Evereal
Interview conducted on December 04, 2020
By Dan Locke
Evereal is a metal band from Vancouver Canada.
Members – Guitars – Stephen Roberts, Vocals – Alicja Moniatowicz, Drums – Nelson Bennett, Bass – Gord Esau
What is your upbringing?
Steve: My family immigrated to Canada from the U.K. My father was a musician growing up (he played Trombone) and his brother (my Uncle was a professional Trumpet player). I was surrounded and encouraged to peruse music.
Alicja: Was born in Poland, immigrated to Canada when I was 5 so European background and influence in the home while growing up for sure.
How did you discover music?
Steve: My father was into big band and swing; my older brother had a guitar and I started picking it up at age 7. For the next year I asked for music lessons. At age 8 my parents started me in classical guitar lessons.
Alicja: –At early age I loved music and vocalizing. I would imitate great singers of the times and found I could sound like them and I loved how singing made me feel.
How did you start to write music?
Steve: Very simply. I emulated by favorite artists. Such as Led Zeppelin, Rush, Kiss, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Saxon. Over time I started to develop my own style. I released my first EP at age 14 with the band Azrael. I went on to form the band “Osiris” at 17 while still in High School. we achieved moderate success for several years.
Alicja: I started really writing music when I started playing guitar at age 14, I took a few lessons and was self-taught after that, just making melodies and songs that I thought sounded good.
Describe your music
Steve: Currently my music is a mix of old school metal/rock, orchestration, keyboard/synth, and extended range rock. I throw in a little prog here and there but try to keep it reasonably simple and layered.
Alicja: –My focus tends to be on melody and words and with Stephen focusing on the bigger picture we work well together to tell a story. Emotional,
Stephen in 2011 Evereal was a studio project how did you start it?
I was offered a record deal to release material from my teenage band “Osiris”. While revisiting the music and trying to write new material I found my writing style had significantly changed and no longer fit the “Osiris” sound. I decided to write and record new music under a new project.
How did your band get its name?
As that project evolved it needed a name…. while discussing band names using the words “Forever” and “Surreal” in some context it just clicked to put them together… Evereal. A quick google search showed the name didn’t exist so it was chosen.
Alicja- How did you join the band?
Alicja: I came in to initially join the Evanescence tribute band FOREVERESCENCE and I just never left!
Alicja- Beside being a singer you also play guitar. How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
Alicja: Age 14, begrudgingly my dad got me one for my 14th birthday, I have no idea where it is, it was not a very good guitar, I much prefer the one I have now, it’s nice.
What is your guitar of choice now? Year, make and model? And does it have a name?
Alicja: It is a Larrivee LV-05, it’s my “baby” 😛
Steve: Guitar choice today is Sterling Jp-70, I have 2. I also play ESP and Ibanez Artist. As for a “Name” no, sorry I have never named a guitar.
How did you form your band?
Evereal was formed out of another opportunity. As stated, I was preparing a release of my other band and was looking for members when I stumbled across David Bevis, he knew Stephanie (singer from the first album) and the three of us started writing. I had previously worked with Gord in other projects so asked him to join in. We auditioned and worked with a couple of drummers when Rob came recommended, we offered Rob the gig and he was in.
Fast forward 2 years and Dave, Stephanie, and Rob had other commitments so left the band. Nelson had originally auditioned at the same time as Rob but had to drop out due to other commitments, when he saw we needed a drummer he again contacted us and joined. Alicja was the singer in another project I had going and when Stephanie left, she was eagerly offered the gig.
Alicja: Stephen asked me one day by email if I would be interested in becoming the new lead singer, having heard the music and listening to some of the newer ideas I was excited and did into hesitate to say yes.
Alicja- You recorded your first solo album at 17. Then you learned the art of recording and engineering. Have you helped your bandmates out with your skills?
Alicja: -I think my history and engineering experience has helped me record and work with Stephen but I have not “taught” anything to Stephen.
What was your first performance at like?
