Sylvan Interview

 

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

We are a group of three from New York. We have played music together in various forms for quite a long time. Sylvan is our first public project.

 

2.Recently you have released an ep, can you tell us a little bit more about the musical style that you went for on the recording?

  With “Nótt” we sought to emulate the aesthetic of the second wave of black metal.

3.On the ep you did one song that was black metal and one that was dark ambient,  are you also going to expand on both styles on future releases?

  Future releases will certainly expand on both sounds.

4.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects the band has explored so far with the music?

  While I’m not particularly interested in discussing lyrical themes in depth, “Abysm” generally relates to death and dissatisfaction with Being.

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

The essential muse for us is the hidden presence in the woods, the unseen Other between the bough, literal or imaginal. “Sylvan” is connotative of this.

 

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

  The artwork is a photo of a barred owl that lived in a forest near me. It appeared nearly every night while  “Nótt” was being written and recorded. I was lucky enough to capture a decent photo and it seemed the obvious choice for artwork.

7.Is the band open to doing any live shows or is this strictly a studio project?

We absolutely plan to play shows, once it is safe to do so.

 

8.Currently you are unsigned, are you looking for a label or have received any interest?

“Nótt” will be released through Witchcult Records in the coming months.

 

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

I can not speak to any kind of worldwide perception of our music, but the reception we have received has been positive.

 

10.When can we expect a full length and also where do you see the band heading into musically during the future?

We are not exactly sure when the full length will be ready for release. We are currently writing material for it. We are also working on another ep set for release prior to a full length. There isn’t any prescriptive musical direction. Right now we play music that may be regarded as black metal. Who knows what we will be doing in the future. 

 

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?

We have had numerous influences over the years. Our earliest influences included Agalloch, Darkthrone, Wolves in the Throne Room. Today we are really inspired by and listen heavily to Djevel. The Devil’s Blood is also a huge influence. In fact, fans of The Devil’s Blood should keep an eye out for our next ep. 

 

12.Does Occultism play any role in your music?

It’s not an intrinsic influence. I am interested in Sabbatic Witchcraft and Traditional Witchcraft more broadly. I wouldn’t properly call myself a practitioner of either Craft. I’m more interested in the Craft as a mode of relating to the external world. In this sense the Occult influences my role in the music. I can’t speak to the influence of the Occult for the other members. 

 

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

Thank you for the interview. Our next ep should be released by the end of this Summer. Keep an eye out for it.

https://sylvanian.bandcamp.com/album/n-tt