In this interview, we talk with Megan Ash, the talented violinist of Heteromorphic Zoo. Megan told us about the band’s debut EP New World, her approach to creating powerful violin parts, and how she blends her classical background with the intensity of heavy metal. She also shared her thoughts on women in metal and her hopes for future collaborations, giving us insight into her creative journey and vision for the genre.
Reuel
Hello Megan! I’m happy to chat with you today. How are you doing?
Megan Ash
I’m quite well, thanks for asking! Things have been really good for me in the recent months and honestly I’m living my dream. Right now I’m in Connecticut working on new material for our album with Ray and Bryce, and it’s going great!
Reuel
That’s amazing! I’m happy for you. Your band released a new EP last month. How are you feeling about the reaction New World has received from your fans?
Megan Ash
It’s super exciting seeing how well people are reacting to our debut release. We put a lot of love into it and watching as others start to love it too is just the best feeling in the world. I was worried at first that our audience would think the violin’s presence in the band is out of place, and while a select few do, the majority is expressing they like it. In fact, for many, it’s their favourite part and the reason they listen. I think with how well received this EP is, our projects set to launch next year will blow their minds and hopefully spread to more metal listeners around the world.
Reuel
The EP New World has a really big, epic story. How do you bring that story to life with your violin parts?
Megan Ash
Heteromorphic Zoo’s music is heavily influenced by imaginative fantasy universes and one of my favourite types of fictional characters to come from those worlds are vampires. Lucky for me, vampires and violin are often associated which means I get to channel my inner vampire whenever the music asks for it. I love playing passionate melodies and smothering vibrato all over them. I also enjoy making things as intense as I can possibly get away with.
Reuel
Amaizng! How would you describe Heteromorphic Zoo’s music to someone who hasn’t had the chance to listen yet?
Megan Ash
I would say to mentally prepare for a journey through different sounds and emotions. The music is heavy but it also breathes. There are moments that are groovy or will hit hard and there are also times of sweetness or complete loss of sanity. It’s a really fun listen and I think the lyrics are really creative as well. Try not to think about subgenres too much!
Reuel
Can you tell us a bit about how you got started with the violin? And what inspired you to dive into the world of metal?
Megan Ash
I started violin lessons when I was 6 after seeing a local fiddle groups show, I was adamant that violin is what I wanted to learn. My lessons were in both classical and fiddle styles and as the years went by both had some significance in my life. As a teenager I went out and fiddled at farmers markets and as a young adult I chose to focus on my classical training in university. I had been drawn to heavy music for quite some time but I didn’t really get into it until around 2020. When I almost quit my undergrad studies, the idea to branch off and play violin in metal was the most exciting thing I could think of doing. I’m thankful now that I decided to go that route AND complete my Bachelor’s degree.
Reuel
Brillaint! Are there any musicians you look up to and who inspire you personally?
Megan Ash
Coming from a classical background, there are so many world class concert violinists I can think of who inspire me daily but I’d like to mention Ray Chen because of the music he has recorded for League of Legends. I really love that he takes his incredibly virtuosic classical style and applies it to modern popular music intended for a game in a fantasy world. It’s extremely impactful and it’s a really good example of what I’d like to achieve with violin in metal.
Reuel
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
Megan Ash
Courtney LaPlante. I’ve been listening to Spiritbox for years, I love everything about their sound and I admire Courtney as a woman in metal, forging her own unique path. Her performances evoke an extreme range of emotion on both the brutal and beautiful sides of the spectrum. Also, she’s been using her influence to incorporate high fashion in the scene and I’m so here for it. Collaborating with Courtney one day is definitely a top tier goal for me.
Reuel
Great choice! 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?
Megan Ash
I think women in metal is one of the best things to ever exist and there are some amazing artists who have been total badasses at what they do for years (Alissa White-Gluz, Simone Simons being some of my favourites). While there are well known female artists in the field, the fact that I still get extremely excited about discovering a new female artist might say something about how male saturated the genre is. And these newer female artists coming up with fresh approaches lately indicates to me that metal is still evolving all the time and I encourage it. I’m in love with the “girly-pop” movement that is happening in metal social media circles these days. I think it is helping make it more accessible and fun for more feminine listeners.
Reuel
Thank you for your time, Megan, and for this interview! Is there anything else you’d like to share to conclude?
Megan Ash
Attention metal musicians! I want to bring violin to all sorts of heavy music so if anyone has an idea that they think violin would sound good in, I’d love to collaborate. Just send me a message on Instagram! To everyone who is already following my band and listening to our first EP, thank you so much. You early supporters will never be forgotten.
