Band Questions answer by Vasi Lichtenberg
Please introduce yourself and the band members briefly?
My name’s Vasi Lichtenberg, I play in Caesarius band. Our guitarists are Andrew Gluss and Alex Gato, our bassist’s name is Dammy Bexx, Vitaly Veerbull is our drummer.
What does the band name mean and how do you get it?
We got it at the very first band practice. We’ve put together lots of various ideas and eventually chosen “Caesarius”. This word sounds memorable and is not frequently used.
Where and how was the band founded?
The band was established in Moscow in 2017 when I wrote Kingdom Of Fun. I found the musicians via the Internet and carried out the first mutual practice. I managed to see their potential and took the view we could go on together.
Have you played in other bands before?
Yes, I’d had two bands of mine, but unfortunately they were not for me. I tried to write some songs with the first one but we liked different genres and therefore we couldn’t come to a musical conclusion. As to the second band, we would play cover songs there, and I was ready to invest some money for recording in a studio. But the musicians did not take the idea of the musical career seriously so they refused to learn the songs fast.
Was it hard to find suitable band members who fit musically and humanely with the band?
Yeah, it took me more than a year to find the musicians who understand me and who’re ready to work hard to reach the music top.
What does the band name mean?
It derives from the name of Caesar, and the „us” suffix was added by me by chance.
What are the lyrics about and who of you is writing them?
It’s me who writes the lyrics. You can find various meaning in our songs.For example, the first EP is about different fantasy things whereas our second EP “Road To Rome” one might discover history and social issues. I’m planning to keep on writing lyrics covering different topics.
Which bands inspired you and how would you describe your music to someone who has never heard a sound from you?
My first musical influence was «Avantasia». Setting my favorite genre became possible due to early «Helloween». It was exactly the music I wanted to deal with. I can describe our music as “Oldschool Power Metal with the modern sound and unusual female vocals, epic solos and massive choir”.
Why should people listen to our music?
I know plenty of people who haven’t heard “exactly that” Power Metal, furthermore it’s about the popularity of “retrowave” in mass culture – that’s music, films, fashion… I’d like our listeners to hear “real” Power Metal in our music, not those pop tendencies that can easily be seen in the music of most of modern metal bands.
The band members are all still very young, how do you get the idea to play heavy metal with these influences?
I wouldn’t say we’re that young, it’s a misconception. I’m 21, the bassist is 23, one of the guitarists is 26, the other one is 29, the drummer is 30… We’re just well preserved All in all, we’re very young and lively inside, I think that fast music represents us in a good way and can charge up those who listen to it.
In 2018 did you release your debut Ep Dreamland How long have you been working on the songs?
We worked on the songs for six months we’d already had several different songs and we’d chosen the best of them to record.
Where and when did you record ep?
We recorded this album at one of my friend’s home studio. Unfortunately we’ve gone through some disagreements (he dragged on the mixing for too long) and we got not exactly the sound we’d made a deal about.
How happy and proud were you when the EP was done?
Despite of sudden difficulties I was blissfully happy the EP was finnaly out and lots of people could listen to our music worldwide. We were supported by many people and that’s the key point.
Federico Lucchi has been supporting you a bit with the EP since you came into contact with him and how did his work with him?
I heard his band «Skycrater» and I really liked it. I found him on Facebook and we started chatting. He turned out very kind and responsive and I’m happy he continues to write songs and I guess he’s already announced some shows with his band, it’s marvelous. He helped me at that time: he created the EP cover and recorded some backing vocals for the songs.
In March 2019, your second EP Road to Rome was released. How were the work on the EP?
We were a way more judicious about the recording this time. We’ve contemplated almost every single step. We were also pleased to learn our fans supported us and invested money in crowd funding. Thus, this album became possible due to them! We’ve recorded the EP at Sergei Lasar’s CDM Records Studio. We really enjoyed working with him.
Oleg "Voodoo" Scherbakov is responsible for the cover artwork since you were satisfied with his work and how did you get in contact with him since then?
In my opinion Oleg is one of the best cover makers in Russia; I’ve seen many of his works and liked them so a year prior to the release I made up my mind that it would be him who’d make a cover for us. I enjoyed working with him as well for he made exactly what we needed.
