SOURCE – All is Dust is the latest Neaera album. How do you feel the songwriting and recording sessions went for this record – and can you discuss how the physical/personal setbacks that occurred (and had to be overcome) may have affected the final outcome or attention you were able to give to this material?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – The last album “Neaera” was well received in 2020, but was slowed down by the pandemic. We then worked on personal projects during the pandemic. Together with our friends Markus and Alex from Heaven Shall Burn, we produced the black metal project “Our loss is Total”. It took a while until it felt right to work on new Neaera material again.
We met every month in the rehearsal room and often worked on the songs for hours. In addition to writing the songs, we spent a lot of time talking and listening. This was an important process for the new record and I feel like it brought us even closer together personally. When we were satisfied with the material, we asked our good friend and fellow musician Janosch Rathmer to take over the recording.
SOURCE – How does the drumming of Janosch Rathmer as well as the production work of Kristian Kohle transform these tracks into something that much more special and unique for Neaera? Can you think back to specific instances where their skill sets shined on the new album? What happened to Sebastian Heldt during process?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – The good news: Sebastian is doing well! He recorded the drums and is still part of the band. Janosch Rathmer has years of experience in front of and behind the controls on the mixing console. He built a new studio nearby and we were really lucky to get a production slot with him at short notice after the songs were finished.
The recording and production process went smoothly as expected. As a musician, he understands that you work on the songs until the very end and has proven more than once his qualities as a mediator between band colleagues. Kristian Kohl has improved our sound again.
As a band we are excited about the sound. It’s precise and rocky, organic at the same time.
SOURCE – You put forth quite a few singles ahead of the album release. Do you feel it’s led to more attention for the release?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – This was the intention to create excitement until the release of the full Album. We wanted to make listeners and fans aware of our musical presence in a timely manner. It has now become normal to release one or two releases in advance.
For every band, a new album is associated with the intention of getting the audience in the mood for live music. At the first shows since then, the new songs were already sung along with the lyrics.
SOURCE – In a time where streaming and digital consumption of music is more the norm than owning physical releases, do you believe that great artwork is still crucially important for albums?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – Absolutely! Great artwork remains an essential aspect of an album’s identity and helps create a memorable visual representation of the music.
The listener has the band’s vision in mind. I also believe that in times of AI, an important indicator of quality is hand-designed and not artificially generated artwork. Our friend Giannis Nakos didn’t just inspire us with his illustrations for “All is Dust”. He visually designed a piece of our identity.
SOURCE – What’s the most important component in promoting an album in 2024? Is it videos, getting on streaming playlists, something else?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – I think a bit of everything. While getting on streaming playlists is important, engaging videos, an active social media presence also play a role.
We try to interact with fans on multiple platforms and inspire them with diverse content. Our singer Benny puts a lot of energy into this part.
SOURCE – As you make more and more albums, does it get more difficult to break new musical ground and do new things?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – It can be challenging to continue to innovate and push boundaries with each new album. I have already mentioned that we initially found it difficult to implement the necessary renewal. But it is also part of the creative journey. We try to develop our sound without straying too far from our roots.
SOURCE – The album is available on numerous vinyl variants. Are you a vinyl collector?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – Many of us are vinyl enthusiasts and appreciate the tangible and nostalgic aspects of records. We grew up in a time when CDs took over the market.
I’m pleased that the trend has reversed and vinyl seems to remain the medium of choice for collectors.
SOURCE – What worries you most about the world that we live in today? Where do you think people need to put more effort/concentration on to make our lives that much better for the future?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – The problems of the world often seem abstract and distant to us. Of course we shouldn’t close our eyes. But in order to promote change and positive developments, everyone must start in their immediate sphere of influence. I hope empathy and understanding between different communities is not lost in the hyper-technological world. However, through our children we have the opportunity to rediscover the world and to question internalized ways of thinking. In any case, I am looking forward to the future and would like to play an active role in shaping it.
SOURCE – What are your plans for the rest of this year?
Benny Hilleke (Vocals) – We’re planning a few festivals in Germany for the rest of the year and have a release show in our hometown in September. What comes next is actually not yet known…
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Photo Credit: Xoxo Photography