Laika Interview

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the band for those that have
never heard of you before?

We are a 6 piece melodic death metal band, we combine the aggression
of North American death metal with a strong European influence mixed
in.
We try to bring a lot of energy to the music that hopefully rubs off
onto others and coerces people to headbang and really get consumed by
the music

2. How would you describe your musical sound?

We try to create a progressive element to the music; constantly
climbing while reflecting on it's origins. Based heavily on fast
paced, rhythmically technical guitar riffs, we use live synthesized
keys to add a depth of emotion.  Lyrically we write with meaning
and something to chant along to live if the song calls for it!

3. What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band explores
with the music?

Our lyrical attitudes change as our lives change. The lyrics for our
first album were based largely on storytelling, with mythological
foundations. Our newer material focuses on more human conditions;
ranging from satirical reflections of our own nature and relations, to
the surreal exploration of dreams.

4. What is the meaning and inspiration behind the bands name?

Kind of a silly meaning, but the name Laika derives from Lycanthrope
which as you may know means werewolf.
Badass in it's own right, but it is also the name that the Russians
gave to the first dog they shot into space.
It was a scientific test that unfortunately took the life of poor
Laika. We chose this name because its a very obscure thing to send a
dog to space,
and being somewhat obscure fellas it kind of just fit. We try and
blend that obscurity into the music as well.

5. What are some of the best shows that the band has played so far and
how would you describe your stage performance?

Oh man, this is a tough one, with our 50th show approaching they have
a tendency to blend together. If I had to pick one that stood out in
my mind it would be our show in 2011 with Kataklysm and All shall
perish. We played to a sold out crowd and it was insane seeing so many
fists in the air, overwhelming experience for all of us. Our
experience playing along side some big names lends confidence to our
stage performance and I feel that our live shows have been an ever
escalating triumph of energy.

6. Do you have any touring plans for the future?

Definitely, We currently have a tour booked for July, a small western
Canada one. After we push out our album by winter we plan on doing a
month long tour next May/June.
We also plan on doing a stateside excursion sometime in the winter of
next year, we are hoping to head to Europe as early as 2014

7. Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label and if so,
what kind of label do you feel that would be a perfect fit for your
music?

We are most certainly looking for a label, there are a lot of labels
out there that we would be happy to be apart of. I don't want to play
favorites and burn bridges that haven't been built yet, so we'll keep
specifics on the D-L

8. On a worldwide level how has the feedback been to your music by

fans of melodic death metal?

Without the support of a label we haven't had the resources that we'd
like to be able to reach a global audience. That being said, with stat
tracking on YouTube plays we've seen our tracks playing in Europe and
South America. We've also received emails from fans as far as Algeria,
one even asking for vocal training. So I guess we're doing something
right; we're hopeful to expand our fan base upon the release of our
new album.

9. Are there any other projects besides this band or is this a full
time line up?

All the members of Laika are serious musicians so naturally most of us
have some other outlet for expression. Oddly enough any other projects
usually include at least two members (or former members) of Laika
because we work so well together. Jordan holds the record for most
bands, lending his voice to three projects simultaneously.

10. What direction do you see your music heading into on future releases?

I think we're just going to keep doing our thing. Our writing style
has a way of naturally evolving and we're always more satisfied with
the latest track than the previous.

11. What are some bands or musical styles that have influenced your
music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

We all come from different backgrounds. Between us we listen to
everything from Rush to Slayer, DevilDriver to Incantation, Dubstep to
Djent. Inspiration is everywhere in life, and life influences music.

12. Outside of music what are some of your interests?

Pretty good at drinking beers

13. Any final words or thoughts before we wrap up this interview?

Death to all butt metal

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