The UK-based rock band Crimson Veil delivers a unique and captivating sound that easily grabs attention. After releasing their debut HEX last year, they were nominated for Best Release for a Breakthrough Act, an award they won with the support of their passionate fans, along with two other nominations for Best Rock/Alternative Act and Best Release Artwork.
We had the chance to chat with Crimson Veil about the music they create and much more. Crimson Veil is of Mishkin Fitzgerald (vocals), Garry Mitchell (guitars), Hana Piranha (strings), and Anna Mylee (drums).
Reuel
Hello! It’s great to chat with you. First off, congratulations on winning Best Release by a Breakthrough Act for HEX at the FemMetal Awards! How does it feel to have such strong support from your fans?
Mishkin
We’re incredibly grateful! To have such a dedicated group of fans is terrific, some of them have followed us for years in previous projects so it’s great to see that this particular band is getting this kind of support.
Reuel
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never tried to listen to Crimson Veil before?
Mishkin
Ooh that’s a tough one. We actually tried to think what Crimson Veil would be like if we were a food and we decided it would be a “whiskey lavender souffle”. We’re not sure if the world needs it but it’s certainly something that has to be tried, we’re an acquired flavour! No, seriously though, we would describe our music as progressive and powerful, delicate and terrifying. It’s an immersive journey from one song to the next and you will never be bored, even if you are a little confused.
Reuel
Oh I just love it when people use food to explain music! Which song from “HEX” receives the best reaction when you perform it live?
Garry
Flinch is a pretty good one because it launches so aggressively that people are a little unprepared. We get a lot of headbanging and stank faces from the audience.
Reuel
You all have different musical backgrounds and years of experience, but Crimson Veil has a sound that stands out. How do you use your past experience while making sure you’re not repeating yourselves?
Hana
I think within our previous and other existing projects it’s clear that each of those had maybe just one core songwriter and definitely a clear leader. However, in Crimson Veil it’s a sum of many parts and we all play an equal role in the writing, that way we blend our influences and it doesn’t sound like anything we’ve created before. It would be impossible to repeat our ideas because this musical concoction is so unique.
Reuel
What musicians had the most influence on you growing up and inspired you to become an artist yourself?
Anna
My dad of course. I went to see him play gigs for as long as I can remember and with guitars everywhere in the house, it inspired me to play myself. Dave Grohl was probably the influence on why I picked the drums and Jeff Porcaro inspired me to become who I am as a player.
Reuel
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Anna
Steven Wilson! His musicality is simply astonishing and it would be an incredible experience to work with someone like this.
Reuel
How do you feel about the representation of women in heavy music today, and what do you think can be done to promote more inclusivity and support for female musicians?
Anna
I feel like there are more and more badass and talented women in the scene which is great to see. However, we are still very few within the prog scene and I hope Crimson Veil can change that.
Mishkin
I think there needs to be more emphasis on female and non-binary musicians in metal and prog and more opportunities for them to play, to be seen and heard. Looking at festival line-ups can be pretty discouraging when nearly all the biggest bands out there are dominated by men, all festivals and multi-artist tours need to include diversity as a must.
Reuel
Absolutely. Thank you for your time, and for this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to conclude this interview with?
Mishkin
Thank you for having us! And thank you for representing women in the industry. We’d love to just shout about our upcoming tour with Combichrist this Spring, and hope to see some of you in the crowd!
