Eluveitie Brasil interviews Alain Ackermann

Eluveitie Brasil interviews Alain Ackermann First of all, Alain, we d like to thank you so much your availability for giving this interview for us. The Brazilian fans were very excited, as you could see, for an interview with you! We decided to make an interview more specific to the Eluveitie fans who are musicians or who are very interested in drums, so, we gave our Best to make a fun and more technical interview! 01. ELUBR: I think the Best way to start this interview is talking about your background and how you started with the drum. Which drummers and musicians had have an influence on you in the beginning and who have now? Alain: First of all, many thanks for your efforts, I am very pleased about your interest. I'm not from a very musical family. My father has always listened to a lot of music from Status Quo to Black Sabbath or Mark Knopfler. Early on I tried drumming on pan lids. At the age of 7 I started to learn the drums. When I was about 12 years old, my drum teacher showed me a video from Thomas Lang that really changed my life. Since then I wanted to play the drums on such a high level as he is. Like many people my age, Slipknot had a big influence on me. I even gave a talk about Joey Jordison at school once. Of course my influences have changed over the years. For a while I was extremely into bands like Meshuggah, Animals as Leaders or Tesseract. As far as drummers are concerned, Chris Coleman or Matt Garstka of Animals as Leaders are very inspiring for me at the moment, but also Eric Moore or Nate Smith. There are just so many good musicians. 02. ELUBR: Talking about style and identity, how was the process of study and technical development, enhancement of the skills that you had and, mainly, how did you developed your own style? We ve seen that you used to play several styles out of folk metal or heavy metal, for instance, pop music. Do you think that learning different kinds of music and being open minded is something that helped you to develop your own style? Alain: I have always been very curious and found everything interesting. There are so many brilliant musicians, bands or artists in general, why limit yourself to one style. In addition, when I was 16 years old I wanted to turn my passion into my profession right after school. Especially in the beginning I had to do every job I was offered. That means I played in all kinds of bands in different styles to earn some money. And all this has shaped my own style. 03.ELUBR: Once you entered as a session drummer, I believe you passed by some challenges, mainly about the setlist, so, how was for you to learn the songs initially and to get familiar with them, (or do you already knew well Eluveitie songs?) Since you didn t had too much time to learn them, tell us about this process (we believe that learning a song by ear is always a learning process, right?) Alain: Since I studied with Rafael and had a bit to do with Anna through the Nucleus Torn's studio project, I knew exactly who Eluveitie was. I also had two Elu-albums at home but I had never listened that carefully to the songs. From the moment I knew that I could play as a session musician for Eluveitie until the first concert it was about 2-3 weeks. During this time I

