Mel Schweickardt is a singer and songwriter in the Swiss band, Beyond Frequencies. The Rock band released their newest album ‘Megalomania’ late in 2020. We have had the chance to chat with Mel and ask her about her music and her thoughts on different subjects. We hope you enjoy this interview with Mel Schweickardt of Beyond Frequencies.
Interview
Hello Mel! I’m happy to be able to chat with you. How are you and your band doing?
It’s my pleasure! We are doing really well despite the circumstances. We are trying to plan 2021 even though it is difficult planning anything these days. Next highlights: a new music video will be published in January. And we just got booked for the Bloody News Online Festival – more info about that soon on our socials.
That’s sounds great! First, for our readers who are reading about your band for the first time, how would you define Beyond Frequencies?
As the mighty apocalyptical soundtrack for Megalomaniacs 😉 Beyond Frequencies is a Swiss Band that hits the mark with those music enthusiasts whose playlists contain not only metal but also songs from other genres. Our vision is to represent a modern version of rock music and we feel extremely honored that we are already described by fans as Metal 2.0. My clean voice and rather pop-influences songwriting style in combination with awesome compositions of metal patterns give Beyond Frequencies its unique cut. A combination of styles we call with a wink “Heavy Pop”.
That’s a cool definition. You’ve released your album ‘Megalomania’ recently. How are you feeling about the reception this album got so far?
The album is very well perceived and the reviews are flattering. We feel the momentum is picking up speed with every week since the release. As a new and independent artist, it takes time to get noticed. Especially since we don’t have any label-power and big marketing campaign in the back promoting the album. We are really a word-of-mouth band, carried by an amazing crowd of fans – our beloved Megalomaniacs out there!
To get to know you from a new point of view, how about we play an imagination game. I will set a scenario in an alternate universe and you’ll have to react.
In a universe where you’re the lead vocalist of a Jazz band, what would the band’s name be?
Jazzarilla
In a universe where the currency is the sense of humor, how rich would you be?
Ridiculously pitch black rich
In a universe where the sense of hearing and taste are messed up, what would Beyond Frequency’s music taste like?
Like a fresh, ice-cold Dark & Stormy (If you haven’t heard of it before – it’s a cocktail)
I actually am a bartender for a hobby and love this cocktail! In a universe where a zombie apocalypse occurred and it was discovered that the zombies’ weakness is sad or emotional lyrics, which song from‘Megalomania’ would you charge at the zombies with?
After Dark
In a universe where instead of being a vocalist you’re a stand-up comedian, what is a joke you’d tell?
Probably terribly silly ones like: Love is like a fart. If you force it, you’re going to make a mess.
HAHAHAHA that’s hilarious! Thank you for playing Mel! Making a song or an album is a long process that involves things like writing, recording and performing live. Which step in this process do you enjoy doing most?
I enjoy all of them, that’s the point of it. If I had to choose, probably performing live. It’s the stage where the song is finally grown up and you can watch it walk alone.
Have you ever been treated with sexism? How would you deal with sexism and and what advice would you give to your young fans who face discrimination of any sort on daily basis?
Yes, yes and hell yes, like every woman. And probably every man has experienced it too.
I distinguish 2 types of sexism. The fully conscious and the unconscious way.
My advice for the first one: Call it out dispassionate and matter-of-factly, that it’s not okay. Then leave it alone, because sad poor people are not worth your or anyone’s energy.
Dealing with the latter is far more difficult. That’s because unconscious sexism isn’t meant maliciously but is instilled by society’s stereotypical norms and burned into the brain, even of the most intelligent people. My advice: again, call it out that it’s not okay, but this time seek out conversation to initiate change.
Side note: the song “Give Me A Break” is about sexism. Someone explained to me that he wouldn’t hire women because it could lead to sexual tension in the team. This incident inspired me for the lyrics for «Give Me A Break».
That’s brilliant advice! Thank you for the interview Mel! It has been a pleasure.
