Exclusive Interview with 'IZAMANYA'

IZAMANYA released their debut album ‘Second Life’ in 2017. The band has since played a ton of shows both domestically and abroad. using “unplugged” performances (instore, radio, clubs, and festivals) and plowing a provocative musical chasm in the rock and metal genre. In 2018, the acoustic version of the song “Back To Life” from the recently released album “NEXT” is included on the CD “Pure & Naked,” which is live and acoustic. The band toured Switzerland package tour in 2019 under One Hat Tour #1 and throughout 2020/21, the band resumes recording their upcoming albums “NEXT” and “SUCTION” in the studio.
The IZM sound is characterized by the expressive female voice of lead singer Iza. As a lead singer, songwriter, and producer in a variety of bands and Rock & Metal projects, she has already demonstrated her musical prowess.
Many Mauer, bass and guitar Many have spent a long time involved in the Swiss music scene. He was formerly a member of KROKUS, and through the group’s various projects, including AIN’T DEAD YET, he gained experience and recognition as a musician, producer, songwriter, and engineer. Remo Cadalbert boarded the rock and roll IZM train in 2018. Since that time, he has been ripping through the guitar riffs to finish the Izamanya Metal sound. Remo has performed on stage with numerous bands in the past. Drums are perfomed by Peter Hass During the Krokus-era, Peter was already playing with Many Maurer. As a close friendship formed, this partnership never ended. Check out their latest EP ‘Next’ and the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?

IZAMANYA: Izamanya is based in Switzerland – previously we had worked together several times on different external projects as songwriter/producers/instrumentalists/vocalists in the music landscape. In 2016 we started with our Izamanya vision.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

IZAMANYA: Iza: In terms of singing, I was fortunate to have a very talented vocal coach at the very beginning of my musical career Unfortunately, he died much too early, and I have not been able to really open up to any person/coach since then. I’m discovering and creating my own style. Many: I started playing guitar at age 13 – then joined my first rock band at 17. Since then, I have had some guitar teachers in different music styles “on and off”. Most of the time I was learning by doing. Generally, I practice/play the guitar between 3-6 hours every day– and it still feels like there are no limits and definitely no ends to my process.

3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘IZAMANYA’?

IZAMANYA: There are so many cool and never-forgotten bands like The Sweet / Status Quo / Queen / Deep Purple and of course bands like AC / DC – Priest and so on – all music we grew up with and had an impact on our lives with their songs.

The name Izamanya is composed of our first names – Iza & Many plus an “a” = IZAMANYA Iza: That was my first idea – and voila!! music is a “mania” for us, so to speak, we found this composition all the more appropriate…

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

IZAMANYA: The Izamanya sound results from a union of our personalities – instruments and voice. It’s important not to chase any trends and to remain authentic.

5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as METAL?
**IZAMANYA:**
With so many different terms and subcategories in metal, we actually have no idea where we are classified? In any case, we are proud to have achieved an “Izamanya” sound.

6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative and entertainment?

IZAMANYA:

Iza: Music is on the one hand a vocation, a feeling, a state of mind in which I like to be, for me an eternal search for personal development…. I would say a life task. In addition, you can say and express so much through music…also provoke or give courage….in any case we carry responsibility with our music. We certainly allow the current world events or moods to flow into our sound, because it influences us heavily. If the Izamanya – rock can do something to improve the world – then we’ve achieved more than expected.

7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfilment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?

IZAMANYA:

We were really touched by all the “Next” – reviews from bloggers and writers – and all the positive reactions from our fans. Doesn’t matter how small or great the feedbacks are – it’s all about the appreciation and respect received. If you want the best results you have to work hard – and always try to find the best way out of the mediocrity to achieve all our ambitious goals and create something worthwhile. Sometimes it’s easy but sometimes it’s a tough challenge as well.

8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

IZAMANYA: We always collect ideas – from everyday situations – the best ideas arise from extreme moods and feelings. This was also the case during the production of „NEXT“. Normally we begin with song drafts and record a rough demo in our own rec-studios. The process continues with extended production – work as usual – recording and adding drums – guitars, bass, vocals, production gimmicks – and other sound options etc. Then we dive deeper into the themes of the lyrics – trying to catch the best moments and colours of our own actual feelings to move on to the final mix and master.

9. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

IZAMANYA: There are always ups and downs – we think the most important and difficult is to maintain a long-term vision, to have endurance and stay focused on our goals! Iza: To list all the “funny and less funny” things – it would fill a fat book! Many: it’s always at the end of a production – waiting for the final mastering!

10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

IZAMANYA: You can’t take it for granted to always have the chance to work as a team on songs and sounds – remaining independent, openminded – and flexible and and and … This is something very exceptional – what money can’t buy! Thank you for your support and opportunity to present ourselves keep in touch! Cheers from Switzerland Iza & Many!