Alesana It has been a recurring band among the musical tastes of hardcore lovers in Mexico in the last decade. A few days ago, the group founded in North Carolina was announced as part of the Knotfest Mexico poster that will take place in October in Toluca, sharing the stage with Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Messhugah or Marilyn Manson.
Taking advantage of the launch of his debut book, ‘Annabel’, we were able to talk with Shawn milke to know more about the band's presentation in Mexico and what they have in mind for the future.
What do you expect from your next visit to Mexico compared to your previous stays? Do you think the interaction with the audience will be different?
I am always very excited every time we go to Mexico. The fans are so amazing there and I can't wait to see them again.
Compared to fans from the rest of the world, is there anything special about your Mexican fans?
There is a passion and intensity that is second to none. Our fans in Mexico have been a great support for us from day one and we love them very much for it.
Something good about festivals like Knotfest, where they will be next October, is the fact that people have the opportunity to meet many bands, do you think the number of followers of the band will increase after that?
I really hope so! But in the end, I just hope that both we and they have a lot of fun and give our fans a great show.
They will be sharing the stage with huge and very famous groups, how do they take the competition? Do you have any fear before going on stage?
The thing is, I've never seen this as a competition. Those of us who make up the music scene are a community and we love enjoying these kinds of experiences together. No, I've never had stage fright or anything like that, but I definitely have a huge rush of adrenaline before every performance.
For everyone who doesn't know them yet, how would you describe a Alesana live show?
He is totally honest, he is intense and full of energy.
It's been 10 years since you released your first studio album, what have been the biggest changes in your musical style?
Our style and sound has grown with us as people and would continue to do so. Each album sounds different from the previous one and I think we should continue on that path.
Today, technology allows gangs to reach a much larger number of people, which - apparently - makes it easier for them to share their material. Has that affected you negatively or positively?
I think it has had both positive and negative effects. I like to believe that people are able to separate all those who make real art from phonies.
After a decade, have you ever thought about retirement? Some time when you say, "Fuck everything, I want to leave it."
Never. Never. Alesana and her music will always be part of me.
How do you mix your personal projects with Alesana without neglecting either of them?
It is very fun for me to do multiple things. Having Alesana has given us the opportunity to do so many more things.
You wrote a book about 'Annabel', how was the experience of entering the literary world?
It was extremely challenging and at the same time comforting and rewarding. I always wanted to write a book and now I can proudly say I did it. I hope all fans can enjoy it!
Speaking of literature, which book would you like to recommend for a better understanding of 'Annabel'?
The authors who inspired me the most when writing the book were Edgar Allan Poe and Madeline L´Engle.
Speaking of your personal tastes, which bands do you like about the current scene? Any mexican?
I am a big fan of Latin music! I don't hear much about our "own scene", but I can say that I really like what Sigur Ros, Mew and Darius Rucker do nowadays. Long live Mexico!
