Operatic metal act Upon Wings hails from the U.S. and can be described as female-fronted gothic metal with a classical influence. After creating the idea for Upon Wings, classically-trained mezzo-soprano Anne Autumn Erickson entered the studio with Michigan-based, Grammy-nominated engineer Glenn Brown to put the ideas onto tape. The result is their debut single, The Dream which was released last August, is a song with a strong Euro-classical influence. In the interview below you can read more about Upon Wings and their music.
TMR: Hello Anne this is ´The Metal Resource’ Holland, how are things going there in the USA ?
Things are well – thanks! And thanks so much for the opportunity to do this interview.
TMR: Can you briefly tell who is Anne Autumn Erickson ?
Of course! I’m Anne Autumn Erickson, the frontwoman of Upon Wings.
TMR: Tell us the brief history of ‘Upon Wings’. Is ‘Upon Wings’ a band or a project ? Are there other band members ? If so can you introduce the band members [name and instrument]
Upon Wings is a band. I started Upon Wings and am really the constant, but I work with various other musicians, and we create what is Upon Wings.
TMR: What is your musical background ?
I started singing and doing musical theater when I was 4 years old, and then I studied classical voice in college and went on to get a master’s degree in theatre. Music has always been an important part of my life.
TMR: Why the name ‘Upon Wings’ ? Is there a story behind it ?
Upon Wings comes from a Bible verse. Isaiah 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” I was drawn to the name because it’s dark but also implies hope.
TMR: Do you write the lyrics self ? And what about the music ? .. how do you get in the mood for writing music? And which bands/situations have influences you for writing music and lyrics ?
Yes, I write the lyrics and vocals, and then I work with other musicians for the instrumentals. I think writing lyrics works best when inspiration simply strikes. Sometimes it can be in the middle of the night and when you least expect it. A wide range of bands and situations have inspired me over the years: AFI, Linkin Park, the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber. So many!
TMR: How do you describe the music of ‘Upon Wings’ the best ?
Ethereal, dark but hopeful, with a metal edge.
TMR: How does ‘Upon Wings’ stands in life till events in the world, religion and politics and in which proportion stands that till your music and lyrics ?
Upon Wings’ music isn’t really about world events. Our inspirations stem from personal experiences, and with that come the universal themes of fear, hope, faith, pain, love. I want to take life’s experiences and manifest them into something beautiful.
TMR: For a lot of artists / bands the lyrics are just a accidental circumstance, but for some bands they use them to communicate ! ..can you tell us how that is for ‘Upon Wings’ ?
Thank you! I really put everything into the lyrics. They are a vehicle to get out the greater message and experience.
TMR: First record you bought?
That’s a tough one! Probably a musical soundtrack. I can’t really remember!
TMR: What makes you laugh?
Funny people!
TMR: How do you promote your band / project [and shows] ?
Facebook (https://facebook.com/uponwings) and Twitter (https://twitter.com/uponwings) have been great to get out the word about our music. We also have a YouTube channel that has helped people discover Upon Wings at https://youtube.com/user/uponwingsofficial.
TMR: How do you prepare for a show ?
I do vocal exercises, sip water, concentrate, pray, try to loosen up, chat with family and friends… it really varies.
TMR: What is the dumbest question you have ever been asked?
Haha… I can’t even think of one!
TMR: Do you have a life philosophy / favorite quote ?
Music can change the world because it can change people.” ~Bono, U2
TMR: Are you visiting many gigs and what do you listen to these days?
I do like attending shows, and one of the best I saw this past summer was Linkin Park. Chester Bennington, Mike Shinoda and the whole band have such a powerful presence and stage show. I was blown away.
TMR: Tell us about the hardrock/metal scene in your area please?
I’m from Michigan, and we have a strong hard rock and metal scene in Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids and Lansing. The state is packed with talented musicians.
TMR: What’s your outlook on the record industry today?
I’m positive about the record industry. The Internet created opportunities for upcoming bands to get their music heard, and that’s invaluable.
TMR: Your single ‘The Dream’ is very beautiful. What can you tell about the upcoming album ? [such as the songs, album-title, artwork, label, release-date].
Thank you! We’re currently working on recording the new album, and it will likely be an EP out in early 2013. I wish I had more details right now, but we have to wait until everything is ready to announce, and then I’ll be sure to give you all the details.
TMR: What about your plans for the rest of the year or the near future ?
Finishing up the new release!
TMR: What advice would you give to fellow artists / bands?
Stay true to who you are. Have an honest message in your music, and people will respect your sincerity.
TMR: What are the biggest obstacles for artists / bands ?
Probably having the right vehicle to get their music heard. Especially in the genesis of their careers.
TMR: Anne thanks for your time and the interview, we wish ‘Upon Wings’ all the best … Is there anything you wanna say at last? [any final statement ?]
Thank you so much for the interview, Thrashboy. I enjoyed it! Thanks to everyone who took the time to read this interview, and if you would like to keep up with us, please follow us at:
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