The Abstraction interview 27/01/24
MM: Can you tell us about your Band and whos your biggest influences
Sure! The Abstraction is a solo metalcore project by Will Martin (ex-Rise Of Athena) based in Rotherham, UK. The songs feature SIME of Italian band SEVENSENT on vocals on the tracks for the forthcoming EP ‘Project I’. I released the debut single ‘Phoenix’ on 02/12/23 and the second single ‘Son’ was released on 22/01/24. My influences include bands such as Periphery, Wage War, Polaris, LetLive and many more, with a hint of your old school metalcore and a range of other genres.
MM: Where do you draw your inspirations and ideas from
The whole concept around Project I is to have a diverse sounding album, with each song standing out as its own whilst keeping a consistent sound and tone throughout. The themes are all around the peaks, troughs, trials and tribulations of people’s lives and is emotive, with the hopes that people can really connect with each song.
MM: What would you say is your Bands favourite song ?
My favourite song currently is Son. It’s one that hits home to me as a father and it’s a real hard hitting song, with soft moments, some brutal moments and a huge sing along chorus. Everything you could really ask for wrapped up in one!
MM: Plans tour and festival wise for 2024
I don’t have any live shows planned as of yet. Being a solo artists, it’s hard to put a show like that together and will take some time. But, upon completion of the EP, I’ll be working with my producer Tom Gittins of Monochrome Productions to put together a complex backing track so I’m able to achieve a live show!
MM: What can we expect from The Abstraction live?
I would expect a fun and diverse show, where I play different instruments, jump on vocals and do a whole range of different things. Something really unique will be on the cards once I’m ready to go!
MM: What do you like best and worst abt touring
The shows and meeting loads of new people. Made some great friends on the road. And going to shows and seeing people sing the songs back to you is so great! The worst has to be sleeping arrangements, surely?
MM: Which three Bands would be your ultimate touring buddies
I would say Polaris, because we would fit really well, Erra, because I love them and we would vibe, and LetLive, who I know aren’t around anymore, but they are one of my favourite bands of all time and have so much energy.
MM: What's the most memorable concert you've been to (other than your own) and why
That has to be in Brixton around 12 years ago. It was Being Me The Horizon, Architects, Parkway Drive and The Devil Wears Prada. Absolute monster of a line up and it was genuinely incredible.
MM: What do you feel has been your biggest accomplishment so far with The Abstraction
Just being able to make something that’s completely my own and get it out there. I’ve worked so hard to do that and make something different from everything else you’d typically hear from the scene at the moment, and I feel like I’m accomplishing that. Plus the feedback I’ve had from people has been amazing! Such a rewarding feeling.
MM: Which are your Two favourite Albums of all time
LetLive - Fake History and Counterparts - Prophets. There’s so many to choose from, but I love both of these so much, and they really influenced my music from starting out!
MM: Can you remember the first time you ever played live and how it felt to have people watching you?
I do indeed. It was a small pub called Kelly’s in Leamington Spa, UK, that no longer exists. Just my friends went. I was nervous as hell and stiff as a board, playing Metallica, Trivium and Panera covers. But it was a fun old time and all my mates loved it. We all start somewhere, right?
MM: Growing up which Bands posters did you have on your bedroom wall.
It was Blink 182 and Green Day. I was a massive pop punk kid until my late teens for sure! A gateway into the heavier music too, for sure!
MM - Who do you think influenced the world of Metal / Rock more than any other person
Sheesh, that’s a hell of a question. And my history knowledge is super poor to be honest. It’s gotta be someone like Ozzy though I’m sure. I don’t want to answer this question with pure naivety!
MM : What's the most important thing to the band right now?
Just getting heard! All I want is people to listen and enjoy what I do, and if a handful of people connect with it emotionally, then I’ve set out exactly what I wanted to do. What more could I ask for. I mean, apart from free guitars and touring the world of course.
MM:If you could do a cover of any song which one would it be and why?
Probably something stupid, like Call Me Maybe by Carley Rae Jepson. Poppy and goofy, make it heavy and have some real fun with it!
MM: Tell us why we should buy and listen to your Band
I could say everything every other band would say I suppose. But honestly, because I’m not jumping on a trend. I don’t sound like many other metalcore bands you hear. I make the effort to make something that’s unique and unapologetically me and that actually means something. Each song is intentionally different and it will keep you on your toes with every song you listen to.
MM: Four words to describe The Abstraction
Melodic, Heavy, huge and unique.
MM:Final Words for your fans and our readers
Please check out my recent single Son out on all streaming platforms now!!!!
And also, listen you the local music in your area. Listen to the local bands. There’s a whole wealth of undiscovered talent just sat there begging to be listened to. Do it, shout about it everywhere and give everyone a chance to do what they love. It’s a hard industry and it’s the fans that make or break us at the end of the day. Do something great for your next favourite band. Facebook