Germán Pascual, Uruguayan vocalist, lived in Brazil for many years, but his success was achieved at Sweden, where he’s consolidating himself as one the greatest names in the international heavy metal, being compared to legends like Dio, Jorn Lande, Coverdale and many others by fan sites around the world. Germán also sings at Divinefire, where he shares the lead vocals with Christian Liljegren [Narnia’s ex-vocalist]. Here is an interview with Germán, and check out the preview of his upcoming solo debut album below.
TMR: Hello Germán this is´The Metal Resource’ Holland, how are things going there in Sweden ?
I wish I had 34 hours per day… but I have everything under control, I think ha ha!
TMR: Will you Introduce yourself and your band please [name and instrument]
Germán Pascual, singer in Divinefire and solo project.
TMR: Describe your family situation.
I´m married since 2009. Father of two beautiful daughters, age five and two.
TMR: Are you a full time musician ? If not what [kind of job or school] do you do beside the band ?
No, not yet but I´m working on it. I am a social worker. I help less fortunate people in my city, drug addicts and homeless people.
TMR: What is your musical background ?
I started out as a drummer, but within a year the band next door heard me joking around singing and invited me to join them as their new singer. I did not know I could sing myself at that moment so it was a turning point so to speak.
A few years later I was accepted at RML (Rock musik linjen) in Stockholm. After that I have been singing and touring with various bands in various genres. But Metal is where I belong.
TMR: In 2009 you performed with ‘Narnia’ at ‘Brainstorm Fest’. [Netherlands]. I was there too, I really enjoyed the show. How do you look back on that show, and the time as vocalist for Narnia?
When I got the invite from Narnia It was like finally find my way home. I was honored, proud and humbled by the task. The guys and I clicked and we are still very good friends.
To sing at that festival (Brainstorm) was awesome! The crowd, the sound, the atmosphere… everything was amazing! A gig I will definitely remember!
I hope I will have the opportunity to come back again soon.
TMR: For a lot of bands/artists the lyrics are just a accidental circumstance, but for some bands they use them to communicate ! ..can you tell us how that is for you ?
For me the lyrics are essential, it is what brings my message out. Without the lyrics it would be meaningless. I actually don´t understand how a band/artist can perform without knowing or understanding what they are singing about. This is my call, therefore I have to belive and bring the lyrics with passion and honesty. I feel the urge to underline the irresponsability with artists/bands who conveys through lyrics without meaning or worse missguideing messages. After all we have a responsability towardes often a young crowd that look up to us.
TMR: Is there a highlight in your musical career, you will always remember ?
That is definitily Brainstorm festival 2009 with Narnia.
TMR: And the worst thing were ? [if there is one]
I can´t think of any specific. I just wish I hadn´t spent so much time and energi on not believing in myself enough. It is actually thanks to my wife I started to sing again after a long break (6 years). Although I neaded that break to realize the meaning with my call, how to use my talent, my voice on a meaningfull mission.
TMR: Favorite album top 5, of all time ?
1. Whitesnake – 1986
2. Dio – The last in line
3. Giant – Time to burn
4. Van Halen – 1984
5. Accept – Restless and wild
TMR: What makes you laugh ?
Watching my kids dance. They are so talented, cute and funny at the same time.
TMR: How do you promote your band and shows ?
Since my solo project I got myself an agent in South America. He takes care of the whole thing down there. After the release of my first solo album (okt/nov 2012) things are still under process so nothing is clear yet.
TMR: How do you prepare for a show ?
I try to stay silent as much as I can. I pray. I try not to eat heavy. I drink a lot of water (not to cold).
TMR: Describe your show, visual and musically ? And tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.
That is a tuff one!
A slightly fat middle aged bald guy jumping up and down, swetting like a pig and rocking your ass off..! ;o) Getting the picture? Ha ha!
TMR: Name some of your favorite bands to play with live [past and future] and tell us why ?
That band is under progress… I say no more.
TMR: What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked ?
Once I got the q. -Why are Narnias singers always bald? Is it a requiriment?
TMR: Do you have a life philosophy / favorite quote ?
Romans 12.21 “Do not be overcome with evil, but overcome evil with good”
TMR: Are you visiting many gigs and what do you listen to these days ?
No, I wish though. Family, dayjob, solo project (and more, which still is a secret) 24 hours a day – U do the math!
TMR: Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please ?
I think it is pretty strong in Sweden and it is on its way up again. Maybe not as big as it was in 1980 but the metal scene is developing into an new era.
TMR: What’s your outlook on the record industry today ?
Another tuff one!
Only God knows, ha ha!
I guess that the record industry is up for a big change. One thing is for sure: Music will never die.
TMR: About you’re upcoming first solo release ‘A New Beginning’, tell us about the recording-proces, the songs, who did the artwork, label, releasedate etc.
All I can say is that the release will be in okt/nov 2012.
“A new beginning” is blessed with several talented and interesting names, as Raphael Dafras, Martin Hall, CJ Grimmark (Narnia, Rob Rock), Torbjörn Weinesjö (Veni Domine), Per Schelander (Royal Hunt, House of Shakira, Pain of Salvation), Jani Stefanovic (Divinefire, Essence of Sorrow), Andreas Novak (Minds Eye), Erik Mårtensson (Eclipse, W.E.T)… Mixed by the great Thomas Plec Johansson.
TMR: All the music/lyrics on ‘A New Beginning’ are self-written by you ? .. how do you get in the mood for writing music ? And which bands/situations have influences you for writing music and lyrics ?
A New Beginning is a collaboration between me and a bunch of great musicians.
I am almost always in the mood for writing/making music. I am influenced by life and my belief.
TMR: What are your plans for the near future ? [European Tour maybe ?]
An South American tour is planed in the beginning of 2013. After that hopefully Europe and USA.
TMR: What advice would you give to fellow bands / artists ?
Always be honest and true to yourself and others. The rest will come with hard work and patience.
TMR: Germán thanks for your time and the interview, we wish you all the best … Is there anything you wanna say at last ? [any final statement ?]
Good night Holland. Sleep well, I know I will. See U out there soon… Brutal blessings.
Discography:
Mind’s Eye – The Afterglow [1994]
Mind’s Eye – The Afterglow [2008] [ remastered]
Narnia – Course of a Generation [2009]
Soulspell – The Labyrinth of Truths [2010] [participation]
Golden Resurrection Glory to My King [2010] [backing choirs]
Divine Fire – Eye of the storm [2011]
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