Hi! Tell me about your band and what kind of previous experience do you have as musicians?
Hi! I’m Ocelotl (bass and backing vocals). Cemican is a band who mix the ancient culture of Mexico with the power of metal. This is a great experience for us, is a challenge because isn’t an ordinary concept, we love the faces of the people who attend our shows and we have the obligation to make sure those people have a journey into the great culture of our country.
Why did you pick your band name? How did you form? Why did you decide to play the genre or genres you do?
Cemican is a word what in Nahuatl (mother language of Mexico) means All the life. The band began in 2009 when the album Ometiliztli has released, that album was recorder by Tecuhtli and Tlipoca (both founders), they have the idea to show to the world our roots, and they think what the best way is with the metal, a genere what they love.
What can you tell us about your latest record?
The new album is awesome! We think it is the best album of Cemican. It has a lot of amazing pre-Hispanic instruments, a lot of Nahuatl language and some interesting things that we never did on the last albums.
What the kind of album feedbacks are you waiting for?
I think what will be different is that we have a lot old fans, but we have now new fans around the world. We hope the people go crazy listening to some tracks on the album, that are really different from the last two. Our sound in each one is very particular, and with this one you’ll feel all the uniqueness of the aztec empire, we also evolve to make our music based on our journeys and world tours, it’s a tribute to our fans around the world.
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?
Yes! We don’t discard a world tour, for us it will be a dream to travel all the world sharing our music and rituals. Right now we have fans listening to our music in 20 different countries. Cemican isn’t a band who only can be heard by the Mexican people. We think many countries are proud of their roots like us, and people may identify with our show and music and that’s cool and also we share our history and roots with them!
Do you believe in heavy music scene without money?
A bit of two, you know what the world of music is soo difficult, more in countries like Mexico, sometimes the people don’t trust in your band or your music. Then you need to invest money for them to be interested but it’s hard but you will have a reward when this type of thing is happening, and you can earn money with the music, but it’s a long way.
What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
We can’t say we will give our albums for free to the people because behind each one is a lot of work, time and money. It’s crazy to think how this can happen. Fortunately we have a lot of streaming services. It’s a cool way to get more fans around the world, sometimes these services are free. We always think that people enjoy to have the CD in their hands, our new album has amazing artwork, lyrics, so for us having the CD in your hands is part of the experience and the journey to enjoy our music.
Who are your musical influences? Have you ever think your band could be so famous as your favorites?
Each member has different influences, some bands like Helloween, Manowar, Immortal, and other many bands. It’s incredible for us play in the same event with the bands you are fan. You can share your music, talk with them and that’s is an experience unique that you never think would happen.
Do you have a formal music education? Do you think it’s a Kind of important thing?
Yes! Some members has studied music or something related to that. Being in the metal scene you need to be ready for new challenges and have new ways to create and produce your music. It’s very important for us have this knowledge.
How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?
Sometimes it’s difficult and frustrating not to be with your family, or when you need to travel and have a show far from your home or you need leave your work. It’s a big sacrifice, but we need to have communication with the people around you, they need to comprehend what this style of life is and how hard it is if you don’t have their support.
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?
It’s normal to make one or two mistakes in a show, if it happens to you, you need be conscious that not everything collapses and you need to keep the concentration and enjoy the show.
What’s next? Thank you!
We have some upcoming shows in Mexico and in June we are invited to play at Hellfest Open Air in France, we will also play in Germany at Hornerfest and we are closing some dates in Germany, Belgium, and Spain. We are looking to play a tour in United States, will keep you posted soon.
Thank you for your time and space to talk a bit of Cemican. We are very grateful with all the people what supports the band.
Remember We all are warriors!!