SOURCE – As your first release, what do you want people to take away from hearing A Passage For Lost Years?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – We want our listeners to relate to the musical dynamics of this album… there are so many powerful moments as well as calming ones, that this album will speak to you in many different ways.
SOURCE – As the first taste of the band for most people, what do you feel stands out about the track/video for The Midnight Oath?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – With Midnight Oath and all the other orchestral pieces, we wanted to set a mood and to tie in all the tracks together. The video is a great representation of the journey which we hope to portray in our music.
SOURCE – You had an EP Varaha four years ago – how did you get hooked up with Prosthetic Records after that?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – The EP received some great recognition from the press, we started performing live quite regularly… and a year later we were approached by Prosthetic… everything seemed to fall into place at that time. We are very grateful of how things played out.
SOURCE – What are your thoughts on the Chicago music community – as it seems to have developed its own distinct flavor and characteristics, where a multitude of musicians and bands have been able to succeed internationally as a result?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – Chicago is very inspiring in regards to all the different things that bands are doing here; we definitely have great musicianship and an unique sound coming out of this great city. Most importantly, we are surrounded by many helpful friends and musicians that want the very best for us.
SOURCE – Being together as a band since 2013, how has Varaha handled the changing landscape of the music industry and do you believe you are at an advantage being more of a veteran act, or do you believe it’s a tougher challenge to ascend to new heights because of the sheer number of bands fighting for consumer attention and finances?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – I think we still consider ourselves to be in the infant stages… we have the EP and a full length album under our belts, but we did not get to tour as much as we wanted to in 2019… with so many good bands coming out now, it has definitively kept us on our toes. But no matter what, we will always face some challenges: wether it’s writing, or promotion or touring… but our main goal is to just have a product that we are all 100% behind.
SOURCE – What are your other interests outside of the music realm?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – Traveling.
SOURCE – What would you like to see in the metal scene as we enter a new decade?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – I would have to say I’m more interested in hearing what young new bands are coming up with, and what new independent releases will hit the stores in 2020… The Chicago music scene is so active; there is a great show going on every night.
SOURCE – What’s next for Varaha in 2020?
Joel Hollis (Guitars) – We are currently in the process of writing new material for the sequel to A Passage for Lost Years. Also, we want to just get out there and play to new fans.
Pics by Livia Moy and David Leep.
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