Introduction: Due to time constraints as regular individuals running Witching Buzz and focusing primarily on writing reviews, we are limited to publishing only one (occasionally two) review(s) per day. However, we strongly believe in providing greater exposure to deserving bands and musicians who have put in immense effort. As a result, we have launched a new section called “Witching Riffs: Behind the Sound.” In this section, we have crafted a series of intriguing questions that we pose to every band or musician who wishes to share more about their unique projects. While the questions remain the same for each participant, the diversity among bands ensures that the answers will be fascinating and diverse. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating journey as we delve into the minds and stories of these talented artists.
PIA ISA / Norway
What drew you to the immersive and hypnotic sounds? How do you aim to captivate your listeners with this genre?
I guess I have just always been attracted to heavy, slow and dreamy music and it kinda feels like it fits with my own pace or pulse or something. I am so much more mellow and calm than I am hyper or impulsive, and think I just click with this kind of music, mentally, physically and emotionally. In my own music I keep the basics simple and I focus on the intention and feeling of the song. I write and play from my heart and I always hold patience and honesty high in my music. I never rush things and I don’t write about stuff I can’t be sincere about.
Can you share the story behind your band name? How does it reflect the essence of your music?
PIA ISA is really just a short version of my name Pia Isaksen. Since I am doing a solo project I wanted the name to represent that, and I wanted it to be simple and minimalistic like my music. I also feel like writing it in big letters gives it some heaviness which fits the music too.
What are some unconventional or unexpected influences that have shaped your unique blend?
I feel like my influences are just a mix of everything I have loved listening to, in an indirect way. I like a lot of different music, but I´ve never really listened to metal. So it is always a little weird for me when people categorise my music in the metal world.
How do you approach creating expansive and atmospheric soundscapes? What techniques or methods do you employ to achieve that signature vibe?
I think simplicity, patience, calmness and an honest feeling are keywords in what I do. I take the time to let the notes ring out a lot. I also use layers of heavy guitars and bass as a deep foundation and blend in some brighter elements and sounds I guess. I also use my voice in a natural and relaxed way instead of trying to force a certain sound out of it.
Are there specific themes or emotions you seek to convey through your music? How do alternative music help you express those concepts effectively?
I write about things I am dealing with as a human in this world, and things I am going through. My music comes from my existential struggles, fears, dreams and hopes which I think many people can recognise. When writing my new album I was experiencing a lot of major life changes and uncertainties and, it felt like everything was falling apart or dissolving. So dissolvement is a recurring theme on Dissolve, but so is the idea of putting yourself back together in new and possibly better ways.
I seek for and wish to convey calmness, patience, a break from reality and any form of stress with my music, and hope that whatever mess you find yourself in it is going to pass. Things are gonna be ok. Music really helps me process stuff and find answers somehow. It is weird. When I feel strongly about something or have a lot on my mind it usually comes out in music and I start hearing words and thoughts in melodies in my head. Expressing it with music is really therapeutic a lot of times, and makes me able to say things I can’t say with words alone.
Share a remarkable moment or incident from your journey as a band that exemplifies the spirit of your music.
I have just been writing and recording this project pretty much in solitude and in a cave like bubble. But it was a really remarkable thing when my then Facebook friend now boyfriend Gary Arce who is in Yawning Man, asked to hear some of my solo music back when I was working on the first album. At the time I was super nervous to let anyone, let alone someone whose music I love, hear it. But I just decided to go for it and sent him some unfinished mixes. I also thought about asking him to maybe play on some songs, but I chickened out. Then a few days later I got a message back saying he really loved my music, got really inspired and asked if he could try and record something for it. I was super stoked and what he did sounded so amazing. That is really how we got more in touch, which lead to becoming closer friends and eventually falling in love when we met in person a few years later. So it has really been a life changing music project in more than one way.
In what ways do you envision your music progressing or evolving in the future? Are there any new elements or experimental approaches you’d like to incorporate?
I am not sure at the moment, I guess I will just let it evolve naturally and see what I feel like writing and what direction my ideas will go in. I always keep writing songs and really let the music lead the way. I do feel like I want to try doing something a little different, but we’ll see in what way. In the near future I will also focus on my new band SoftSun with Gary and Dan Joeright. We have recorded an album that is coming out on Ripple Music in November. I am excited to see how our music will evolve too.
Is there a particular song in your discography that perfectly encapsulates the essence of your music? Please elaborate on its creation and significance.
Follow the Sun from my first album comes to mind for it’s simplicity, patience and heavy but hopeful sound. It really encapsulates the essence of my music. But One Above Ten Below from the new album comes to mind as well. It is probably the most direct and honest song I have ever written. To me, especially the last half part of it, felt like an existential release after one of the most stressful and difficult times of my life. I also feel like the guitars and vocal harmonies fit well with the words and what I am expressing, like it just carries it and turns it into an emotional release or something. Gary´s amazing guitar melodies on this part also bring such a beautiful and kind of sad but hopeful feeling that fits so perfectly.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known artists within your music genre realm that you find inspiring or deserving of more recognition? Feel free to share their names and what you appreciate about their work.
I don’t know about same genre realms, but from what I am listening to lately I would say Lone Mesa, Lauren Lakis, Rezn and Rancho Relaxo. These are bands/musicians whose melodies, harmonies, simplicity and sound I love in different ways. And I think they all have their own sound, sincerity and something unique to them. I have also been listening a lot to DIIV lately and always Yawning Man, but they don’t exactly fit with lesser known. I am also excited to hear the new Blackwater Holylight album that is coming soon.
What do you hope listeners experience or feel when they immerse themselves in your compositions? Is there a specific mood or sensation you aim to evoke?
I hope my music can feel something like taking a deep breath, calming down, drifting away and afterwards coming back to reality with a rested mind cleared for fresh thoughts.
Turbo Regime:
Sorry in advance. I suck at and have a hard time deciding either or with things like this.. I am just not an either or person.
– Fuzz or distortion? I have to say both. They can both sound great
– Analog or digital effects? Both can sound great but not necessarily, and they can both be useful. There is also a question of what you have access to and what you can afford. Why not do a little bit of both?
– Sabbath or Zeppelin? Both are great, but I have definitely listened more to Black Sabbath
– Heavy riff or mind-bending solo? This one I can do. Definitely heavy riff
– Vintage gear or modern equipment? Sorry, same answer as the question about analog or digital effects
https://www.facebook.com/piaisamusic/
Label: Argonauta Records
PR: Grand Sounds Promotion
