Interview mit Victoria "Vicky" Stoichkova von Gwendydd

“Censored” is out for a few weeks now. How do you feel about the album at this point and how happy are you with the reception of the fans?
I am extremely happy with the album and the fans like it as well. Which is the best posssible scenario. We created something that we love and the reactions of the fans are great! We can’t ask for anything more.

Since the release you have been touring almost continuously. How is it to be on the road for almost two months and to travel to so many countries?
Well, for a first long tour… it was an adventure. I think that this word describes it best. We learned a lot. We made precious memories. We levelled up in my eyes. It was an experience I will never forget! Step by step, we are getting to fulfilling our dream.

For two weeks you supported Dark Tranquillity and Ensiferum on bigger stages, but on your own headlining tour you play in very small clubs. What are the big differences for you and what do you enjoy more?
In my eyes, the organisation of the shows was the biggest difference. Playing with big bands like Dark Tranquillity and Ensiferum, was a huge milestone for us and a huge lesson. We had the chance to see how most things are done on such a level. Also we had the chance to play in front of bigger audiences and in bigger venues, of course. But I don’t think that the size of the venue should matter in terms of performance. Our “policy” let’s say, is that no matter if we play in front of 2 people, 200 people or 2000 people, we always try to give 100% of ourselves in terms of performance and energy. For me personally, playing in smaller venues is more difficult because everything becomes more personal.

How do you spend the time between the concerts? Do you also check out the cities you play in and what was the best thing you experienced on this tour apart from the shows?
When we have time some of us check out the cities. Others catch up on work or try to catch up on sleep. For me the whole tour was an extremely valuable experience. Every little part of it. The good and the bad things. The best part of touring except the shows is the time after the shows, at least for me. I love talking to the people after the show. I love hearing their stories or just taking photos with them. When someone tells me that our music has inspired them to carry on at a hard time in their life… this inspires me to keep doing all of this. Making music, sharing it with people. This is the most priceless thing.

I think „Censored“ seems even more confident, self-assured, and powerful than „Human Nature“. How do you think you have developed and improved compared to the first album?
I think that we grew up and matured not only as artists and in terms of songwriting, but as individuals as well. Most of us were new to this when we started playing in GWENDYDD. Also, some of us had just graduated from school when we were making „Human Nature“. With „Censored“ though, I think that one can see and hear that we had all grown up and levelled up when it comes to songwriting, lyrics, recording, and pretty much everything else around the album.

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You said your new album “Censored” is called that way because of the song “Rape”. How is that meant and how did the song come about, what is it based on?
Initally we wanted the album to be under the name „Rape“, but most people are pretty easily offended nowadays. No matter that the song „Rape“ is not intended to promote this. It’s actually meant to shine some light on the topic. I think that people should talk about the bad things that are happening and find ways to prevent it. Yes, it’s controversial and triggering but looking away won’t really help. Also, the song can be interpreted in many other ways. Not only in the literal meaning of the word „Rape“ but also in the figurative as well. That’s why we decided to name the album „Censored“. Because many things which are deemed to be controversial,triggering or offensive get censored immediately. Especially on social media.

“It’s All Up To You” deals with mental health, the pain it causes, and how hard it can be to deal with. Do you think it is important to talk about this issues in the way that suits one best and thus share the pain?
Yes. I think that people should talk about mental health and start helping each other and treat mental issues just like physical problems. When you are sick or have a broken hand you go to a doctor and you get time off of work or school so that you can heal. You also get help. But when you are depressed or have high levels of anxiety or any other mental issue, it’s still somewhat of a taboo and people rarely seek help or even recognise these symptoms as worthy of getting help.

Are the songwriting and lyrics also something like self-therapy and would you consider “Censored” as a very personal album? Is it important for you to transport a real message and deal with important topics?
Yep. For me personally writing lyrics is like therapy. Free therapy. (laughs) But yes, Censored for me is a very personal album and I am extremely happy that people perceive it so well and even relate to it. When I write lyrics I don’t really think about the message. I just pour my thoughts, feelings and pretty much my whole self into the song. Only when the lyrics are done do I start to see what the message actually would be.

The strange melodies and structures as well as the brutal moments in your music are reminding me of Jinjer and Sepultura. What would you say are your main influences or musical idols?
Oh, thank you! Well, as a band our main influences are bands like Jinjer, Sepultura, Korn and Slipknot.

I think the cover artwork is very interesting. From which photos is it assembled and what is the basic idea behind it?
It was our bassist’s idea. The artwork is actually a collage combined from all of our faces. The idea is for it to resemble the meaning of “Censored”. Censoring what you see, hear and speak. Thus the blindfold and the closed eye, arms over the ears and sawed mouth.

Your appearance on „The Voice Bulgaria“ was four years ago and has been viewed over 6 million times on YouTube. What do you think this performance brought about for you and your career and how do you look back on it today?
If it wasn’t for that performance I wouldn’t have been in GWENDYDD I think. That’s where our drummer Bambi saw me and asked me to join the band. To be honest I can’t believe I went into such a format. (laughs) My intention never was to win or even pass the first round. I did it just out of curiosity and fun.

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In Europe you are just becoming more and more known and are on a very good way. How does it look like in your home country and what can you tell me about the Bulgarian metal scene?
In Bulgaria at least for us it’s pretty normal. I mean, we play shows and festivals. The metal scene in our home country is quite small but very united and it’s like a community.

Let’s conclude with our traditional brainstorming. What comes to your mind first when you read the following words?
Current favorite album: „Anti-Icon“ by Ghostemane.
Best Movie-/Series-/Book-Universe:
Oh damn, maybe… for movie – How to train your dragon or Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter.
Series – Rick and Morty
Book – Skulduggery Pleasant
Favorite animal: Wolf and Dragon
Best thing about touring: Playing shows, meeting new people and listening to music while travelling.
Something that makes every bad day better: Communication with a loved one
Best way to relax: Sleeping
GWENDYDD in ten years: Hopefully we’ll be able to make music our main job.

Thank you once again for your time! The last words are all yours.
Thank you for having me! It was a great interview! Keep up the good work! Thank you to the readers! Go follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube! Listen to our new album Censored on streaming platforms! Stay healthy and be kind!

Publiziert am 3. Oktober 2022 von Stefan Popp