Steve: It was in grade 6…. a talent show…. me and 2 friends played an Ace Frehley song. It was awful. At least that’s the way i think it went but the kids went crazy.
Alicja: I don’t remember what it was or where or how many people, I just remember how I felt. For a long time, my stage presence was not good at all and I would just stand there with my eyes closed (unlike now!) because I was so scared, but I loved how the audience would react to hearing my voice and the music and I was hooked.
What makes a good songwriter?
Steve: Writing music that connects and conveys a feeling. It doesn’t have to be overly complicated and self-indulgent as the average listener doesn’t understand overly complicated musicianship. There has to be enough space for the vocal to shine and progressions that are natural to the average listener.
Alicja: Telling a story that builds connection for people, I think. Being able to move someone emotionally. You know those great songs we love to work out to? Make love to? Cry to? Yeah, like that.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
SOCAN is the primary organization we use in Canada.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
Steve: “Take me away” I still have a copy of it somewhere. We recorded in a cheap 16 track studio above a hobby store in Vancouver. That was before the days of digital computer recording. We went in for a few hours and banged off several tunes live off the floor. A couple originals along with some covers of Van Halen and Motley Crue. Our drummer Nick had a “Staccatto” drum set…. Google it, it was quite the unique kit.
Alicja: I can’t remember the first song I ever wrote I wrote so many. There are a few songs during the last year in high school that I wrote that I still play today and have recorded.
Your album “Falling Down”, came out on March 13, 2020. How did the virus affect your promotion of the album?
Steve: The virus changed everything. We had shown lined up and were looking at possible European dates when everything shut down. We weren’t able to get together for several months so spent some time working on new ideas and online promotion of the EP.
Tell me about your video “I Bleed” and you reworking it during the Acoustic Quarantine this year?
Steve: This was fun video to record. It done at MNET studio in Mission BC with the help of Lance Shilka. He just opened the studio and we were one of the first bands to get in there. It was recorded over 2 days. The video editing and production we did ourselves.
The acoustic version was basically the orchestration with acoustic guitar and bass. We wanted to put something out during the pandemic and thought it would be the most “Acoustic friendly” song we had since it was originally written on acoustic guitar.
Alicja: The idea came together and we contributed to ideas for the imagery and theme. We wanted to keep going and do something during the lockdown so this was our way to still work on music.
What is your favorite track on the album?
Steve: For me it’s “When you’re gone”. This was actually the first song I wrote for the Evereal project but never finished it. So, it sat for several years. When Alicja came onboard I thought her voice would really be able to pull off the epic sound I was envisioning. When she started adding her ideas it became apparent the song was going to be a winner. What I like about it is the dynamics…it starts intimately then kicks in before dropping down again…. That centre section is great. The reverse vocal recording technique I picked up from Peter Collins from his work on the song “Empire” by Queensryche.
Alicja: Anger
How do you stay healthy while touring?
Steve: Sleep and exercise.
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Steve: I was very anti-streaming for a long time and vocal about it. But over the last 2 years, I have realized it is not going anywhere and I either get on the boat or be left on the dock. It is a tool to be used to reach a wider audience and not a means of making a living. No streaming service pays decently so you have to take advantage of what it offers. For instance, Spotify has placed us on their playlists and these gave us tens if not hundreds of thousands of listeners and streams. It also exposed us to many more countries than we would otherwise easily reach.
Alicja: I can get behind it as long as the artists are paid fairly.
How can people forget about the origin hashtag # Sharp in a musical score?
Steve: I don’t know the answer to that one but I assume most people don’t realize it has any significance in music.
Digital vs. vinyl?
Steve: Vinyl, definitely. It’s just so cool and has a uniquely smooth analogue sound. Digital is great in high sample rates but most people listen to low-quality MP3 formats and have no idea what true audiophile quality is.
Alicja: I’m still CD LOL!! Vinyl as a collector item.
Is there 2 United States?
Steve: No, just one. A deeply divided one …. at least at this point in time.
