Gallia is a band from Belgium who have recently released a new album entitled “Obscura”. We had the chance to interview Elyn, the band’s vocalist to learn more about her, Gallia, and their music vision.
Hello, Elyn. It’s really wonderful to talk with you. How are you doing today?
Hi, I’m doing great, thank you!
You released your debut album “Obscura” a few days ago. How are you feeling about the reactions the album has received so far?
It’s been so overwhelmingly positive! We were hoping for positive reactions but we’re absolutely blown away by the sweet comments and reviews we get. We’re thrilled to see everyone loves the album as much as we do!
That’s great to hear! How would you describe your sound to someone who hasn’t heard Gallia’s music before?
It’s a wonderful and exciting marriage of epic, dark fantasy film music and that familiar metal sound. We like to call it cinematic metal – because symphonic simply does not cover it. The orchestral backing is so elaborate and really tells a story, that we often call it our fifth instrument. Also, the lyrics play a big part in storytelling, with descriptive lyrics that really take you on a journey to an unknown world.
Sounds very interesting! If you were to pick one song from “Obscura” to be played on every radio and every station all over the world, which song would you pick and why?
My personal favorite is Tears of Gold – it’s such a fun song to sing, it’s really catchy and tells the story of the goddess Freya. It really shows the full scale of what we’re capable of as a band.
In order to get to know you better and from a different point of view, how about playing some imagination game? I will set a scenario in an alternate universe with new rules and see how you’d react to the different situations. Ready?
Sure!
In a universe where you are made the queen of a country, what would be the first law you’d make?
Do what thou wilt, an’ it harm none.
This is a value I hold very dear – I believe in absolute free will and the principle of ‘live and let live’, as long as you don’t bring any harm to others. (including animals and the environment!)
Wonerful ideas! In a universe where humans can choose either to be able to teleport from one place to another or travel back and forth in time, which superpower would you pick?
I would love to be able to teleport between places! I love traveling and seeing new places, and teleporting would make that easier. Also, think of all the time we’d save not having to commute everywhere! I also think people are not responsible enough to handle the power to travel in time, we would really mess up timelines and create too many alternate branches in time. It would tear the universe apart.
In a universe where you’re the statue of liberty, what object would you be holding instead of a torch?
Probably the last piece of sushi I snatched up right before your eyes.
😲 In a universe where money does not exist, but instead, people pay for things by making other people laugh, how rich would you be considered?
I might be close to being a millionaire! I love making people laugh, and I’ve been told I have a great yet quirky sense of humor.
In a universe where the senses of taste and hearing are mixed up together, what food would you imagine Gallia’s music would taste like?
Like really nice, heavy and layered lasagna. It’s super flavourful, we believe everyone can enjoy it, you feel really satisfied when you’re done and the music has so many components that you discover something new in every layer.
In a universe where songs come to life and become human beings, which song from “Obscura” would be your best friend?
Probably Path of the Nomad, that song came straight from my soul. It’s uplifting, and motivating, and the lyrics are about traveling and finding happiness.
Thank you for playing, Elyn! I hope you enjoyed this!
It’s a great feeling to have your debut album out for people to hear. And it’s also wonderful to perform your songs live to a happy audience. What is your favourite part of being a musician?
It’s cliché but I love being on stage. Even though I’m usually nervous before I go on, once I’m performing, it’s the greatest feeling in the world. Giving people a good time is an incredible feeling. Also bringing something you created into the world, is so fulfilling, to really see the result of your own creativity and hard work!
Have you ever faced any kind of sexism in your professional or personal life? How would you deal with sexist behaviour and what advice would you give young people around the world who face any kind of discrimination?
I’ve dealt with sexism a lot in different jobs I’ve had. Not being taken seriously, my ideas that get cast aside are later taken seriously by a male colleague, not being allowed to have a voice in meetings, and especially, always being called ‘too emotional’. Being sensitive is a superpower and it feeds my creativity, yet I’ve been fired 2 times in a very hurtful way, just because I was brave enough to show my emotions. And of course, like every woman, I have harassment stories in my personal life. I think it’s important that we keep talking about this, keep raising our voices and demanding to be seen. Don’t let anyone tell you your experience or emotion is invalid. Speak up, reach out for help if you need to, and keep fighting the good fight. Every little step we take, we’re changing the world for the better.
Thank you for giving us this interview, Elyn. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
This was such a fun interview to do, thank you! To everyone who has sent us love about Obscura, thank you so much! You’re the reason we make music.