Personally, I think the cover is very successful, is it going to be a t-shirt?
Yes, we’ve designed several t-shirts; our fans can order them now.
So far, how have the reactions to your music been and have you already given more interviews?
People reacted differently; in general, the music was taken positively and we can see it by selling our disks worldwide. And yes, we have several interviews; you can read them on our website caesariusband.weebly.com/interviews
What are the plans for your first album?
To record more epic, beautiful and powerful songs that will win the hearts of all the metalheads of the world!
Do you, as a woman, notice any of the prejudices in the scene of a woman, or are there no problems in performing live or anywhere?
I surely heard an opinion that a woman must sing like Nightwish vocalist, or use growl. Nonetheless I didn’t face any problems at the gigs and I don’t see any problem here at all: people have their own opinion (as well as the musical preferences).
What was your first concert as a fan? And what memory do you have of it?
My first concert was the one by Avantasia in Moscow. It was a wonderful experience for me that inspired me to work harder at the music (I didn’t play in Caesarius at that time). I also met many splendid musicians there, for instance Oliver Hartmann (ex-At Vance, Hartmann, Avantasia, Echoes), with whom I’ve been chatting for three years.
Are you planning to tour Europe in the future?
That’s our goal, we want to play our music not only in Europe but in the whole world, therefore we’re working on strengthening of our international relations.
What were your live highlights and with which bands did you play?
We played with a vast amount of the bands, but I’d like to single out our friends Crimson Cry – they play Power Metal as well, they got a fantastic sound and they’re just good people.
Have already resulted in friendship ?
I reckon we have.
Which band would you like to play live with and why?
First of all I’d like to share the stage with all the Power Metal bands in Russia and then with the best Power Metal bands of the world, such as Helloween, Edguy, Sabaton, Powerwolf, etc. After all I always wanted to play with the ones I love.
With what do you earn your money except with the music?
We work now; every musician has some job to do besides the band. We hope that sooner or later we’ll be able to earn money by music only and to invest in our band to a full extent.
How important are social media for you as a band?
It’s of great importance now; we can find a multitude of new listeners due to the Internet.
What would you (her) want to achieve with the band?
The world tours, a deal with the best record labels, plenty of albums, video clips and so on.
What do you think about the Russia Metal scene in general?
It’s a special thing, yet quite strange. Right from the Soviet era metal music is considered as underground, except Aria maybe. Many bands here do not believe in their possible success and hesitate to go get the world fame; so after decades some bands have never gone to perform abroad. I hope the situation is gonna change and Russia will give the world more famous bands.
Maybe you can recommend some bands from your area?
Crimson Cry is a good choice as to me
PERSONAL QUESTIONS !
Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
I was born and grew up in Moscow, for my whole life I was interested in arts and enjoyed singing so I’m extremely glad I have an opportunity to do the things I admire in a serious way.
How was your school time you were rather the good student or the break clown ?
50/50. I’m not a fan of spending time on studying for it’s not tough for me to get new information, but it does not mean I didn’t do well. I always did what I loved: studied the subjects I was interested it and always found the time for fun with friends.
How did your parents react when you started making metal music? did they support you and how do you feel about your music today?
My mum didn’t quite like the idea at first: it was the time I entered the university and she believed the band could take all my time but accepted it after all. Now she helps me morally and materially.
Would you be successful in making music as a musician?
Sure!
Are you someone who loves the hustle and bustle of the big city? or rather looking for peace and relaxation in nature?
I’m rather an urban dweller, yet Moscow has become too annoying for me. I relax when on the trips with the guys so I adore living of an occasional traveler.
Do you actively practice sports or are you more of a passive spectator?
I enjoy equestrian sport, riding a bike, and nature walks, but sometimes I also get quite lazy and lie on the sofa in front of the TV, thus I prefer some kind of a middle ground. Sport is beneficial for health!
When it comes to your physical well you can cook or let you cook for you
I am capable of cooking some delicious things, and most of all I prefer Italian cuisine. But sometimes I’m too reluctant to go cooking so I buy frozen food and heat it up or eat out somewhere.
What does your environment tell you about your passion for metal (friends / family / colleagues) ?
