1.For those that have never heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about the solo project?
Aran is a Finnish one man project band that plays atmospheric black metal. Project started out somewhere in 2018 in Oulu, Finland. Lyrics are in Finnish and music combines ambient synthesizer textures with black metal guitar riffs. Music is melancholic and raw at the same time. Field recordings from nature are also big part of the sound.
2.So far you have released 2 albums and a demo, musically how do they differ from each other?
Since the first demo was more about learning stuff and how to produce an album, i think it sounds musically different than work from that on. Track lengths were short, lyrics were crap and so on. I didn’t know how to do vocals so i got myself drunk and hit record. Definitely not my greatest work but decided to release it anyway. Still it kind of helped me to find the whole concept for the band.
With ”Veden Varjoista” everything really clicked together. To this day it was the most easiest and fastest album to write, it kind of wrote it self. I think it created the real basis for the Aran sound. Musically i think it’s more or less straightforward and raw sounding album.
”Pimeyttä Vasten” on the other hand is a darker and bit more complex album. Most of the writing and recording were done at dark days of autumn which set the tone for work. Analog synthesizer sounds are also more prominent on this album.
3.What are some of the lyrical topics and subjects you have explored so far with your music?
Most of the lyrical topics combines something like mental issues and struggle with nature themes. Even suicide is one of the topics. But for a different one: On first album, track ”Viimeinen Vaeltaja” tells a story about this old wooden battleship heading to its final battle while knowing to lose it. Still my personal favourite track.
4.What is the meaning and inspiration behind the name 'Aran'?
”Aran” doesn’t particularly mean anything. I wanted to come up with something short and simple. I played with some different names and words and that was it.
Only thing where it could be related to, would be this old Nintendo game ”Super Metroid” which i loved when i was young. Protagonist’s name was ”Samus Aran”. Very black metal haha.
5.Can you tell us a little bit more about the artwork that is presented on the new album cover?
Photography is taken from the local park Hupisaarten kaupunginpuisto near Oulu city centre, close to where i live. Since album is mostly autumn themed, i wanted artwork to mirror that. So this one day i decided to grab my old ass camera and get a walking trip to that park. I think that artwork suits pretty well for the album themes.
6.With this project you record everything by yourself, are you open to working with other musicians or do you prefer to work solo?
I am quite introverted person, so i really prefer to work alone. It’s kind of a relief. I started the band to be a sort of therapy project for me anyway.
That said, i’ve been thinking about working with a drummer to replace the drum machine i use. But that probably won’t happen any time soon.
7.The new album was released on 'Naturmacht Productions'. are you happy with the support that they have given you so far?
Signing to Naturmacht was one of the best things for the band. I very much enjoy working with the label. There’s no pressure and the bands have complete artistic freedom. Also the owner is very nice and cool guy.
8.On a worldwide level how has the reaction been to your music by fans of black metal?
Surprisingly positive must say. I never really requested any feedback for my music, just wanted focus on writing and releasing stuff. I have gotten some very kind messages and comments which is always heart warming for me.
Of course there are these people who say Burzum is best and Aran is a boring imitation. But that’s how things go.
9.Where do you see yourself heading into as a musician during the future?
Keep on writing new music for Aran, try some new ideas and see where it flows. At the moment this project gives me all the creative canvas i need.
Also i have had some ideas about a side project with acoustic guitars, synthesizers and maybe some other singer. Will see if that ever happens.
10.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?
Biggest influences for the band when i started was early Wolves In The Throne Room and Drudkh’s work. I was really blown away when i discovered the whole ”atmospheric” black metal thing. Also movie soundtracks are big influence for me. John Carpenter’s work for example.
At lately i’ve been trying to find some new bands and albums to listen. Something to mention: ”Urchig” EP from Disparaitre, ”Atropos” from Vouna and the latest find ”The Shadow” from Ieschure. All great stuff. And not to forget the new Wolves In The Throne Room album ”Primordial Arcana” which has also been on repeat.
11.What are some of your non musical interests?
Movies definitely. Photography also, which have been my second hobby for years.
I’m also very into DIY so i’ve built some simple studio stuff for me. And nature of course is very important for me.
12.Before we wrap up this interview, do you have any final words or thoughts?
Thank you for your interest and the interview!
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