We spoke with Nico from the band Ways, highlighting their passion for music and touring gig. He also emphasizes the adaptations they have made in the face of certain challenges, the impact of collaborations within their careers, and throughout their evolution. Perseverance would be a word that defines these band well, and you will discover this in this endearing new interview with a French band.
1. What is the most important thing you have learned as musicians since you've been around since 2015-2016?
I think one of the most important things we've learned is to always keep in mind that we do what we do out of a passion for music. Having a musical project with real ambition and a desire to become professional will take you on a road full of contradictions, pitfalls and unforgettable moments. But it's passion that will keep you going, and keep you striving to go further.
2. What have been your main influences in creating your unique style of Alternative Metal / Post Hardcore, and among those, are there any from Paris?
Our main inspirations when writing the first songs were bands that Bruno and I really love. Bands like Counterparts, The Ghost Inside, Poison The Well, and Norma Jean. Then, as time went by, arrangements were made, and passages were added or removed from the songs, everything evolved. But yes, we are very much influenced by these bands in our creative approach.
3. How has the collaboration with Nicolas Exposito influenced the sound of your latest singles?
In 2022, we changed our line-up and were in the middle of composing what was to become "Are we still alive?". But at the time, the idea was also to do live performances again, and so, adapt our songs with the new members. We decided to re-record "So Far So Good". At the time, we wanted to announce our new line-up with a song that would showcase the band's new chapter. And of course, we wanted to go further in terms of production. So Nicolas Exposito took on the production of this first single and consequently defined our artistic direction for the rest of the EP. He succeeded in bringing a much more modern and impactful sound to our music.
In the end, we worked with him on 3 tracks (So far so good, Why do we fall? and Erase). Due to a lack of time on his side, it was Robin from Resolve who took over on the last two tracks of the EP. Robin was able to adapt completely to Nico's production, keeping the whole CD coherent. Working with Nico and Robin was really rewarding.
4. How have you maintained the cohesion of the band despite the obstacles of the past three years, such as changes in the lineup?
Like many projects, everything changed during Covid. Our drummer and bassist at the time left the project. We were in the middle of a writing phase with Bruno and Clément. That's when Anthony joined the band on bass. Anthony is a long-standing friend (he's also the singer of Lies We Sold) and he introduced us to Arthur (Set To Change's drummer). Then, due to lack of time, Arthur had to leave and Etienne from Colossus of Destiny joined the band.
So how do you manage to keep the band together despite all these problems? Honestly, I don't know. I think you have to get used to the idea that those who stay through the difficulties are always very close to each other. It's like a family. You need solid foundations to keep a project for so many years with so many obstacles. And finally, since the arrival of Anthony and Etienne, everything has changed for the better and the group's cohesion has never been better.
5. So, you released "Are We Still Alive?" after regularly questioning the band's situation?
"Are we still alive?" is a question we've regularly asked ourselves about the band's situation over the last three years. Between the two years of the COVID crisis that prevented us from seeing each other, rehearsing, and playing live, the line-up changes and certain life changes for some of the band members that have impacted the way we work, compose, and record, we've spent a lot of time hanging on and finding solutions to keep going. We're proud to be here and to be releasing this new EP. Of course, the various themes addressed by the songs on this EP are also consistent with this question.
6. The title "World Worn Out" is very evocative. Can you explain the choice of this title and its inspiration?
"World Worn Out" is the story of a world at the end of its tether, a world exhausted by human behavior in its entirety, through the interaction of humans with each other and with the various species living on this planet. It's the story of a world in desolation. The clip's staging illustrates this point with man's desire to shape the world in his own image. This enigmatic person with no real face has abducted a mystical species represented by the mermaid in an attempt to make it human by altering its bodily appearance. The clip is survival horror, with every moment crucial to the mermaid's survival...
7. Why Do We Fall?" has received a lot of media attention. What do you attribute this success to?
That's a very good question. "Why Do We Fall?" is the first real new song we've released with our current line-up. I think it's at a very important moment for the band, and I think it's brought a lot of curiosity from listeners who've known us or followed us for years. All the communication around the track went well, and the song was relayed very strongly on stream platforms, especially Spotify. And of course, I also think it's a good song haha.
8. You've embarked on many tours in recent years, which one was the most beautiful experience, can you tell us about the highlights of that tour?
Our tour of Cuba in 2019 is surely one of the most incredible moments of our lives. It was a real dream to be able to play there, and the Cuban public is simply incredible. We shared the stage with such incredible local bands. Humanly and musically, it's one of the most beautiful memories we have. Our last tour in Europe with our brothers from Lies We Sold is also a strong and important memory for us.
9. Do you have any rituals before going on stage?
Not really at the moment. We chat, have a beer, and warm up. It's kind of our routine before going on stage.
10. According to your schedule, you have toured a lot since the beginning of the year and you plan some dates in the Baltic countries, is this still current and do you plan to visit other places by the end of the year?
Yes, our 2024 year is very exciting. We're actively working on our 2025 booking. As far as the Baltic countries are concerned, that's still on the agenda, of course. We'll be doing 3 dates in Latvia (Riga, Cessis and Liepāja) with our friends from Colossus of Destiny. It's going to be fun. We can't wait. As for the rest, we're in talks about other tours in other places... We'll see.
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It's evident that the Parisian band, Ways, has all the necessary attributes to carve their path in the Metalcore, Post-Hardcore scene. With perseverance and passion that have endured for years since Covid, they hold the keys to success. It was inspiring to discuss touring with Nico and to realize that the pre-show routine falls into the classic backstage life of bands. We wish them a good journey and a lot of people for their gigs, with their most recent album "Are You Still Alive?" which we recommend. Keep an eye out for these Parisians on the road soon.
