Can you tell us about the origin of the band name, a history of the band and a little bit about the various members?
Lea: In the history of there band there was a lot of coming and going of band members and actually I am the last founding member. You can even hear the development and influences of different people in the songs we have published so far. On Our EP (Self titled “Dark Lightning”) you can hear songs from the very beginning, that were written in the basement of our first drummer and then later recorded in our current rehearsal room and they were a total group effort. The two songs of our Single “Lilith” were mainly written by our former Lead Guitarist. And now begins the new chapter as the project has grown.
Our bass guitarist, Frank had once described the forming and the growth of Dark Lightning as “very organic” and that feels like an extremely fitting description.
As for origin of the band name is not exactly spectacular. Back when we had just formed and roughly outlined what kind of music we had in mind we basically just brain stormed band names that sounded good and roughly fitted into the theme and genre. Back then I was often inspired by the idea that not everything is as it seems and how opposites attract, etc. and one of my former band mates had the idea: Well, what is the opposite of light? Correct – dark. So let’s put these two things together and make it a band name! That is the story of the name Dark Lightning.
Right now our Line-Up is:
Alex – Guitarist and main songwriter, Frank – Bass Guitarist and harsh vocals as well as sound mixer, Marvin – pianist and the sticky something that holds the group together ;), Nepo – Drummer and this bands tech specialist, Mike – Lead Guitarist and fashion expert and finally me, Lea – Clean and harsh vocals, lyrics writer and band-mom
Are you all from the same area? How did you get together as a band?
Lea: Yes, we are roughly from the same area, which is also how we got together. Each of us searched for like minded musicians or a band to join forces with so to speak in the area of Braunschweig. Though two years ago I moved a bit further away, but we make it work.
Who are your favorite artists/bands and how have they influenced your own sound?
Lea: I can’t really put my finger of who or what influenced me in particular. I like a lot of bands from different genres and developed the ambition to unlock all sound possible with my voice and combine them in the music I make. I started out in a choir singing mainly classical, then had one on one singing lessons with various vocal coaches to unlock other styles of clean singing and semi self taught myself screams and growls. Musically I feel inspired by dark and destructive melodies, some more folky, some more classical or even modern, but all that is part of my personal development as a singer. My lyrics probably come from the darker parts of my brain, influenced by how I perceive the world, my feelings and some works of fiction I consume.
Did you always have the ambition to be a musician and in a band or did you originally have other plans?
Lea: Yes, I always knew that I wanted to sing. It is my passion. The desire to stand on a stage with a band came later, when I was tired of being just on of many in a choir. So I worked up the courage it takes to stand in the spotlight and founded a band.
What songs or albums are on your current playlist?
Lea: To list all the albums and Songs would take far too long. I have a playlist that consists of over 70 hours of music on Spotify I listen to regularly, so let’s narrow it down to naming some of the artists: Shadow Of Intent, In Flames, System Of A Down, White Chapel, Fleshgod Apocalypse, Stillbirth, Lorna Shore, Linkin Park, League Of Distortion, Eight Lives Down…. I could go on, but I think this will give you a good idea of what I am into at the moment. But please be aware that this covers only one side of my taste in music.
Do you sing in the shower?
Lea: Yes, I like to find resonating frequencies and then form melodies around them. But I only do that when I’m home alone for reasons unknown even to myself.
If you could play at any venue in the world where would you choose?
Lea: Achievable goals first. The Rockharz Festival in Ballenstedt Germany. I go there almost every year since 2017, it was my first metal festival and it would be just a dream for me to play at a place I have so many great memories of.
And beyond that, honestly I have no idea.
Do you have a favorite album? If so, what is it?
Lea: To keep the answer short: No.
Do you have any guilty pleasure songs/albums?
Lea: Absolutely yes! “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears, “Hooked On A Feeling”, “Langweilig” by Die Ärzte, “Maria (I Like It Loud)” by Scooter. And I am not ashamed to name these.
If you were putting together the greatest show on earth, who would be playing?
Lea: There is just too much to choose from for me. But it would certainly take place on just one stage (at least at a time), so you don’t have to choose between two great artists.
Can you remember the first album you bought with your own money? What was it and do you still have it?
Lea: I guess gifts don’t count, so I think that might have been “Schwarz In Schwarz” by Subway To Sally in its release year, as I was starting to get into heavier music. And yes I still have the physical CD.
As your fans will be reading this, is there any message you would like to send out to them?
Lea: Just a big Thank You to all of you for listening to our music and coming to our concerts! We do this because we like making music and want to share what we make with the world, so thank you for just being there.
Finally, let us know all your social media sites so your fans, old and new, can find and follow/like you!
Lea: We are on Instagram and Facebook and have a website where you can subscribe to our newsletter as well.
We, at Metal Planet Media, would like to thank you for your time. Is there is anything further that you would like to add?
Lea: Thanks for the interview. We appreciate each and everyone who truly supports the metal community.
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