They support me
How do you see the problem with the haters on the internet who have to announce their mental garbage in anonymity always and everywhere?
Some folks are just not that smart. And some are just mentally divergent. You shouldn’t stick to these people’s opinion, otherwise you’d go crazy yourself.
What do you think about the internet in general? a blessing or a curse?
Internet is a handy tool for communication with other metal fans
Which question would you like to have answered and why?
I’d like to get an answer to the question like “when are we gonna perform at Wacken Open Air?”… Okay, just kidding. I’ve no idea what else to answer
What would you personally like to do in your life?
Walk, talk to the band and our fans, watch films and listen to good music. And study history and enjoy the nature too.
Moscow
Oh, I live here
Austria
A good country in Europe
Quentin Tarantino
THE BEST filmmaker
Harry Potter
Splendid fandom
Presnenskiy Park
Good park
Soccer
Enjoy playing it with my friends
Kwas
Don’t like it
Borschtsch
Yuck!
Pelmeni
Yummy
Vodka
Disgusting
Basilius-Kathedrale
The guys and I had a little walk around it not so long ago
Julius Caesar
Decent guy, the greatest historical personality
Movie or Series
Movie
CD or Vinyl
Vinyl
Family
It’s not essential to marry anyone to call him/her a family, my friends and the band as well are my family
Your top 10 all time album faves
Helloween – Pink Bubbles Go Ape, Gamma Ray – Land Of The Free, Gamma Ray – Heading For Tomorrow, Helloween – Keeper Of The Seven Keys, BloodBound – War Of Dragons, Lacrimosa – Hoffnung, Rammstein – Mutter, Avantasia – Scarecrow, Edguy – Kingdom Of Madness, Lacrimosa – Sehnsucht
your top 5 albums in time !
Helloween – Pink Bubbles Go Ape, Gamma Ray – Land Of The Free, Gamma Ray – Heading For Tomorrow, Helloween – Keeper Of The Seven Keys, Rammstein – Mutter
The closing word is yours?
Listen to Power Metal, live a full life and do what you enjoy doing
Please introduce yourself and the band members briefly?
My name’s Vasi Lichtenberg, I play in Caesarius band. Our guitarists are Andrew Gluss and Alex Gato, our bassist’s name is Dammy Bexx, Vitaly Veerbull is our drummer.
What does the band name mean and how do you get it?
We got it at the very first band practice. We’ve put together lots of various ideas and eventually chosen “Caesarius”. This word sounds memorable and is not frequently used.
Where and how was the band founded?
The band was established in Moscow in 2017 when I wrote Kingdom Of Fun. I found the musicians via the Internet and carried out the first mutual practice. I managed to see their potential and took the view we could go on together.
Have you played in other bands before?
Yes, I’d had two bands of mine, but unfortunately they were not for me. I tried to write some songs with the first one but we liked different genres and therefore we couldn’t come to a musical conclusion. As to the second band, we would play cover songs there, and I was ready to invest some money for recording in a studio. But the musicians did not take the idea of the musical career seriously so they refused to learn the songs fast.
Was it hard to find suitable band members who fit musically and humanely with the band?
Yeah, it took me more than a year to find the musicians who understand me and who’re ready to work hard to reach the music top.
What does the band name mean?
It derives from the name of Caesar, and the „us” suffix was added by me by chance.
What are the lyrics about and who of you is writing them?
It’s me who writes the lyrics. You can find various meaning in our songs.For example, the first EP is about different fantasy things whereas our second EP “Road To Rome” one might discover history and social issues. I’m planning to keep on writing lyrics covering different topics.
Which bands inspired you and how would you describe your music to someone who has never heard a sound from you?
My first musical influence was «Avantasia». Setting my favorite genre became possible due to early «Helloween». It was exactly the music I wanted to deal with. I can describe our music as “Oldschool Power Metal with the modern sound and unusual female vocals, epic solos and massive choir”.
Why should people listen to our music?
I know plenty of people who haven’t heard “exactly that” Power Metal, furthermore it’s about the popularity of “retrowave” in mass culture – that’s music, films, fashion… I’d like our listeners to hear “real” Power Metal in our music, not those pop tendencies that can easily be seen in the music of most of modern metal bands.
