Last year, Portuguese Metal band Secret Chord released their new album “Aurora”. The band with elements from Alternative, Gothic and Symphonic Metal in their music are fronted by vocalist Raquel Subtil, whom we had the chance to talk with and learn from her about Secret Chord’s new album, as well as her vision on music and other things. Here’s our interview with Secret Chord’s Raquel Subtil.
Hello, Raquel. It’s really wonderful to talk with you. How are you doing today?
Thank you so much for having me! I feel great, thank you! Thanks to the return of normality (kind of) a lot of things in my life are starting again and that makes me happy!
That’s great to hear. You have recently released a new album “Aurora”. How are you feeling about the way it was received by your fans?
Gratitude: that’s our special word! Everyone has been so nice and amazing with us! We already sent “Aurora” to so many places like Japan, the USA, Brazil, England, so many places around Europe, our beautiful islands… so many others! We really want to play around the world and have the opportunity to get to know every single person that has been supporting us!
How would you describe your music to our readers who haven’t got the chance yet to listen to Secret Chord?
I really don’t like to give names of bands that are similar to us because if someone who is reading this interview doesn’t like the bands that I mention, it’s possible that that person won’t give us a chance and get to know us. It’s tricky!
Even so, I’m going to give it a shot and say that Secret Chord it’s a mix between Lacuna Coil and Epica, and you can also mix up a little bit of Lamb of God and Trivium. But because we all listen to different types of metal music, our songs reflect what we all listen to and I think that this is what makes our songs so special (at least for us), because they represent what we are as a band and as a group of friends that like to write, sing and play this kind of music!
In order to get to know you better, and to have some fun, also because I’m a nerd, how about we play a nerdy game? I will set up some alternative universes and give you a scenario and a question about it.
In a universe where you find yourself the queen of a kingdom, what would be the first legislation you’d make?
Honestly… I don’t know. The world needs so many things and needs to change so much. People are more and more frustrated with everything, stressed, unhappy… I deeply respect those who are in charge in every single country. It’s not an easy job and I really would not be good at doing that kind of job. So… it’s complicated to give an answer to that question…
In a universe where you can choose a superpower to possess, would you rather have the ability to teleport from one place to another, or the ability to read minds?
With no doubt, the teleportation power because I already have the power to read minds! Ahahaha! I’m the kind of person that doesn’t need to spend too much time with someone to know that person! Sometimes, I can even see the future thanks to this power, ahaha! So, teleportation would be a nice thing for me, ahaha!
In a universe where you’re the statue of liberty, what object would you be holding instead of a torch?
That’s easy – a microphone!
How rich would you be considered in a universe where you pay for things you purchase by telling jokes?
I would be the poorest person in the world! Ahahah! Ok, that’s too much, ahaha! I consider myself a positive and nice person but I am not that good at making jokes!
In a universe where the sense of taste and sense of hearing got somehow mixed up in the human body, what food would you imagine Secret Chord’s music would taste like?
Imagine this dessert: in a giant glass bowl, a large circle of cream on top, underneath a scoop of vanilla ice cream and, to finish, iced bitter coffee! Delicious but with extra power provided by the coffee! It’s us: we get a little sweet with our symphonic and gothic vibe (the top of the dessert), but at the same time you can feel the heaviness and darkness with the power of the guitars and drums, and also with Carlos’ growls, which mix with the melodies that I make (the coffee part)! And I tell you one thing: I ate this dessert not long ago, and you have to try it! Ahaha!
In a universe where a zombie apocalypse happened, would you most likely be hiding in a safe house, outside fighting the zombies, or already turned into a zombie?
I’m the type of girl who fights! So I’d be outside fighting the zombies and all the bad people who looked like zombies if you know what I mean! I’m not the type that gives up so easily: I’m a fighter!
Thank you for playing along, Raquel! Hope you enjoyed this!
Do you remember the first time you performed in front of a live audience? How did it feel?
I think it was when I was 9 years old in a contest in my hometown. I was so scared but I remember feeling so happy! Everyone was so supportive and so kind… but I remember going to the bathroom like 20 times before entering the stage, ahaha!
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 never felt any kind of discrimination or sexism, I mean, obviously, there are always some people that are…let’s say, inconvenient, but I just try to ignore that and don’t take it too seriously. We have a phrase in Portugal that can describe a little bit of what I’m trying to say: “A minha liberdade termina onde a tua começa.” Basically, my freedom ends where yours begins. This is a sensitive topic, you know. I know some people that are suffering with this… but I always try to tell them: “You can beat anything. No one has the right to make you feel bad. Believe in the power you have. Believe in yourself.” Just… have this in mind. You are powerful!
Thank you for the interview, Raquel. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you so much for having me and I just want to send to all the people a big big THANK YOU for all the support and love! I really hope we can see you all someday in a stage somewhere in the world! <3