learned the songs and before the first show we had a rehearsal weekend. And yes, then everything had to be right. At the beginning I was extremely nervous before each show because we were all still quite insecure. It was a new situation for everyone. Now after almost 2 years I play the songs completely different. I always want to improve and so it s possible that I also change small things from time to time. 04.ELUBR: On your introduction video for Eluveitie, you mentioned that had some problems in the beginning, and that there was a lot of people who were against you being a drummer and a professional musician, but still you persisted. What is like to you being part of Eluveitie today, doing what you always wanted to do (playing drums)? Do you feel now that you are fulfilled, even being so young? Well, you won several prizes, but is there something that you still want to do with music? Maybe partnerships, workshop tour, teaching or do you really feel NOW a fulfilled musician, professionally and financially. Alain: When I decided that I wanted to make drumming my profession, there were many people who said that this would not be possible. In Switzerland you are not taken seriously as a musician. At the beginning I really didn't earn anything, but there was nothing better for me than to practice all day long. Then I started to work my way up and did every drummer job as good as I could to get bigger and bigger offers to play maybe at some point in my life in front of 50 000 people. This time wasn t easy. Now about 8 years later I am quite happy with my life. There are still so many things I would like to do and I am still a long way from achieving my goal. But I can live from playing drums now and that's the greatest thing. I teach a lot in the time between concerts and tours and also feel at home in the drummer scene. Because of that I could well imagine to do a workshop or clinic tour when the time is right. Like everyone, I also have dreams. I would like to record the drums for a music production for a Hollywood movie. I suppose this will probably remain a dream but exactly such things motivate me. 05.ELUBR: Talking about Eluveitie, I believe that replacing someone who has a lot of time with the band and who also was one of the founders could make you feel a bit worried or could you take that calmly? Do you remember that time and the difficulties that you had while you were getting used to Eluveitie? What s different from 2016 Alain and Alain from today after several concerts in different countries e what was like all this experience for you? (the tours, being away from friends and family for months) Alain: At the beginning it was quite difficult. On the social media platforms there were quite a few comments against us. I was fully motivated and wanted to give my best for the music of Eluveitie and then you get offended by people who don't even know you and don t have the slightest idea about drumming. But I also wanted to do justice to these fans and put pressure on myself. Today I try to see everything a little more relaxed. I just do my best and gain as much experience as possible. My view on life has changed due to the many impressions. You evolve through every experience.it is not always easy to be away from family and friends for such a long time, but they know that this is my dream and they understand it. I am very lucky to have people around me who support me in everything and stand behind me. 06. ELUBR: Still talking about Eluveitie, you basically became part of the band and went to studio, since Evocation II production started months after you, Jonas and Michalina officially

joined in the band. What s like the production of this album on studio? Did you have total freedom with the drums arrangement? Or do you had any predetermined line? You also made part of the Evocation II percussion, since it is an acoustic album. Tell us a bit about what was like this process for you. Alain: Chrigel writes most of the songs. So he did a pre-production of most of the songs to bring us closer to his vision. So I heard in which direction my drumming should go. After that I could be creative myself and try things out. Sometimes I end up with something completely different. In the end we listened to everything and decided together what suited the song best. That was really fun. 07. ELUBR: Everybody could notice your skills and technique. Not only yours, but of the others members too when you released the single Rebirth last year, as a preset for the new Studio album. We ve seen in this song some different features from all the other songs from Eluveitie, like a long guitar solo, a small hurdy gurdy solo. Can we expect different things like these for this new album and maybe some new drum techniques? And, the burning question, are you going to studio on 2018 to Record a new album? For sure all of the fans are very curious about it. Is there anything that you can anticipate? Well, if you think we deserve it (lol) ;) Alain: As far as the songs are concerned a lot is not completed yet. Currently Chrigel is in the songwriter phase but I m sure you will find some crazy fills on it. Because of that It s also not sure yet If there will be room for something like a drum solo part. But Yes, we will go into the studio this fall and our new metal album will be released in 2019. I'm really looking forward to this creative time. 08. ELUBR: Going to more technical questions, in theory, a drum kit is something very personal of a musician, since the pedals, till the number of Cymbals etc. In your case, since 2012 (as we could see) you are using in you drum kit Chimbals 18 AA sick Hat and 18 HHX Evolution O Zone Crash form Sabian, for instance. On your current kit, (the one that you use on Eluveitie concerts), how is this process of setting the drum in a comfortable way that is not only used with Eluveitie, but on other projects too? Or is this one you use on the stage specific for Eluveitie? Your evolution as a professional drummer made you use this drum set? Can you give some tips to someone who is beginning with the drum and who is making the first drum? Alain: As you said, the own drum kit is something very personal and individual. It also has a certain recognition value. This way you can tell which drummer owns the drum kit. Whether for Eluveitie or other projects, my set is always pretty much the same. Sometimes however, I adapt certain things to the style of music. For example, I change certain cymbals, the snare or the skins to create the right sound. In addition, my playing as well as my drum kit and my drum sound ideas are evolving. Therefore, it may well be that I change or replace things after a certain time. Personally, I love large cymbals. Something special about my set is surely my 18inch hi-hat out of two crashes. When I heard Steve Jordan's big hi-hat, I absolutely had to have one too. I think the construction should make ergonomic sense. This means that you can do everything with little effort. Basically you should simply feel comfortable behind your drum kit.

