In this interview, we’ll dive into the evolution of their music, and the memorable moments that have defined their live performances. We’ll also discuss the band’s connection with their fans, the challenges they’ve faced in the industry, and how their diverse influences meld to form their signature sound. So, let immerse yourself with an exclusive insight into the world of Inner Light, the trailblazing metalcore ensemble hailing from the historic city of Rouen, throught their unmasking alchemy behind their sound.
1. How did Inner Light come together as a band in Rouen, and what inspired its formation?
The project started in 2021, with Marine, Tristan and Mathieu who met within a former band and wanted to continue playing together. At the end of the same year, the project saw the light of day when Nicolas and Max joined the project to complete the group. The main idea was to play powerful, brutal and melodic music that suits all of us.
2. Can you describe the musical influences that shape Inner Light's unique metalcore sound?
We come from different horizons, it’s surely a part of the sound. Each of us tries to provide ideas to improve our music. But to give you some concrete influences, famous bands like In Flames, Trivium and Heaven Shall Burn inspire us mostly. But we all have specific influences coming from a wide range of music from rock’n’roll to death, black and of course hardcore !
3. How did the band members' varied influences come together to create the cohesive sound of Inner Light?
I think it all comes down to the creative process. Tristan creates drafts with the main riffs and the structure of the songs. He then calls on the feelings of the other members in order to finalize the songs in a collaborative manner. It is certain that having a single main composer greatly helps to maintain overall coherence.
4. What was the creative process behind your first eponymous EP?
The main ideas came from Tristan. He sent us the songs so we can debate together on what the music means to us, it helps to create or improve the atmosphere, the intro or the lyrics of the song. Once we come to a compromise on a version of the song that everyone agrees with. We work on the music in our rehearsal room to make final adjustments. Behind each song, there are also feelings that each member wants to bring out.These can be highlighted in some of the music itself, whether in the writing of an instrument or in the performance, or even in the writing of the lyrics.
5. How has the band's music evolved from your first EP to your second EP 'Structure'?
The way we create is pretty much the same, but the direction of our music was clearer to us. We knew better what we wanted and didn't want, and what kind of riff would fit, with the band and with each musician. We also wanted to push the melodies and increase the harmonic palette we could exploit, and we diversified the riffs to give them more scope.
6. What has been the most memorable moment for Inner Light during live performances?
I think for most of us, it was the quality of our show at Le 106, in our home town, that was the most important thing. The stage was perfect, the lighting was atmospheric, the sound was well tuned and the audience was great!
And for the juicy details, it would rather be that wonderful moment at “Le Silo” when Nico realized in the middle of his solo that since the beginning of the song his high E string had been stuck under the neck pickup (yes, you read that right!)!!! We're still laughing!
7. How does Inner Light engage with fans and the metalcore community in Rouen and beyond?
As soon as we launched the band, we made a point of ensuring a significant presence on social networks, which gave us great visibility and helped us get noticed. Now we're trying to maintain this principle without running out of steam - and that's not always easy!
On another level, we always enjoy spending a moment of exchange and laughter with the public after shows at our stand. It gives us a chance to get their feedback, and to get closer to them.
8. What challenges has Inner Light faced in the music industry, and how have they overcome them?
The band must face two major issues. Firstly, it's difficult to get booked on gigs on a regular basis to continue sharing our music. We collaborate with Sound of Silence association which helps us in this area and we thank them very much for their support. We hope to be able to book more dates by the end of the year.
And secondly, project financing. I think this problem is common to most local bands. We are trying to find a little breathing room in this area with the sale of merchandising which allows us to put money aside to finance the recordings. At the moment the group is not entirely self-financing, so budget management is very important given that we are investing personal money. So in conclusion, BUY MERCH !
9. What are the band’s future plans, can we expect any upcoming tours or music video release?
Ahah, excellent question! We've got a lot coming up! You should follow us on social networks so you don't miss them!
But yeah video content is coming soon, we will release a new music video from our last EP. We're also actively looking for gigs, which is the band's primary vocation! We want to be on stage, on stage and on stage!
And at the same time, we're actively preparing our first album for 2025. I've spilled all the beans!
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We are certain that people who have read this interview, just as we have, are inspired by the passages about the creative process, musical influences, and the somewhat quirky memorable moment at Le 106 in Rouen. The French band puts a lot of effort into this industry that is full of bands with great value and enormous musical potential that we must constantly keep an eye on. Wishing them many more concerts in the years to come.
Special Thank to Didier from Sound Of Silence for the opportunity.
