METAL PIT INTERVIEW
Interview with Laurie Ann Haus of TODESBONDEN. Interview by BLAKE. June 2009.
TODESBONDEN coming from the Washington, DC area. They bring lots of elements to their music with blends of Metal, Folk and Classical led by the lead vocals of Laurie Ann Haus who tells us more about the band and their appearance at the Flight of the Valkyries Festival. (June 2009)
TODESBONDEN coming from the Washington, DC area. They bring lots of elements to their music with blends of Metal, Folk and Classical led by the lead vocals of Laurie Ann Haus who tells us more about the band and their appearance at the Flight of the Valkyries Festival. (June 2009)
THE METAL PIT: Can you explain the meaning of and why you called the band Todesbonden?
Laurie Ann Haus: I discovered it while analyzing a Bach Chorale in music theory class long ago. It is based on an old German word that means "bonds of death". I just liked the meaning since at the time I was rather fascinated with the finality and permanence of the ending of things.
THE METAL PIT: Your myspace page lists many music influences, is their a easy way to describe the sound of the band and to introduce it to someone not familiar with your band?
Laurie Ann Haus: Long ago I came up with the term Ancient World Metal for our sound, however we do have a bit of modern sound here and there so it is hard to put is solidly in that category. We mix Celtic, World, Classical, Folk, and Doom Metal together. Many people compare us to Loreena McKennitt, Dead Can Dance and Third and the Mortal.
THE METAL PIT: What does it mean to be asked to play at the Flight of the Valkyries Festival?
Laurie Ann Haus: We are looking forward to playing this. We first met Nathan when we played the Heathen Crusade a few years ago. He was a very nice person and we wanted to work with him again so we are happy to be able to do so.
THE METAL PIT: Your vocals are very diverse with a wide range of abilities. Did you start singing at a young age and did you take
vocal lessons?
Laurie Ann Haus: I had been interested in singing at a very young age. I did take classical singing lessons during college, however the many diverse styles of singing were self taught.
THE METAL PIT: Last June you released a full length cd SLEEP NOW QUIET FOREST. Do you have favorite songs from that release
that you enjoy playing live the most?
Laurie Ann Haus: The songs that I enjoy performing live most are Ghost of the Crescent Moon and possibly Surya Namaskara. I love most of our songs really but those I feel most emotional while singing them.
THE METAL PIT: Is it a challenge transferring your studio sound to the live stage?
Laurie Ann Haus: It really can be. We have a lot of orchestral stuff going on and we have to play to backing tracks which makes our stage set up a lot more complicated. It is worth it though.
THE METAL PIT: Personally what types of music do you listen to yourself?
Laurie Ann Haus: Lately I have been listening to soft music. Mostly soundtrack, folk and classical music.
THE METAL PIT: Is the band working on a new cd or are you still touring in support of your latest?
Laurie Ann Haus: We are putting the writing on hold until July since some of us are writing for our own solo albums, but in July 2009 we are going to dedicate more time to writing the next album. We would love to play more shows but setting them up remotely is a bit difficult at times without a booking agent.
THE METAL PIT: Thank you for doing this interview.
Laurie Ann Haus: Thank you!
TODESBONDEN Website http://www.todesbonden.us
TODESBONDEN Myspace http://www.myspace.com/todesbonden
