INTERVIEW WITH CANDACE KUCSULAIN (WALLS OF JERICHO)

por metalcry · 24/04/2016

» I don’t like to be seen as a role model. When I started in the scene there were very few women and it was hard to be noticed. It’s an absolute honour to be seen as an inspiration but I don’t like to be put on a pedestal because at the end of the day, I am human and I make mistakes like everyone else»

WALLS OF JERICHO have been in and out of the music scene for some years, they have finally released a new record No one can save you from yourself which have had a really good response within the fans of the band and Hardcore lovers. They have seem to have gone back to their roots, old sound. We had the pleasure to talk the leader of the band, Candace Kucsulain to tell us a bit more about the new record, which are WALLS OF JERICHO near future plans,touring, her influences and many other interesting hot topics that you can’t miss….

It’s been eight years since WALLS OF JERICHO released an album, What can you tell us about it? Why it took you so long to release a new record?

It’s something that we discover while working in this new album, that it is actually been eight years with no releasing an album, We wanted a set list with the energy we want to produce on stage, we went through all our songs and we realise that we need new songs and go back to the old sound of WALLS OF JERICHO.We wanted to create a record where all these songs will be the perfect ones to play live.

So we did American Dream and we were constantly on the road, so no time for recording something new. Once we started talking about recording a new record, I knew what that would entail…at that point I got married and I wanted to start a family. So the band stopped being active a few years,Is not that I didn’t want to be a part of the band anymore… I just wasn’t sure if I could actually tour with a new record.

In 2012 we decided to go back to the road, I started very slowly go back into it. And another thing that happened during this eight years is that I had a really difficult time trying to write lyrics. I had like a writers blocked, I didn’t know what to write about and also I got really involved in a power lifting organisation called Relentless is a charity for children with cancer. That really reinspirated me, to write new songs also my bother got diagnosed with cancer and I had to care of him of his family so that give me strength to carry on and then I talked to the guys and we started recording the new record. This record is the darkest, the pain I have been through last year. This record made me feel alive.

In terms of recording process of this new album, How was the vibe in the studio?

The vibe was great, we were so looking forward to get this record out so, It was nice to get all of the band together again and it didn’t took us that long because we know what sound we wanted to have.I also had the chance to bring my daughter to the studio and she could see what her mum does for a living, so all really positive and good, loads of good anecdotes too.

Could you share with us one of these good anecdotes?

It was a really fast experience, We recorded the album what we called Spider Studio and so it was full of spiders…so it was interesting sometimes when I was doing the vocals and this huge spider was coming towards me…I have never scream so loud in my life I think! (Laughs)

How different is American Dream from No one can save you from yourself?

This record is in the vibe of the old albums so in that aspect they are very different. This album is more punk and my voice is cleaner.

How has been the response been once the record has actually been released?

I think our fans had understand what we want to transmit and they like it as much as we do.We are very proud of this record and we will like to transmit this energy to our fans.

Why is this new album called, No one can save you from yourself?

We are our worst enemy, we are the reason for the destruction that is happening in the world. We believe there too much empathy in this world, it is a time for a change, people need to understand that If we can want to change this world, we have to start doing it by changing staff that we do. No one can do it for you but you!

What is your main inspiration when it comes to writing lyrics?

Real life experiences is my main inspiration, I have always been a writer that I talked about what I have seen, felt and experienced in my life.

Changing the subject to touring…I can see WALLS OF JERICHO will be doing festivals very soon, Will you add more dates to play in small venues too?

Yes We will, what we normally do is we work our dates around the festivals we are playing, stay tuned because we are coming for you UK and Spain! Expect to hear from us in May and we will like to do some gigs in summer as well.

That actually sounds very cool, We remember not a long ago, WALLS OF JERICHO tried to played in the UK but you had to cancel the show….

Basically we got stucked at the airport, our flights were cancelled, so we had to cancel that tour. Which was very frustating. We tried to re-booked but is not as easy as it looks.

What would you say is the best and worst thing of going on tour?

The best of it, is the sightseeing part, you get to see loads of different places and meeting loads of new interesting people. Worst thing is the lack of food, it is nearly impossible to healthy and big portions when you are on tour! I get hungry you know… (Laughs)

What made you pick a microphone and start growling ?

When I was in middle school I used to listen to Punk Rock and Ska that brought me to harder stuff, like Metal and Hardcore. I remember my first Hardcore gig, it was so aggressive but there was some understanding, and I really loved it. So, I wanted to be heard , I would always love to sing along in all these local bands gigs I was going to.One day I got asked to join one of these bands and I said..Fuck yeah! Why not? I was angry and I felt like I have something to say and I started getting into writing lyrics and being part of this wonderful music that is Metal and Hardcore.

You are a true inspiration for many women that listen to this kind of music, How do you feel about being a role model for so many people?

It is a bit of pressure to be honest. I don’t like to be seen as a role model. When I started in the scene there were very few women and it was hard to be noticed. It’s an absolute honour to be seen as an inspiration but I don’t like to be put on a pedestal because at the end of the day, I am human and I make mistakes like everyone else. If any girl decides to be part of a Metal / Hardcore band it is because she had the guts to do it. It’s nice to know that I could influence anybody else.

Any kind words to our Metalcry readers and your fans in the UK?

We are really excited to see you all again in our forthcoming tour and thank you the support!