Hi! Tell me about your band and what kind of previous experience do you have as musicians?
Hello. Sectlinefor are basically the bastard love child of a Latvian progressive death metal band called Ygodeh (where Piton, the guitarist, is from) and a South African alternative metal band called No Better Ego Trip (where Jared, the vocalist, is from). We took the most interesting pieces from those bands and squashed them together. Sectlinefor is the mess that came out the other side.
Why did you pick your band name? How did you form? Why did you decide to play the genre or genres you do?
The band name has something to do with surgery and mechanics, I can’t remember. I just like the fact that we have no Google competition. Piton decided on the name and the style of music. He also composes and records this weird cinematic metal all by himself. He’s basically the God of the group. When he needed vocals, he found me (Jared) on the Internet and I tried my best to make him happy. I think I’ve done an ok job.
What can you tell us about your latest record?
Don’t Make This About You is our second record, and I think it’s a huge step forward for us. The first album (2017’s Anorexic Insect) was difficult because we didn’t know each other at that stage and I was trying too hard to impress everyone. I wrote melodies and lyrics that I thought the band wanted rather than what I wanted. This second album is different. I was far more comfortable. Piton and I are good friends now and this made it easy for me to sing however I felt like. It’s a more fun record, I think. It’s closer to what Sectlinefor was always meant to be.
What the kind of album feedbacks are you waiting for?
I personally just want to win a Grammy for this record, but they tell me that’s not going to happen.
Are you gonna to make some world tour in the future? Do you think this is available for everybody option to tour around the globe? What do you think band have to do to get such opportunity?
We’ve spoken about this idea before, but it’s difficult. Our music isn’t exactly the most lucrative in the business, so until we find a decent worldwide following, a massive tour would probably cost more money than it would make. We’re also both very busy people. But what I will say is this: Sectlinefor has many more albums to go. I truly believe anything is possible for our future because I’m a very arrogant person.
Do you believe in heavy music scene without money?
Money can often destroy good music. If you make any art with money on your mind, then your art isn’t going to be genuine. We make strange heavy music because we love it, money isn’t even a consideration. That said, I do want more money.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Music sharing is the natural evolution of the industry. The music business moves fast, it makes no sense to get stuck on a time when artists were making millions of dollars from CD sales. I’m sure that was great back then, but it came and it went, and we must all adapt. Bands make money from shows now. All of Sectlinefor’s music is available for free and I reckon it always will be that way. There is so much music out there now, that it’s difficult enough for people to find your stuff even when it’s free. Why make it any harder by putting up a monetary barrier?
Who are your musical influences? Have you ever think your band could be so famous as your favorites?
We have many different musical influences in the band, which is why we sound like we do. Piton is the real metalhead. I basically just want to be Mike Patton. I like to imagine Sectlinefor will one day release a classic album that Rolling Stone writes about, but for now, I’m not sure we make the kind of music that has any mass appeal whatsoever. You never know though!
Do you have a formal music education? Do you think it’s a Kind of important thing?
I have no formal music education, no. I just listen to a lot of music and then steal the bits I like. Piton knows everything.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?
Time management is key. Keep a calendar. Don’t watch TV or play video games. Eat a healthy diet. Sleep enough. Keep your mind focused on the end goal. Be honest with everyone.
How do you handle mistakes during a performance? Or you can assure there are no any mistakes during your gigs? Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
Honestly, the drunker I am, the better my performance is. Nobody cares if you forget the words when you’re dancing around like a squid whilst wearing a pink tutu, that I promise. If people want a perfect song, then go listen to the record. If you want to have a fun time of messy chaos, then come to the show. This is probably bad advice.
What’s next? Thank you!
We’re actually taking a small break at the moment. Piton will be focusing on his other band Ygodeh for a while. They’re very good, much heavier, check them out! I’m hoping that we’ll gig around London in 2019 and have a new album by 2020. I have a good feeling about the future of Sectlinefor. I think our best work is still to come.