Flood of Rain
Interviewer, writer: sadOasisBand Members: Adrian (Composition/Guitars), GPK (Composition/Vocals)
Questions Answered by: Adrian and GPK
Flood of Rain originally started off as a one man experimental music project by Adrian. Early in 2007, the project was enhanced with the addition of GPK on vocals. The music of Flood of Rain is described on their official Myspace site as "intangible as the element of water - the calmness of a lake, the fury of the deluge, chilling as the frozen sea and ethereal as the morning mist". Recently one of the band’s tunes was featured on Arable Farmland 3 Compilation CD, and the band has announced that they will be releasing their first album in 2008. JMI recently had the opportunity to talk to the members of Flood of Rain about their recent activities and upcoming releases!Thank you for doing this interview. Can you introduce yourself for readers who are not familiar with Flood of Rain yet?
Adrian: Hello everyone. My name is Adrian, I compose and play guitars for Flood of Rain.
GPK: Greetings~ I am GPK on vocals and composition for Flood of Rain. Pleasure to meet you.
Could you explain the origin of the band name?
Adrian: At a very young age, I was always captivated by the rain. The sound and the atmosphere it would create. I remember often taking walks in the rain. It was a very cleansing feeling, almost spiritual. When I began to create music, I wanted to try my best to give my music that same magic the rain would give me.
At what age did you start playing music?
Adrian: I came from a family who were very musical. Some of my earliest childhood memories would be of my grandfather playing classical piano in our home. It was a very haunting and beautiful sound. It was when hearing him play Beethoven’s Sonata No. 14, that I realized how music could have an impact on one’s emotions. I wanted to make music that could be emotional and touch people the same way it had touched me. My composing of music came soon after and I have been creating music since then.
How and when did you meet each other?
GPK: Adrian and I met each other on myspace, and we talked about music together. Then I joined the project as the vocalist.
Your music is a combination of electro, gothic and industrial. Why did you choose to make this style of music?
Adrian: We both have our own tastes in music. Since a very young age, my taste in music had focused with straight up industrial music, as well as industrial metal. Bands like Foetus and Insurge were what gave birth to my interests in the genre. As I got older though, I found a deep love for ambient music too. So when Flood of Rain began, my desire was to express all these styles I loved in a singular form, flowing from sound to sound, touching on various sonic textures. I love the intensity that the contrast between soft ambience and harsh guitars bring. I use this a lot in our music.
Since the addition of GPK to the band, has your musical direction changed at all?
Adrian: I think GPK’s addition to Flood of Rain, has helped give this project a more solid foundation. The mix of our styles creates something unique, something I have not previously heard with the music I have listened to. It is so easy for us to work together also. When an idea is conceived, we both work on it together and it becomes a complete musical piece in such a short amount of time. It truly feels like magic sometimes (laughs)
Which artists have influenced you?
Adrian: On an emotional scale, I believe the work of Devin Townsend to be genius. The way somebody can put so much emotion into each note they play and each word they sing, is inspirational. Other artists who have had a big impact on me are Bjork, Ulver, Enigma, The Smashing Pumpkins and Mortiis, just to name a few.
What inspires you when writing music and lyrics?
Adrian: My biggest influence comes from my own personal experiences and emotions. Each song is based on a feeling inside my heart and that’s why they are all so important to me.
GPK: The emotional aspects of Flood of Rain would undoubtedly be the main inspiration in terms of the additional piano compositions and lyrics. I believe the most intriguing part of writing lyrics for Floof of Rain was that I was able to visualize the image of the songs immediately. Adrian’s music tends to have a sort of transcendental effect and his compositional structures fundamentally penetrates the deepest subconsciousness of the mind itself.
You recently announced that you plan to release a cd sometime next year. Can you tell us a little about it?
Adrian: 2008 is the year we will finally release our debut album. A lot of time and effort is being put into it as we speak. Unfortunately there is not too much we can mention at this point, but as things progress, we promise to keep our myspace up-to-date on any news regarding it. We do hope to have it released some time during the first half of 2008.
Will you be playing lives in the future?
Adrian: We are eagerly looking towards playing live shows once we have completed our album. I want to have the chance to connect with the fans and give them the best performance we can!
If you could play anywhere in the world, where would it be, and why?
Adrian: Such a tough question. Japan, Canada and Germany are 3 countries I have always wanted to play, since I began music. There is so much amazing music coming from these countries and I would love to play there, as well as have the chance to see all of my favorite artists perform. I also want to play the part of tourist and explore these places as well as many others. The world is so big. There is so much to see!
What kind of musical equipment do you use?
Adrian: My current setup is quite humble. I record everything with my laptop, utilizing a number of guitars, my favourite being the Ibanez RG-270. I also make use of my Roland JV-1080 synthesizer as well as numerous soft synths and effects.
Besides Flood of Rain, have either of you worked on any other projects?
Adrian: I have collaborated on a few projects in the past. My proudest achievement was to be able to work with the wonderful pianist known as Moon Eyes ( http://www.moon-eyes.com), who last year, released her debut cd titled "Getsuei Geisha" in which I was featured on and co-wrote 5 of the songs with her.
GPK: I am currently in another band called GPKISM ( http://www.gpkism.net) as the vocalist and composer, and Kiwamu from BLOOD on guitar.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Adrian: I have always had a fascination with animation. Once upon a time, I studied design with aspirations to become a cartoonist. If I could not create music, I’m sure I would find my way back to the world of drawing.
GPK: I don’t think I would call myself a musician, but a composer and a vocalist. I believe this could just be an extension of my own artistic research. Ideally, a contemporary artist is what I’m aiming for.
What would you like fans to remember you for?
Adrian: My one true wish is for people to remember us as musicians who took our art seriously and gave our hearts to the music we made. This journey has never been about fame or recognition. It has been about sharing those feelings we all have within us, yet may not express. I want fans to remember they are not alone in this world.
GPK: Obviously, I believe that really is up to the fans to decide. Although there’s no limit as to what we do musically, we are still responsible for what we create. Even though our songs are quite melancholy, I hope others would remember us as merely experimental artists who work with fundamental human emotions through our own experiences, and not worship us as idols.
What does the future hold for Flood of Rain?
Adrian: The future is bright. We want to release our album and begin touring. Although this project has been active for many years, I feel that this is just the beginning of a long journey. I look forward to this so much!
GPK: Yes, I agree with Adrian. This is the genesis of something unique. Although it’s still in its infant stage, we expect the metaphorphisis of this project to spread our message through music, and eventually shape the world as we intended to create for both our audiences and ourselves.
Lastly, could you give a message to your fans?
Adrian: I would like to thank every single one of you for giving us this opportunity to make music for you. The support you have given us is so wonderful. I will never be able to thank you all enough. I look forward to meeting you all on tour very soon!
GPK: It’s been an honor to participate this interview. I hope our music could touch the hearts of those who listen to it. Thank you all for joining us, and we shall see you again very soon!
Additional Information
Official Flood of Rain Myspace SiteCheck out Flood of Rain’s Official Myspace Site for more information on their history, discography, live performances, and more!
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