Michelle Loose and Brave have unleashed an interesting album titled Monuments which is one of the most eclectic records I have heard in a while. If gothic, symphonic, progressive rock and metal elements weren’t enough they really threw a curve with the addition of a violin player who takes on a dominant role in their music. Michelle recently took sometime to answer some questions about the band and their new album.
You released your first full-length album Searching For The Sun back in 2002 what accounted for the long gap between that album and 2008’s Monuments?
We actually released an EP Passages in 2004, after Searching for the Sun, but it has been 4 years since our last release. Somehow 4 years slipped by very quickly and I guess we were all pretty busy with our day jobs and families. It’s so good to finally have the new CD finished.
What inspired Brave to add a violin to the songs? That instrument really makes you guys standout from the pack.
We never really intended to have a violinist in our line up, but we met Suvo at a party back in 2002 and we all immediately clicked with him, musically and personally. He’s been a great addition to our lineup, playing violin and keyboards. It opened a lot of doors for us in terms of musical expression, his style is very unique and I love the texture that it adds to our sound.
You guys are based out of
I guess our sound really is part of all of our influences and we are definitely influenced by a lot of European bands like Anathema, My Dying Bride, Pink Floyd, etc.
Michelle you have a great voice, it sounds like you’ve had previous training. What’s your background? And how did you get into metal?
Thank you so much! I have not had formal vocal training, but I definitely have an intense love of music and I always have. I did take a few piano lessons and I played flute when I was much younger, so I think those early introductions to music helped me. I’ve always had a secret love of metal…when my friends back in the day were jamming pop music I kind of hid the fact that I was really into Metallica or Pantera or some other heavy band. I felt a little weird getting into that music in the 80’s, maybe because I’m female and none of my friends were in to it. I have always loved the energy in metal, or really I enjoy passionate music in general.
Who are some of your influences musical or otherwise?
My main vocal influences would have to be Tori Amos, Geoff Tate, Ray Alder and Lisa Gerrard. I’m a huge fan of all types of music however, ranging from Genesis to Tool to Sarah McLachlan.
How would describe your sound to people that haven’t ever experienced Brave?
I would say it’s something like Rush meets Tori Amos with a bit of prog and metal elements in there as well. It’s probably not your everyday cup of tea if you like top 40 music, but if you are passionate about music and like to hear something a little bit different than the everyday songs on the radio, then check out our samples on www.myspace.com/braveband.
Brave has been getting raves reviews for Monuments what are your current plans to promote the album? What are your plans in
Ideally we’d love to tour, but so far we only have shows booked in our hometown of
What are five good reasons why the readers should check out Monuments? And where could they find the album?
Great question. Hmmm…5 reasons to check out Monuments would be:
1. If you want to hear something new and fresh
2. If you are a fan of female vocals and crunchy guitars
3. If you like passionate, honest music
4. If you like odd time signatures and other proggy elements, and
5. If you are a fan of Rush, Tori Amos, Pink Floyd, Evanescence, Lacuna Coil, Led Zeppelin and Anathema, definitely give us a try!
Michelle thanks so much for taking the time to answer a few questions. I wish you and Brave the best with Monuments.
Thank you so much for the opportunity, take care.
Thanks to Michelle and thanks to
Music samples and band updates are available at www.myspace.com/braveband. All CD’s are available at www.bravemusic.com and mp3’s are available at amazon.com, iTunes and www.digstation.com.