The band members are all still very young, how do you get the idea to play heavy metal with these influences?
I wouldn’t say we’re that young, it’s a misconception. I’m 21, the bassist is 23, one of the guitarists is 26, the other one is 29, the drummer is 30… We’re just well preserved All in all, we’re very young and lively inside, I think that fast music represents us in a good way and can charge up those who listen to it.
In 2018 did you release your debut Ep Dreamland How long have you been working on the songs?
We worked on the songs for six months we’d already had several different songs and we’d chosen the best of them to record.
Where and when did you record ep?
We recorded this album at one of my friend’s home studio. Unfortunately we’ve gone through some disagreements (he dragged on the mixing for too long) and we got not exactly the sound we’d made a deal about.
How happy and proud were you when the EP was done?
Despite of sudden difficulties I was blissfully happy the EP was finnaly out and lots of people could listen to our music worldwide. We were supported by many people and that’s the key point.
Federico Lucchi has been supporting you a bit with the EP since you came into contact with him and how did his work with him?
I heard his band «Skycrater» and I really liked it. I found him on Facebook and we started chatting. He turned out very kind and responsive and I’m happy he continues to write songs and I guess he’s already announced some shows with his band, it’s marvelous. He helped me at that time: he created the EP cover and recorded some backing vocals for the songs.
In March 2019, your second EP Road to Rome was released. How were the work on the EP?
We were a way more judicious about the recording this time. We’ve contemplated almost every single step. We were also pleased to learn our fans supported us and invested money in crowd funding. Thus, this album became possible due to them! We’ve recorded the EP at Sergei Lasar’s CDM Records Studio. We really enjoyed working with him.
Oleg "Voodoo" Scherbakov is responsible for the cover artwork since you were satisfied with his work and how did you get in contact with him since then?
In my opinion Oleg is one of the best cover makers in Russia; I’ve seen many of his works and liked them so a year prior to the release I made up my mind that it would be him who’d make a cover for us. I enjoyed working with him as well for he made exactly what we needed.
Personally, I think the cover is very successful, is it going to be a t-shirt?
Yes, we’ve designed several t-shirts; our fans can order them now.
So far, how have the reactions to your music been and have you already given more interviews?
People reacted differently; in general, the music was taken positively and we can see it by selling our disks worldwide. And yes, we have several interviews; you can read them on our website caesariusband.weebly.com/interviews
What are the plans for your first album?
To record more epic, beautiful and powerful songs that will win the hearts of all the metalheads of the world!
Do you, as a woman, notice any of the prejudices in the scene of a woman, or are there no problems in performing live or anywhere?
I surely heard an opinion that a woman must sing like Nightwish vocalist, or use growl. Nonetheless I didn’t face any problems at the gigs and I don’t see any problem here at all: people have their own opinion (as well as the musical preferences).
What was your first concert as a fan? And what memory do you have of it?
My first concert was the one by Avantasia in Moscow. It was a wonderful experience for me that inspired me to work harder at the music (I didn’t play in Caesarius at that time). I also met many splendid musicians there, for instance Oliver Hartmann (ex-At Vance, Hartmann, Avantasia, Echoes), with whom I’ve been chatting for three years.
Are you planning to tour Europe in the future?
That’s our goal, we want to play our music not only in Europe but in the whole world, therefore we’re working on strengthening of our international relations.
What were your live highlights and with which bands did you play?
We played with a vast amount of the bands, but I’d like to single out our friends Crimson Cry – they play Power Metal as well, they got a fantastic sound and they’re just good people.
Have already resulted in friendship ?
I reckon we have.
Which band would you like to play live with and why?
First of all I’d like to share the stage with all the Power Metal bands in Russia and then with the best Power Metal bands of the world, such as Helloween, Edguy, Sabaton, Powerwolf, etc. After all I always wanted to play with the ones I love.
With what do you earn your money except with the music?
We work now; every musician has some job to do besides the band. We hope that sooner or later we’ll be able to earn money by music only and to invest in our band to a full extent.
How important are social media for you as a band?
It’s of great importance now; we can find a multitude of new listeners due to the Internet.
