On the occasion of the release of their second album Bedtime Stories, we were able to talk to the Austrian band, AUTUMN BRIDE, specifically with their guitarist Alex Schmid who talked to us about everything related to the band, their immediate future and their upcoming concerts in Spain.
THE METAL FAMILY: First of all, welcome to the metal family, welcome to “La Familia”
Alex (AUTUMN BRIDE): Hello to you José and the Familia and thank you for your interest!
TMF: Your latest work, Bedtime Stories, came out a short time ago, how it is being received by followers so far.
A: Very good so far, we received a lot of positive responses! There are people even in the United States and Japan who ordered a copy and merch and write us that they recently discovered us and already are big fans, that’s just amazing and we are overwhelmed by the kindness in their messages!
TMF: Tell us about the album, how long the recording lasted, if you brought the right songs for the album or if any were left out and why?
A: The whole process lasted for about half a year, we were in the studio for one or two days in a row and then a few weeks later and so on. Like we did with Undying. It’s easier for our producer and for us too then recording everything in a row for like three weeks. For us songwriting is a very intuitive process, it feels like the right songs for the right time. We knew what we wanted to do differently than we did on Undying and it turned out to be right. We are very satisfied with the album!
TMF: What evolution do you observe between Undying and Bedtime Stories?
A: We put more focus on the orchestration, we teamed up with Max Perstl who is a classical trained musician and does orchestration for bands, and he did a great job!
Susi wanted to sing more like she does live, with a little more power and raspiness in her voice, which fitted the songs perfectly because the music is more heavy and powerful too.
I also did more solos than on Undying, the songs required it and it felt very natural.
TMF: A year and a half ago you were in Spain with VISIONS OF ATLANTIS on tour, your first time, what was the experience? I remember a great band with whom I had a lot of fun and taking very good photos of you apart from the photo at the end of the concert
A: It was nothing less than amazing! The people where so excited and really nice and friendly, very emotional and we experienced how important music and metal shows are to you. It was one of the best shows of the tour with the most excited audience, that really made a big impression on us!
TMF: Your return to Spain was recently announced, together with SEROIUS BLACK, a concert in Madrid that I do not intend to miss and enjoy, what do you expect from this concert and what can you see there, let’s go see it.
A: We are so looking forward to it! We are curious how the new songs will be accepted but I can tell you that we’ll give 110 % and provide a show you won’t forget!
TMF: When making the set list for the tour, what importance do you give to Bedtime Stories and what importance do you give to Undying?
A: It’s always hard to not play some songs because we would love to play all of them. Of course we have to play some certain songs from Undying, but we want to put the focus on Bedtime Stories. Let you be surprised…
TMF: After listening to the album several times (which I recommend) there is an evolution between both works, do you notice it too?
A: Yes, definitely, that’s also very important for us, to move on and develop as musicians and songwriters. The sound on the record also feels more organic and natural. It’s necessary to develop and move on, in life as well as with making music. We want to grow from record to record.
TMF: In Bedtime Stories, you included a song that you already presented at the Madrid concert, H.EART.H, what was the reason for including it? What would you say to people to encourage them to buy Bedtime Stories, what are they going to find that encourages them to buy it?
A: H.EART.H was already planned to be released on Bedtime Stories, the record label wanted us to release a single before, that’s what we did. We only had one album out, so it was a good foretaste to the new album. I would recommend our album to people who are not only into symphonic metal but in traditional, straight metal as well. We want to reach everyone who loves a strong, versatile (female) voice, melodic but powerful guitar riffs and a beautiful orchestration. Feeling and atmosphere is very important to us and we hope that we can convey that to the listeners.
TMF: Thank you very much for this interview and I hope to see you in March in Madrid, good luck in everything from The Metal Family
A: We have to thank you! We are really looking forward to playing in Madrid and seeing you again!