanks for allowing us to be part of your webzine. We feel honoured. Stay Heavy.
By Steve the Filthy Dog.
IRON HEADE CONTACT:
https://ironheade.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/ironheadeband/