NEMESEA Interview with Manda

XM: Can you give those of us who aren’t familiar with Nemesea a brief history of the band and how would you describe your music to someone who has yet to hear you?
Manda: Nemesea is a female fronted rock band from the Netherlands. We make rock music with electro influences. The band exists of HJ (guitars), Sonny (bass), Lasse (Keys and electronics), Frank (drums) and myself, Manda (vocals).

XM: What does “Nemesea” mean? Where did the name of the band come from?
Manda: Nemesea is the day the ancient Greek dedicated to the goddess Nemesis.

XM: Who are some of your inspirations?
Manda: Musical inspirations are Anneke van Giersbergen, Kelly Clarkson, Christina Aguilera, Jared Leto and bands like Rammstein and Linkin’Park. Other inspirations are Dan Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert

XM: Nemesea’s third studio album, The Quiet Resistance, is coming out here in Canada in less than a week! How was the recording process this time around compared to your other albums?
Manda: It was totally different since we only recorded the guitars partly in a real studio. All the other things we recorded at home. For In Control we had a large budget and that gave us the opportunity to work I several studios with people like Tony Platt (AC/DC, Iron Maiden) and Ronald Prent (Rammstein, Lacuna Coil). This time we had a smaller budget. Fortunately we had Joost van den Broek who has helped us in almost every aspect of the recording process and really helped lifting this album to a higher level.

XM: How is a Nemesea song written? Can you walk us through how one of your songs comes to be?
Manda: Basically everything is written on acoustic guitar or piano. Often HJ writes the song very basic, just chords, certain rhythm with a melody on top. The arrangement and production comes later. Often the riffs are written round the song but sometimes the riff is the foundation for the song.

XM: The strength that you all have to carry on Nemesea reflects in your powerful compositions. The song “Caught in the Middle” kicks off the album with an important message. Mind telling us a bit more about that track in particular?
Manda: Caught in the middle was one of the first tracks written after a heavy period. During the whole Sellaband/In Control period we thought great things were about to happen but in the end everything just fell apart. We talked a lot during that time and even thought about giving up the band and considered thinking about a different career. But in the end we felt the strong urge to continue, fight and work hard to realize our dreams, make music full time. That’s what Caught in the middle talks about.

XM: Speaking of which, what does the whole album mean to you all? What is the message you’re conveying with your music?
Manda: The Quiet Resistance is like a new beginning for us. We’ve had some hard times, but we’re stronger than ever and are ready to show what Nemesea is all about. TQR is all about standing strong, not giving up and following your dreams!

XM: The Afterlife music video was unleashed onto the internet not too long ago. What was that process like for you all?
Manda: It’s very nice to work on a video. We haven’t got experience with it but it’s something lots of us really like to work on. This is our first real video and it feels good to have something visual out there. We hope to make more videos so we can show our creativity on that level as well.

XM: What compels you to keep writing and playing music?
Manda: It’s like an addiction…haha! We cannot live without music. It surrounds you every day, all the time. It’s an urge you just cannot resist. Besides that we have a very loyal fan base that even after 4 years still support us!

XM: Collectively, what would you say has been the best show you have played thus far?
Manda: For me personally there are a few. We’ve played a show with Within Temptation once that was amazing! There are also a few festivals we’ve played that were great.

XM: If Nemesea could tour with any 2 bands in the world, who would they be?
Manda: Rammstein and Evanescence

XM: I was introduced to Nemesea thanks to Napalm Records posting a sample trailer for TQR on their facebook account saying that you were like a combination of Within Temptation and Evanescence. On top of that I’ve also heard the comparison to the bands After Forever and Nightwish from fans. What are your thoughts on these comparisons?
Manda: It’s a big compliment when you’re compared to bands like that! They are all amazing in their own unique way. We hope to bring something extra , something fresh to the female fronted scene and we hope people will recognize that as well.

XM: What makes Nemesea stand out against all the other metal bands out there?
Manda: We’ve made a combination of rock and electro/industrial. We have lots of different musical influences. Nemesea sounds a bit different, looks a bit different and has a live performance that is a bit different.

XM: Do you know of any big tours coming up? North American dates, perhaps? Maybe a stop in Toronto, Canada so I and many other people I know can come see you? ;)
Manda: Our booking agency is working on it! Let’s keep our fingers crossed!

XM: Do you guys have any last words for our readers?
Manda: We are very proud of the release of our third studio album The Quiet Resistance. We’ve put a lot of effort, passion and emotion into this album and we truly hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!

XM: Thank you all very much for taking the time to answer some questions! I really do hope I get the chance to see you live someday. Nemesea is an amazing act and I wish you all luck on your latest and future releases!
Manda: Thanks a lot for the interview and your support!

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