What is the mental health situation of the United State? How can the public help the doctors and nurses on the front line?
Steve: Wellbeing from Canada and living only miles from the US we are bombarded with US politics and television. The situation there is hard to watch at the moment as the political climate is like having a crazy neighbor. The citizens are deeply divided and cannot come together long enough to combat a virus due to political instability and infighting.
Alicja: I can only imagine how tough it is for doctors/nurses/front line workers right now, anywhere. Best thing we can all do is follow the rules.
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Alicja: Right now, Christmas music is all around, but also Queen. Innuendo.
Both Pfizer and BioNTech have conclude Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the vaccine it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
Hmmm.I have no idea. I’m sure many will forget but if we get enough vaccinated that should be adequate to combat the virus long term.
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Steve: Yes, I feel the damage is done and mostly irreparable. Live venues were closing here in Vancouver at an alarming rate before the virus and this only put those businesses clinging to life out of business. It will take a concerted effort to get the new generation out to attend live music events.
Alicja: it already has
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Steve: it’s hard on one’s mental health and my family’s mental health. But i work in healthcare and have been extremely busy so I feel lucky to have a job. This has forced me to look to the things that are important and not worry about frivolous insignificant problems.
Alicja: I work every day so I have been working, working out and studying.
Why did you decide to start doing a video for “Anger”?
Steve: We wanted to put out some live rehearsal footage to show people how we sounded in real life. We see so many polished band videos and recordings and thought it important to put out something that was “Human”. Something that showed us who we are and what we sounded like in the raw.
How were the Fraser Valley Music Awards?
Steve: It was a great experience. while we didn’t walk away with awards, we were lucky enough to be chosen to perform live in the radio studio…which presented its own issues as the room was extremely small! We are glad we did it.
Alicja: Fun experience, very small room.
You also recorded a very cool version of Nirvana “Come As You Are” How are your fan liking it?
Steve: We wanted to take a song and really change it into something completely different that people would recognize yet sounded fresh. To be honest the reviews we received have been good but thought it would have gotten much more attention.
Alicja: Someone told me they prefer our version to any other cover they have heard. I’m sticking with that
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
Alicja: I’ve discovered running outside, love it now.
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Steve: Netflix
Alicja: I’m Youtube and Netflix and (Spotify for true crime podcasts)
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses. The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Steve: Yes, I have seen this. I think Facebook it on the way out for musicians and has been for quite some time. It is full of adverts and targeted sponsored crap that is making it hard to enjoy. When it started it was great, you could reach friends. Family and fans and it have slowly turned into an annoying advertising platform limiting peoples post. In particular band pages trying to force them to pay to “Boost” posts to reach their own fans. It’s sad really. I truly hope another platform comes along that is less greedy so we can all ditch Facebook.
Alicja: maybe it will create a genre of music that can be used for this specific reason. Right now, to not have your Youtube video demonetized you have to used work that you have permission for or that no one owns.
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?
Keep them engaged on social media is the only tool right now but there needs to more done to preserve the integrity of artistry and ensure artists are fairly compensated for their work. It would require a multination agreement on artist compensation and a crackdown on pirating along with public education. If not, we will lose the true artistry of music and it will all be computer generated/manipulated and corporate-run. –
Alicja Maintain online presence and interact with fans.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet?
Steve: Yes, it is getting worse. There are too many pays to be on playlist sites popping up. Artists need to refuse to pay to be on playlists to curb these scam sites from taking artists’ money. People should share the music because they love it, not to take advantage of artists. Its bad enough artists are compensated poorly by streaming but pay to play is a further insult.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Steve: Sounds like Star Wars stuff. Interesting but not like a real concert. Real live music has energy and that cannot be replaced by a hologram.
Alicja: -That’s a great idea, I’m taking it 🙂 haha joking!
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
Steve: I work in Healthcare. I enjoy it and it’s a good living.
Alicja: -If I couldn’t do music, I would do art or some other way of being creative.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Steve: Thanks for the opportunity.
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