Coldnight: One Woman’s Vision

September 20, 2011

It’s rare for me to find female extreme black metal musicians, much less have the chance to interview one. It’s been really interesting getting to know the mind behind Coldnight. Her determination and tenacity to produce music as she sees fit is impressive so, without further ado, please allow yourself to get more acquainted with Coldnight.

What was it about depressive black metal that captured your attention to the point where you felt the need to express yourself through it? Was it the aesthetics of the genre or because you were battling with what it represents on a personal level? Did someone you know play a large role in this decision?

When I decided to make Coldnight, a number of factors were in play such as the things that I was influenced by at the moment; I've always had artistic tastes inclined towards sadness, depression, loneliness and decay. That goes beyond expressing my feelings in my music, but also the elements that inspire me to describe events or places that inhabit darkness.

Black metal has an alarmingly low amount of female musicians within its ranks. I find this to be even more true within the more extreme sub-genres of black metal. Why do you think this is or are most Americans just oblivious to the female presence within the underground? Did you ever have second thoughts about Coldnight because of gender related concerns? How supportive has the underground scene in Colombia been to you?

Really yes, the lack of support to female underground bands is notable, some have had to survive via self-promotion, playing several doors and waiting for the approval of a label; I’ve heard of enviable accounts of women who have a participated in the scene, but I think this is due to the live performances that are fundamental in the recognition of a band.

I tried to create raw black metal, but my way of writing ends up tying me to this genre and makes me think I will make ambient black metal for many years more. About the support of the underground scene in Colombia, I think the support is nil, the bands that released albums or get recognition have support from international labels or are self-released; unfortunately I have not received such support from my country and if I do not play concerts as a solo project, only my friends in Colombia or people that like looking for bands online know my project.

What are some of the most prominent influences on the sound you want to produce with Coldnight? What bands inspired you the most?

Previously I commented that I find great influence from decadent art, depression, sadness and darkness of nature. Now I’m involved in a paranormal atmosphere full of death and sadness so that is reflected musically. The list of my favorite bands is endless, but one of the most special for me is Drowning The Light, I identify with all elements that comprise it.

Were you into creating music before you formed Coldnight? Which instrument interested you the most and why? Was it the first one that you ever played?

Before Coldnight, I had a band with 5 members called Ars Laternarum, where I did vocals and keyboards, but for personal reasons everyone went separate paths into different bands; it was a great school. For those who know me as a musician, they know that I like to play keyboards, it is the basis on which I compose. I like doing voices, I’ve actually also done projects or bands in which I do vocals and play piano while the others do the rest. Now I am participating in a couple of bands as a vocalist: Welted (USA), The Descent of The Sun (Arg) & Life’s Illusion (Ukr).

Aside from creating music, how long has music been an important part of your life as an observer? At what point did your interest in music change from casual to a passion fueled obsession (as it is more most music lovers)?

I cannot live without listening music; new bands, bands that I like from about 10 years ago, classical music, some things other things that are not black metal that I like. I use my music player all the time which is always full of music, sometimes I repeat the same song the whole day. There is always a melody playing in the background in my mind. For me it is an obsession, every step of my life has music in it.

Have you ever had the chance to play live in Colombia? If you have, what was it like for the first time?

No, there are two factors that limit me. One, is to be alone on my project and two, when I wanted to do so it was complicated finding session musicians that would leave after the concert. But I will continue with the idea of playing concerts, perhaps after some recordings in one year I'll finally do it.

Why did you end up turning Coldnight into an ambient black metal band in 2010?

Recordings of the first split album in 2011, “Paths of Sadness,” took place during 2010 and 2011, it was then noticed that the songs were ambient with a little bit of black metal; piano and the atmosphere dominated in this album.

Your biography states that you have a new member, a drummer named Robert from Germany, to accompany the new sound in 2012. How did you guys meet and decide to work together?

Changes will come soon, for now I'm alone. Robert will only help me in the next full length for 2012.

Similarly, how has it been for you working on splits with Scott this year? Do you generally enjoy working with others and sharing your creative vision with them?

Was a good experience, we recorded two songs. Coldnight has always been me, so even if I have the support of other musicians, I will always be Coldnight. I like working with other people but I think it is a gift from the darkness to find someone who shares and understands the essence of Coldnight.

New sound and line-up point toward future releases I hope! Are there any plans for Coldnight that you are willing to divulge at this point in time and are you still searching for a record label?

Well, I have a series of splits this year (Annorkoth (RUS), Moloch (Ukr), Alastair (USA), and others who I don’t remember right now). I'll be working on releasing them in order of my time schedule. I will add the involvement of other guitarists on some songs, but I will be Coldnight for a long long time.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer these questions. I look forward to future releases from Coldnight. Are there any last thoughts that you would like to share with our readers?

Yes, I want to thank you and all the people that have supported Coldnight during these years. Cold blessings and join me on Myspace and Facebook.

Courtesy of Sarah.