Ankor is an alternative metal band based in Catalonia (Spain) with the female front singer/screamer Jessie Williams (Bristol, UK) the drummer girl Ra Tache (Ponta Grossa, Brazil), David Romeu and Fito Martínez (Tarragona, Catalonia) formed in 2003 in 'Els Pallaresos' a small village near Barcelona, when its members were only around 14 years old. More than 12 years later, with 4 albums on their backs and spread worldwide, they are nowadays one of the national references in Spain. In January 2015 Ankor was chosen best newcomer band by the readers of the oldest and most prestigious rock magazine in Spain and South America: La Heavy (Heavy Rock/ Kerrang). Their 4th studio album, 'Beyond the Silence of These Years' mixed by Dan Korneff (Pierce the Veil, A Day To Remember, Paramore...) and mastered by Ted Jensen (Avenged Sevenfold, Muse, Bring Me The Horizon...) has raised the band to a new level, allowing Ankor to start their first worldwide tour: The Monsters We Are.
Band Members
Jessie Williams: Vocals/Screams David Romeu: Guitar/Vocals Fito Martínez: Guitar/Insane vocals Ra Tache: Drums/Keys
Home Town : Tarragona/Barcelona (Spain)
RK : First of all, thank you for accepting our invitation. Please say something about ANKOR.
Ankor : We are an alternative metal band from Catalonia, Spain.
RK : Share with us what is the story behind the name ANKOR.
Ankor : In fact there's no a really cool story behind our name. We were 14 years old child when we started the band and we choose a name that sounded cool for us in that ages. Months before, we discovered that means "cave" in celtic language and "ducks" in Swedish, haha.
RK : Can you recall the moment when you thought you could be in this group together? How did you all first meet each other? Has anything surprised you about it all so far?
Ankor : Fito and David (guitar players) are friends from 20 years ago. They started playing together since childhood. In 2012 we met Ra (our drummer), she comes from Brazil and we had common friends. Years later we discovered her talent when she invited us to play in her wedding and she played with us one song in drums and keys. We just ask her to play in Ankor! Jessie is in the band since 2014, we met her because her first band was one of our support bands in a Barcelona show when we had our previous singer.
RK : Which are your biggest band influences?
Ankor : Avenged Sevenfold, Paramore, A Day To Remember, Bring Me The Horizon, Our Last Night.
RK : What was the first song you played as a band?
Ankor : We played a cover song from an Spanish rock band called Mago de Oz. The song was "El Pacto". It was nice!
RK : What do you consider to be the incisive moments in your work and/or career?
Ankor : We think our last album has been the biggest success for us. So many new fans around the world, a Japanese tour, playing in Download Festival with Avenged Sevenfold, Guns 'N Roses... 2018 is been our best year so far!
RK : How strictly do you separate improvising and composing?
Ankor : We only improvise to have fun, but now for example are focused in our next album, composing almost all the time.
RK : Let’s talk about your album, "Beyond the Silence of These Years" released in 2017, which is already a massive hit. Tell us something about the album.
Ankor : As we said, for us it's al best album till date. A mix between our personal experiences, rage and energy. It's too a declaration of equality and respect for each person in this world. No matter how we are, we all deserve to be. RK : What was it like putting this collection together? Did anything surprise you about the overall process?
Ankor : Each album is different, and this one maybe is the most remarkable in this aspect. We started writing it 2 years ago and for example, now we think it's almost done with this. We need to start writing new songs, we need to be in constant evolution.
RK : Do you recall what it felt like the first time you heard it all the way through? Ankor : It was one of the best experiences of our lives, because we achieved the sound we've just looking for! RK : What is the biggest change you feel after and before "Beyond the Silence of These Years"? Ankor : Maybe we've hardened our sound. Jessie's vocal ranges are so wide and we can explore another styles like hardcore or rap music, always combining with rock and metal. Maybe this is our "hallmark".
RK : What was the inspiration for your newest music video “NANA” for your album “Beyond the Silence of These Years"?
Ankor : It talks about the life of a girl of an anime serie that we love, called Nana. We recommend it so much!
RK : How has 2018 been treating you so far? What is one musical goal that you have had for this year and how close are you to reaching it? Ankor : The best goal in 2018 was playing in Download Festival with such a great bands and influences. We've been playing to in France and Italy, and we've closing dates for another countries. To play abroad is one of the most difficult things for a band, and one of the most beautiful too. RK : How was the Italy tour? Ankor : It was our first time in Italy and it was nice! We met new friends and fans, we can't wait to come back this October.
RK : If you had all the money and time in the world, what song either yours or someone else’s would you love to re-create? What the video be like? Ankor : Wow, good question. We think maybe Bohemian Rhapsody, is one of the best song of all time and we love it! RK : Where do you think you are all happiest: In the studio recording new music, on stage performing or elsewhere? Ankor : There are two different feelings. Of course to hear new song it's almost like be father or mother, but the energy, passion and love that our fans show us on stage it's one of the best sensations of the world.
RK : Since you are on the scene for quite a long time we are sure you went through many challenges. Was there ever a time when you simply want to quit? Ankor : There's always a problems when you're starting, even when you've been playing for years, but we never thought to quit. We really love music and what we do!
RK : What advice ANKOR would give to fellow bands when picking up a studio?
Ankor : First of all, they need to have all the songs really clear and practiced. This will save a lot of money and time. Then, there's no the best studio in the world, there's a lot of good engineers out there, if the songs are good, even you can record them in a home studio and they will be cool.
RK : Outside your genre, what music do you like? Ankor : We like all styles of music, for example country music, folk, jazz.
RK : Have you ever been to India and anything you know about Indian Art & Culture?
Ankor : We've never been there and it would be a pleasure. We have a lot of respect for your culture and we're wondering if one day we can be there sharing our music and learning with all of you.
RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring some National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your Indian followers. Ankor : We love all the people that is trying to get out of their comfort zone to evolve, learn and show culture to another people. It's what is life about. We're very happy to be part of this initiative and we want to invite you all to listen to our music, read our lyrics and share it with your friends!
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