Switchtense Interview

Band:

Switchtense

Formed In: 

2002

Origin: 

Moita, Portugal

Genre: 

Thrash/Groove Metal

Members: 

Karia - Bass

Xinês - Drums

Nuno Pardal - Guitars

Neto - Guitars

Hugo Andrade - Vocals

Q: What was the reason for using the band name "Switchtense" ?

A: First of all thanks for the chance to be here talking about our band…
There’s no particular reason to use this name…Back to 2002 when we formed the band, I can remember that we had a list with a few options, and Switchtense was the one we most liked. Then we searched for it on google and we found that there was any band with this name…so we choose this one!


Q: What is the backstory of the band? How did it get formed?

A: Hugo and Karia formed the band after their old projects came to an end.
With more 2 friends on that time we started to compose some songs and Switchtense were born….then, after some line-up changes and 2 demo cds and 1 EP, we got this actual line-up since 2007. Since then, 2 albuns recorded and this new DVD/CD.


Q: You just released your first DVD called "10 Unbreakable Years". Who came up with the idea and how did you felt after it was finished ?

A: Well, the idea came up during one rehearsal…We run a festival in our hometown, and we found that this could be a great chance to catch a live show and put it on a good release to celebrate our 10th anniversary. After that we talked with our friend Miguel Miranda, the director of our videos and of this dvd, and he received this idea with a lot of enthusiasm…then with some help of more friends, we build this project!
We feel proud of this work a thankful for all the support we had.


Q: What is your favourite song when playing live?

A: That’s hard to answer…it’s like asking to a father which son he likes most!
But I can reply “Unbreakable“… it has a direct message of being strong and never fear what’s coming on our way! To achieve something you really want you cannot quit on the very first obstacle that appears in your way!!


Q: How is the metal scene like in Portugal? What changed in the last 10 years?

A: We have a lot of good bands who are fighting to have some chances in the international scene…There’s not so much money here as you may know, but the crowd is always great. Some good venues and some cool festivals.
In the last 10 years I guess there were a lot of improvements on musician’s skills…Also more quality on productions done in Portugal…Now we can easily get a great production made in Portugal!


Q: Do you remember the first show ever? How was it like?

A: Yes, we will never forget. Was a short one, we only played 3 songs.
It was a small show in our hometown with a lot of local bands promoted by the local government.


Q: You already released a new song in 2013 called "Ghosts Of Past", an awesome song in my opinion. Will it be on the next release and when can we expect a new album?

A: Thanks for your words ;)
"Ghosts Of Past" is one of the extra tracks included on this last release “Switchtense – 10 Unbreakable Years “. We recorded this song just for this release, so it’s not going to be released again on a future album.


Q: What was your biggest "band-moment" ?

A: Each time we are on stage…that’s our big moment!! ;)


Q: What are your plans for this year exactly?

A: We are now promoting this new release…there are some shows to play in Germany this month. Next month we will do a mini-tour in Spain. At the same time, we are preparing new songs for a new album ;)


Q: Do you have any shout-outs to give to the readers?

A: Just a small note: check the Portuguese bands!  Maybe you will be surprised ;)
Stay cool!

Site:

www.facebook.com/SWITCHTENSE