Mortem Solis Interview

 

1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?

Sure! Mortem Solis is a One Woman Band project from brazil, where I, Null, am the mastermind behind it.

The project started as Raw Black Metal, but nowadays I can no longer consider that label a better definition for my sound. Perhaps something more introspective, but still, straightforward black metal. So I basically channel exclusively through creativity, as a form of deeply personal and artistic expression.

2.Recently you have released your first full length, musically how does it differ from your previous ep?

The first EP was a turning point, when I broke the fourth wall and understood that I was also capable of making music. That sounds a bit silly, but when you have a somewhat sick mind, you believe a lot of the lies you tell yourself. So I consider that first EP as the rupture. As for the album, it was also something as significant as the first EP, because the development of the project was already noticeable, as was my personal evolution.

So the fact that I've invested more in equipment, the sound is clearly more polished than the first EP, where everything was very raw, all of this makes me believe that the difference is noticeable. Even in terms of studying instruments, improvement in vocal techniques, more breath control, more experience...

3.The lyrics on the new recording are a concept album, can you tell us a little bit more about the story you covered with this release?

It all started when I made a watercolor painting. It was a freehand painting and it came out as a figure of a hermit, at least according to my interpretation. This painting is illustrated in one of the demos I also released, which is also called Hermetic. My creative process seems a bit messy when I try to explain it, but in my head it all makes perfect sense.

So, from that painting and the demo I released, I started writing more songs, more lyrics, all based on the feelings I was experiencing at that moment in my life. Although with time gaps that weren't too long, but also not too short, the tracks began to create a connection between them, as if it were a continuation of an untold story.

And that's how the album came about. Where isolation became the greatest inspiration for a tired mind. The use of metaphors and figures of speech effectively masks everyday life. Existential questions have always surrounded me over the years; I couldn't talk about any other subject than this. And I think black metal fulfills this role very well as the perfect sound for such a theme.

4.The album titled is 'Hermetic', do you have any interest in any Hermetic and Occult Philosophies or Practices?

I've already come across books that discuss this philosophy, which were even a gift from a friend, but the reason I used this name as a title, despite having some relation to it, is that I wanted it to have the literal meaning of the word, even with all the weight it can carry.

Although I am a spiritual person, I don't use magical practices or frequent temples, etc. For me, everything is knowledge where I can at least try to better understand the practices as a form of culture, in its expressions, etc.

I think I see myself more as a curious person who seeks to know what is different, something similar to an anthropologist.

5.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Mortem Solis'?

The name Mortem Solis comes from Latin and means dead sun. I've always had something to do with the symbolic figure of the sun, whether in ancient cultures or the spiritual symbolism that the sun carries.

I also come from the state of Piauí, located in northeastern Brazil, where its anthem says that we are "children of the equatorial sun." All this combination of things made me want my project to have the sun as the main figure, but due to my lyrics and themes, the dead sun better represents what I wanted to convey all this time: the end, nothingness.

6.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?

Sure. As I mentioned before, the first artwork I created alluded to this specter/hermit, but for an album I didn't think my art was sufficient, so I decided to call an artist to redesign it. I sent him the songs and told him he was free to draw in whatever way he felt best represented the album, as I already knew his work and trusted that it would turn out far beyond what I expected. Needless to say, it turned out better than I expected, and for me that cover faithfully represents the feeling I had when I was writing the songs.

7.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?

Not only am I open to collaboration, but I've already invited and intend to invite more artists to participate. Music is something free that needs to be shared, and I hope that in future releases I can count on even more meticulous and talented people.

8.On the new album you also did an 'Empyrium' cover, what was the decision behind doing your own version of one of their songs?

Ah, definitely my passion for the band and how that particular track alludes to everything that was described in the previous tracks. It's like a conclusion to what was said.

9.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?

I tend to be somewhat oblivious to the feedback, but I notice that it's been well-received by the public. Sometimes I receive unexpected messages, and most of them are very positive! I confess that I have difficulty processing this type of information, but I'm very happy that it's having some kind of impact.

10.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?

Although I see myself in a position where I only want to create music to be enjoyed, I confess that in recent days I've been feeling a desire to perhaps start playing live... it would be quite challenging, but I think if my intuition speaks louder, it's for something beneficial.

11.What are some of the bands or musical styles that have had an influence on your music and also what are you listening to nowadays?

oh Noenum and Nahtrunar for sure, those two are the basis haha but also antimateria, craft, häive, ymir, drudkh

12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?

I want to thank you for the opportunity to give me space to talk a little about my work here on your blog.

I look forward to more reviews of my future work if you think it's best! And that's all folks!

Hails!

https://mortemsolis.bandcamp.com/