What would you (her) want to achieve with the band?
The world tours, a deal with the best record labels, plenty of albums, video clips and so on.
What do you think about the Russia Metal scene in general?
It’s a special thing, yet quite strange. Right from the Soviet era metal music is considered as underground, except Aria maybe. Many bands here do not believe in their possible success and hesitate to go get the world fame; so after decades some bands have never gone to perform abroad. I hope the situation is gonna change and Russia will give the world more famous bands.
Maybe you can recommend some bands from your area?
Crimson Cry is a good choice as to me
PERSONAL QUESTIONS !
Where did you grow up and how was your childhood?
I was born and grew up in Moscow, for my whole life I was interested in arts and enjoyed singing so I’m extremely glad I have an opportunity to do the things I admire in a serious way.
How was your school time you were rather the good student or the break clown ?
50/50. I’m not a fan of spending time on studying for it’s not tough for me to get new information, but it does not mean I didn’t do well. I always did what I loved: studied the subjects I was interested it and always found the time for fun with friends.
How did your parents react when you started making metal music? did they support you and how do you feel about your music today?
My mum didn’t quite like the idea at first: it was the time I entered the university and she believed the band could take all my time but accepted it after all. Now she helps me morally and materially.
Would you be successful in making music as a musician?
Sure!
Are you someone who loves the hustle and bustle of the big city? or rather looking for peace and relaxation in nature?
I’m rather an urban dweller, yet Moscow has become too annoying for me. I relax when on the trips with the guys so I adore living of an occasional traveler.
Do you actively practice sports or are you more of a passive spectator?
I enjoy equestrian sport, riding a bike, and nature walks, but sometimes I also get quite lazy and lie on the sofa in front of the TV, thus I prefer some kind of a middle ground. Sport is beneficial for health!
When it comes to your physical well you can cook or let you cook for you
I am capable of cooking some delicious things, and most of all I prefer Italian cuisine. But sometimes I’m too reluctant to go cooking so I buy frozen food and heat it up or eat out somewhere.
What does your environment tell you about your passion for metal (friends / family / colleagues) ?
They support me
How do you see the problem with the haters on the internet who have to announce their mental garbage in anonymity always and everywhere?
Some folks are just not that smart. And some are just mentally divergent. You shouldn’t stick to these people’s opinion, otherwise you’d go crazy yourself.
What do you think about the internet in general? a blessing or a curse?
Internet is a handy tool for communication with other metal fans
Which question would you like to have answered and why?
I’d like to get an answer to the question like “when are we gonna perform at Wacken Open Air?”… Okay, just kidding. I’ve no idea what else to answer
What would you personally like to do in your life?
Walk, talk to the band and our fans, watch films and listen to good music. And study history and enjoy the nature too.
Moscow
Oh, I live here
Austria
A good country in Europe
Quentin Tarantino
THE BEST filmmaker
Harry Potter
Splendid fandom
Presnenskiy Park
Good park
Soccer
Enjoy playing it with my friends
Kwas
Don’t like it
Borschtsch
Yuck!
Pelmeni
Yummy
Vodka
Disgusting
Basilius-Kathedrale
The guys and I had a little walk around it not so long ago
Julius Caesar
Decent guy, the greatest historical personality
Movie or Series
Movie
CD or Vinyl
Vinyl
Family
It’s not essential to marry anyone to call him/her a family, my friends and the band as well are my family
Your top 10 all time album faves
Helloween – Pink Bubbles Go Ape, Gamma Ray – Land Of The Free, Gamma Ray – Heading For Tomorrow, Helloween – Keeper Of The Seven Keys, BloodBound – War Of Dragons, Lacrimosa – Hoffnung, Rammstein – Mutter, Avantasia – Scarecrow, Edguy – Kingdom Of Madness, Lacrimosa – Sehnsucht
your top 5 albums in time !
Helloween – Pink Bubbles Go Ape, Gamma Ray – Land Of The Free, Gamma Ray – Heading For Tomorrow, Helloween – Keeper Of The Seven Keys, Rammstein – Mutter
The closing word is yours?
Listen to Power Metal, live a full life and do what you enjoy doing
(c) 2019 by Haschi's Metal Corner