I N T E R V I E W

Interview Moe (by mail)

Hello Moe, thanks for your time, could you introduce The Kordz to AuxPortesDuMetal.com's readers?

The Kordz is a Lebanese Rock band, originally formed when we were students at the American University of Beirut. The band since its early days did not miss any opportunity to be on stage anywhere in Lebanon amidst the toughest conditions.

Ok, so a Lebanese band, that is quite unusual. Is there a real metal scene there? Is it difficult to be a Lebanese rock band?

For sure it is not normal and easy to have a rock band in Lebanon. It is surely not part of our culture and the scene is still a niche scene, that should develop... although lebanon compared to other surrounding countries is a cultural melting pot for eastern and western cultures, yet still rock and metal are still looked at differently...

In 2011, we covered a number of oriental metal bands such as Myrath, Orphaned Land or Arkan, do you know these guys? And is it ok to call you an oriental metal band?

Sure we know some of these groups; as for labelling us as a just oriental metal band, has some relevant factors, yet in reality we cannot only have that tag... we do have many other influences, and the oriental culture is surely one of these factors.

What are your main musical influences ?

We come from different musical backgrounds, but I would say that most influential bands are Pink Floyd, Deep Purple, Led Zeppelin, even bands like Toto, and the 80’s period... as well as the 90’s grunge scene ‘Alice in chains’, and surely many recent artists... and again I can say that the local culture has a great deal of influence as well...

Let's talk about the album Beauty & The East. Who came up with the title and the cover art, both of which are excellent?

The title is inspired by the journey and context of the album... by the message we want to send... the title shows that this region still has beauty within and a hope for a better future, as well as a self criticism message, demanding that would start change from within before blaming others. The artwork symbolizes the relation between the state (the mother) and the people (the little girl), and how the system would make use the people as a tool to get more power; yet it still has a message of hope for a better future. The artwork visuals were done by Sophia Valkova.

You sing in English, an excellent English, was this a commercial choice?

It is one of the languages that I was easily able to express my ideas and feelings... although I would not mind singing in Arabic or any other language if I am able to... also another major factor is that English is a universal language and this will allow us to have our music reach a larger audience. 

The album seemed to have been released in 2011. What happenned exactly? Is this a reissue?

We released the album last year, on our own, directly without a label partner. As we were able to find a label partner, earMusic (Edel), we decided to re-issue the album with a special edition package, including a DVD containing a documentary, and live material as well as official video.

I find your voice very impressive, starting with the first track Deeper In. What are your singers of reference?

I always listened to so many bands and artists, and so many vocalists have influenced me... from Robert Plant, or Alice in Chains (Layne and Jerry), David Coverdale, Chris Cornell, Eddie Vedder, Joe Lynn Turner, or Lou Gramm, or Toto... and many others...

What are the themes covered in the album, is it a concept album?

The album is a journey describing our daily lives, the conflicts we are living, and the dreams we are looking  and striving for... it talks about change, love, religion, existence... in a world where contradictions co-exist.

There seems to be several styles on the album, could it be because it is made of songs composed over a large period of time?

This is very true, as I described this album describes our musical journey and therefore it is reflected by the development of musical tastes...

What are the traditional musical instruments used on the album?

We used a lot of our local instruments, that can reflect our roots... mainly we used, Kanoun, nay, Mizmar, all types of Arabic percussions, Our, as well as strings sections, performing oriental melodies...

Certain tracks are very different. For example this Nic-O-Teen at the end of the album, can you explain this?

That is true... NicOTeen, was one of the songs we played live for fun, yet it became an anthem, and our fans loved it... when we were in the process of recording, we were hesitating to put on the album, yet upon public demand we felt that we had to include it... it reflects the rebellious spirit of our fans and our generation...

How did the creation of this album go?

That’s why it took a lot of time, emotions, energy, and budget; as we wanted to make things the right way and up to our expectations... so the album was made in Canada, US, and Lebanon...

What are your plans relative to touring, outside of Lebanon?

The main efforts now is to be able to secure a tour this summer in Europe, meanwhile we are constantly gigging in Lebanon, and surely we won’t miss any opportunity that may arise...

I'd love to see you touring with the guys from Myrath, a little bit like what they did with Orphaned Land in 2011. Is it possible, you'd think?

Surely why not... we performed in Tunisia in 2006.. .so why not join them in Tunisia or if they want to come to Lebanon... or even in Europe..

Any other projects after the album release?

Touring and promoting the album is the main focus for the time being... however, writing new music is the second major plan...

Thanks a lot and I will let you have the last words for our readers...

Thank you so much for giving us the opportunity to have our music heard and shared with music lovers... we cannot wait to come to France and share this experience with you...

Venez donc discuter de cette interview, sur notre forum !