QUICKIE OF THE WEEK

QUICKIE OF THE WEEK: A short interview with Viktorie Surmová (SURMA)

Pix666: Hello Viktorie. The most important question right at the beginning. Are you healthy and are you well?

Viktorie: Hi there! Yes I am, thank you. Hope you too as well!

Pix666: Thank you, yes I am fine too. 😊

Pix666: A few days ago your debut album ‚The Light Within ‘ was released. How difficult was the way to a complete album under ‘Corona conditions’?

Viktorie: The album was actually already finished before the crisis. We were just waiting fort he „right time“ for it to be released. So no problem in this case.

Pix666: How satisfied are you with the album and with the fans’ reactions to the album, but also to the cool video clips?

Viktorie: It is absolutely fantastic! I was hoping people would love our music and of course I knew that this style is not for everyone, but I think we have more positive reactions than negative ones so happy us! About the videos, well, I am actually not sure. They are really nice, but not very special, so I think people were focusing more on the new music.

Pix666: I like the way you write your band name, that will look good on shirts and other merchandise – who had the idea for that?

Viktorie: Thank you so much! I think I kinda came with the shape idea, but the one who made it work is our friend Jack Ryan. Thank you Jack! https://www.surma.band/merch

Pix666: Now the album is released and it’s not possible to play a tour. A pretty shitty situation for a band- or was there still the chance for a small release concert in your home country Czech Republic? What are the tour plans for 2021?

Viktorie: I booked a venue for the weekend right after the album release. I wanted to make a lovely release show with my friends, fans and media. I also have a birthday in November, so I was looking forward to my only B-day party ever! But yeah…second lockdown happened. So no change till the end of this year. Let’s see what’s going to be possible. It is not easy since our bass player Rens and drummer Aleks are from abroad. We are really hoping for the European tour in 2021 if possible.

Pix666: There is a great acoustic version of the song ‘Reveal the Light Within’. Can you imagine to play a full acoustic concert in front of an audience?

Viktorie: I would not mind at all! I really like the acoustic sound. But is can be tricky. You can hear any mistake in such a naked sound.

Pix666: Is there a festival or club where you‘d like to perform in the future?

Viktorie: Mmm…. Everywhere! I just want to tour and sing like mad and immediatelly! I always like to mention 70000tons of Metal, Masters of Rock, Wacken, Graspop and Copenhell. Damn.. you wanted just a few examples, right? Ups.

Pix666: How is the situation in your home country in general with fans and the metal scene? How big is the scene in your country?

Viktorie: The metal scene in Czechia is not the worst. But also not the best for the specific style we make. We have a lot of Czech bands that are quite big and have a big fanbase. But it is not easy for new bands to get at this point. But to be clear, it is still not among the mainstream music. Media do not play metal unless they are rock/metal radios. But at least we have some.

Pix666: Do you know in which countries you are most listened? Do you look at streaming statistics?

Viktorie: Yes! It is in the US, Germany and Finland – that’s for Spotify. In iTunes it is US, Germany and UK on the first 3 positions.

Pix666: What else did you do besides the music during the contact restrictions? Do you have any interesting hobbies? Or is music simply everything in your life?

Viktorie: Music is really the biggest part in my life. But I also enjoy to do other things like workout, jogging, taking care of animals and spending some free time with Heri, my familly and my friends. 🙂

Pix666: Do you have any other news about Surma, or even about your project Bohemian Metal Rhapsody that you would like to share with the fans?

Viktorie: I can’t reveal any plans with Surma since nothing is for sure. But we are going to make a CD with BMR. Also I am singing on the new CD „Andělé a Bestie“ of Rosa Nocturna band. And I am working on some guest vocals with other projects. And I would like to share my gratitude for all the fans who are listening to us and supporting us and thank you, for making this interview! See you soon at some concert!

Pix666: Thank you very much for the interesting answers – Stay healthy!!!

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