RAGINPIT MAGAZINE

According to the bio, theNAME can be described as “Groovy rock/metal with catchy songs, this is the best way to describe theNAME. At heart theNAME is metal, but in the newer, more dynamic songs there is a clear pop influence. Their own sound combined with musical elements from several different styles ensures a unique refreshing experience.”

This band is based in the city of Haarlem (close to Amsterdam) and was founded some nine years ago by guitar player Silas. Singer Hadassa gives the band a unique sound. Unlike most female singers from Holland who try to imitate Sharon den Adel from Within Temptation her voice is more rock oriented.

To what kind of music do you listen yourself?

Hadassa: All kinds of music, but mainly pop, gothic, rock, and metal.

Did you always wanted to become a singer?

Hadassa: No, first I wanted to become an actress.

And what are your favourite bands and artists?

Hadassa: Some of my favourite bands are Disturbed, After Forever, The Gathering, Epica, Dreamquest, and The Birthday Massacre. Some of my favourite singers are Floor Janssen, Anneke van Giersbergen, Tori Amos and Sandra Nasic.

With a band you spend a lot of time on tour or in the rehearsal room. Is it easy to combine theNAME with your personal life?

Hadassa: At the moment it is, but I hope that will be more difficult someday ‘cause that would mean that we would play a lot.

What is your favourite theNAME song?

Hadassa: Enchained.

Where did the name ‘theNAME’ come from?

Hadassa: Silas made that up when he started the band. He wanted the name of the band to have some attitude. theNAME represents the name of the band.

And how would you describe the music?

Hadassa: Female fronted groovy metal with melodic vocals. I like the fact that our music is getting heavier and more dynamic; still with catchy and beautiful melodic vocal lines.

About the song writing: is this teamwork or is there one mastermind behind theNAME’s music?

Hadassa: I usually write my own lyrics and vocal lines, sometimes Silas helps me. Silas creates the most new songs at home and sends us the new material by email. When he does that, we usually finish the details together. Sometimes we write new songs together in the practice room.

There are a lot of female fronted bands in Holland. What makes theNAME unique compared to all those bands?

Hadassa: I think we are heavier, rougher. I also think you can not compare us with one of the great female fronted metal bands like Within Temptation, Epica etc. Another difference is of course the fact we don’t have keyboards.

Currently theNAME is working on a new EP called Enchained. What can we expect and will there be many differences compared to the older songs?

Hadassa: It’s going to be heavier, more dynamic, but still combined with really melodic vocal lines and male grunts/screams. And there is a bonus; the acoustic version of "No Retractation."

Can you tell us something about the other members of theNAME?

Hadassa: Silas is a great guitarist with his own great style. I also really like the grunts and screams he does in our songs. He started theNAME and he is really ambitious with this band. He really goes for it and hopes theNAME will be the headliner in a packed, enormous venue someday.

Mike is really crazy; it’s always fun to play gigs with him. He has a lot of energy on stage, but also off stage. He’s really rock ‘n roll.

A few weeks ago Salvador, the drummer left the band. His temporary replacement is Roland. Can you tell us something about him?

Hadassa: Roland used to be our drummer before Salvador. Back then we decided together that it was better for him to leave theNAME. Now it’s really fun to play with him again, but we are still searching for another drummer. So, very cool and good drummers: if you read this and you like us, contact us!

And could you describe the ideal theNAME drummer?

Hadassa: As a drummer he should groove, feel the music, play dynamically, have a good drumming technique, and have a cool presentation. As a person he should be ambitious, kind and fun.

What are your highlights with theNAME?

Hadassa: 11/01/2008 - that evening we played the Dutch finals of Bodog Battle of the Bands in Paradiso and we did the support of Epica in Het Patronaat as well. We won the Dutch finals and so we went to Copenhagen to play the European finals. It was really cool to go there with the band. Further, I liked doing all the Epica supports we did. I think it’s time for another one.

... and do you have any negative experiences in all those years with theNAME?

Hadassa: I think one of the worst things that ever happened while I was in theNAME was that we were asked to do support gigs for Kamelot in Spain and it was cancelled because some obstacles came up which we couldn`t have foreseen.

What can we expect from theNAME in 2009? (Besides the fact that you will need a new backdrop)

Hadassa: Yes, besides that, I hope we will find a great drummer really soon. We were just in the middle of writing a lot of new songs so I hope we can play them live real soon too. Further, I hope we can announce cool gigs soon as well and present the audience a brand new cool, rockin’ show.

And, the last question, is there anything the reader should know that I have not asked?

Hadassa: Keep checking our website: www.thename.nl and come to see us.

Thank you for your time.

Hadassa: You’re welcome! Thanks!

www.thename.nl
www.myspace.com/thenamemusic
http://thenamemusic.hyves.nl/