09.ELUBR: Talking about study routine, as with every musical instrument, you always need to practice. We d like to know how this routine is when you re on tour. Sometimes we can see you with your pad on the backstage training or just warming up before the concert. What s your study routine between concerts? How do you prepare yourself before the tour begins when you are away for months? Do you have any physical conditioning before or during tours? Something like running, gym or some Sport that could help you with this conditioning because it can be very tiring to play so many concerts in a roll. Alain: When I'm at home, I usually practice about six hours a day. Unfortunately, this is not possible on tour. For the nightlinertours I have a small padkit with which I can practice backstage a little. But more than 2-3 hours a day are usually not possible. I try to eat healthy food as good as I can at home and on tour. When I have time, I like to run outside. Since I'm usually indoors all day that's a great compensation. In between I go to the gym or do exercises at home. 10.ELUBR: Every musician always goes through funny or complicated situations on stage. Have something like this happened to you? To brake a pedal or a Cymbal, to lose some stick or some funny situation on stage or during some tour you d like to share with us? Alain: Of course, like any other drummer a stick falls out of my hands too. From material wear, such as tearing a drumhead to falling down stands, almost everything has happened. Or technical problems. Sometimes a little thing can cause huge problems. Eluveitie has many songs with backing tracks running live in the background. There are subs or even the spoken intro texts on it. That's why I have a clicktrack in my ear, so I can play exactly to it. But it has happened before that an USB cable had loose contact. Because of that I did not hear the click and did not know where to start. Of course I then began approx. at the right time but one is then nevertheless a little shifted. That must have sounded horrible. Things like that annoy me extremely. But it's nice to know that everyone's the same in this relationship. We're all human and we all make mistakes. 11.ELUBR In your opinion, which were the most exotic or different countries you have been until now with Eluveitie? Which ones are you curious to visit? By the way, Brazil is going to be part of that list and we are very excited to see you all here again. Do you know or admire any Brazilian drummer? Or any Brazilian band? (it s ok for us if it is just Sepultura!) Alain: We've been to so many countries and each place is completely different. I always try to travel without prejudice and to get my own picture. You always hear a lot through the media but when you are there everything is usually different. One place that particularly fascinated me was Tokyo in Japan. On the one hand the whole culture and on the other hand of course the vibe of the city was very impressive. One of the most beautiful countries for me is Finland. The whole nature with the many lakes is beautiful. Or for example Tel Aviv I also liked very much. By the way, I'm very excited about Brazil and we are looking forward to playing for you. I hope we play in Rio de Janeiro I ve always found this city very fascinating. You really have a lot of incredibly talented musicians. One drummer I personally like is Bruno Valverde. But of course I also know Eloy Casagrande from Sepultura.

12.ELUBR: We always make some quick questions at the end of the interview so the fans can know a bit more of you, so you must answer the most direct way, ok? - Among these drummers, if you could choose Just ONE to make some duet, which one would you choose? Buddy Rich x John Bonham (Led Zeppelin ) or Nicko McBrain ( Iron Maiden) Alain: Buddy Rich!!! I always get mad when. Alain: If I couldn't practice or I'm hungry - My survival kit always MUST have ( 5 items) Alain: Drumsticks and pad for practice, hairgel and hairspray to make my hairstyle. And a milkshake, because I like it. - During my free time, I Love to... Alain: Go out with friends or watch a movie. - Something I did that the fans don t know is... Alain: At the age of 10 I was playing drums as the only boy in the girl band of my cousine. 13.ELUBR: And last, but not least, could you let some message for the Brazilian fans? Alain: Thank you very much for all the support. We are all very excited and we are looking forward to the shows in Brazil!!!