The Tex Avery Syndrome, a modern metal band from Frankfurt, Germany brings eerie, heavy power with their latest release “Howl”. We connected with the band’s vocalist Laura and talked about the music video for “Howl”, creative muses, and the importance of human connection through live music. Check out our interview with Laura below.
MG: Hi, Laura. Thanks for your time. How have you been?
Laura: Well, the past 1,5 years have been an up and down, but we have a few shows coming up for this summer and already played a few, and I am so happy to be back on stage.
MG: The video for your newest single, “Howl” is eerie and impactful, featuring lyrics from the song as writings on the walls. Was this video concept something the band had in mind while writing the song? How did it all come together?
Laura: First, we did not really plan to make a proper music video for the song since we barely had any income as a band during covid. We thought of a lyric video, but with the production being finished and having the final results, we wanted to come out with something greater than just a lyric video. Germany has been in a lockdown for a long time. We could not really come together as a whole band (or maybe we could have, but it did not feel right to be in a small room with the whole band and a production team), so we decided to make a real time lyric video with me writing the lyrics on the wall paired with some performance from my side.
I love to dance and I am a huge fan of the singer Banks. I was inspired by her video for “Contaminated”. My drummer and I wrote the concept for the video and we have been lucky to find this awesome location.
MG: As compared to your previous releases, I think the new single has a darker and even more aggressive sound. With a new drummer Nico in the band, does this vibe has anything to do with him taking part in the songwriting process or was it something you had in mind for a while?
Laura: I think both. Also replacing a drummer is always a huge transformation. Eddie Vedder once said it’s like a heart transplant and I agree. Alex has been a very groovy drummer, Nico is technical and fast. I would not say that one is better than the other, yet I think Nico’s preciseness came handy at the right time. Nico also has a black metal band and brought in new influences that inspired us to check out new directions.
MG: Has the band found much inspiration among all of the feelings brought on by the last year that may fuel future music? Or is it something you’d rather leave behind?
Laura: I am so ready to leave it behind. I was born to be on the road and to live music, either way playing myself or enjoying shows, and it has been mentally really draining for me. On the other hand, we finally had time to write new music. The first year I have not been too worried. I spent almost a month in Sweden, recording demos in my friend’s basement. I was very into it. When the second lockdown hit, and damn this one was hard in Germany, I lost my muse. I did not write any lyrics for almost 6 months. I just couldn’t. I had nothing to write about, I mean life barely happened. I am happy my muse is finally back.
MG: What would be your ideal setting for writing lyrics?
Laura: Good question. Most of the lyrics come to my mind when I am close to falling asleep. I always have a paper and pen next to my bed. I enjoy writing lyrics when I am travelling. Being away from home and from the every day impressions and the routine. I wrote a lot when I was in Sweden. I went on a hike almost every day and let my mind wander.
MG: As we begin to see live music returning, what is something you’ve missed the most about performing live?
Laura: Performing live is mainly about the connection with the audience for me. This connection and bond that you create with live music is something special. When you read my lyrics, you can read a lot about myself. Writing is a way of therapy for me and when you see people connecting with your songs and feeling them, it’s a beautiful thing. Metal music is a lot about anger and hurt, but I have seen the happiest people at live shows. All I ever wanted as an artist is to be an open book, to show people that I am hurting as much as them, and that we are in this together and that we are able to get out of this together.
MG: And what is your favourite way to unwind after a show?
Laura: I usually head over to the merch right after the show and talk to the people. After that, I do a little cool down which includes stretching. I don’t really party much after a show. I am the first in my band to go to bed. Pretty lame, huh?
MG: What is something outside of music that is really important to you and how does it help shape who you are?
Laura: Spending time with my close friends, who helped me through the darkest times in my life and made me believe in myself when I couldn’t. I love to take care of my friends and just chill and experience life with them. I also talk openly about mental health and my journey.
I love to travel. It soothes me. Getting to know different cultures and meeting new people can help us grow immensely. I also do a lot of different sports. I do boxing, I love bouldering and surfing, biking…
MG: If you were a magical entity, what 5 things would be in the spell to summon you?
Laura: The only thing you need to summon me is vegan food and love. Haha. Probably something with hummus…
MG: What are some hopes for the future and what can we expect next from The Tex Avery Syndrome?
Laura: I hope in 2022 we can finally do the shows in Europe we planned for 2020, and you can expect another new song from us this year. We just want to tour and play live, and I finally want to see my friends in music from all over the world I haven’t seen in so long. It might be a bit political, but I hope people take better care of themselves and the planet.
Metal Goddesses 