Ethereal Metal Webzine

Interviewed
by Joshua Becker, Brian Kelman, and Rick Langerak
©
Ethereal Metal Webzine
6/30/2016

What
process led you to join Sirenia for “Nine Destinies and a Downfall”?

I was
looking for a new band since my old band Sinphonia broke up. So I saw that they
were looking for a singer, and I went to audition, and they chose me.

Concerning
your departure from Sirenia, it was cited there were “creative differences” in
many news and media. Would it be possible for you to elaborate for the fans as
to the reason in detail? Actually you can read the whole story here on
my blog: http://monikapedersen.com/199/

Here
you will get the answer on your question

Given
these details, would you still want your old fans to still support the band?

Yes I
will. And Ailyn is a great person and a great singer.

Did you
grow up in a musical family?

No not
really.

When
did you begin singing and when did you realize you wanted to be a singer for a
career?

I
started when I was about 10 years old, and after a few years I knew that I
would like to sing forever.

What
formal training have you received and if yes, is that formal training still
continuing?

I have
had a thousands of different singing teachers through the years. So yes

What
singers have influenced you the most and in what way have they been
influential?

Anneke
from the Gathering. She has a wonderful voice. Also a lot of male singers with
their deep voices. I love that And opera singers.

What
about the music industry have you enjoyed the most?

The
festivals for sure. And concerts. I love going to concerts, and festivals was a
big part of my life when I was younger. I went to Wacken in Germany 11 times;)

What
about the music industry have you found to be the most unpleasant aspect?

When
you can feel that it sometimes only is about the money. When people forget the
real music and thinks about money and looks.

Your
Wikipedia article lists ‘painter’ as an occupation. What subjects do you paint?
Do you have a link to a site where we can see your art?

Yes I
love to paint and I have sold a lot. Just let me know it you want to buy. Hehe.
You can follow me and see all my paintings on my Facebook art page here:

https://www.facebook.com/Monikapedersenart/

According
to your website, you have since joined a new band called “The World State.” How
did this come about, and where can fans of yours listen to music from them? The
guy behind the World State is a very old friend of mine, and we have had plans
for years about making music together. So it cam very natural.

Considering
there are a lot of new bands since 2010 and even in The Netherlands there are
plenty of bands, what are your thoughts and opinions of the new age of
symphonic/progressive rock/metal?

I have
to admit that I can’t say that, cause I am not following the new scene that
much anymore. I still enjoy music and concerts, but I am mostly listening to
bands I always have listened to. And also a lot of indie bands.

Aside
from prog/symphonic, what is your other favorite genre of music?

Indie
and classic.

At the
end of an interview, I always love to ask this: what would you like to say to
your fans? Both your fans of your paintings, as well as your past and present
musical career?

I would
like to say that I am so thrilled that so many people are following me. You
give me energy and happiness.

We
really appreciate your taking the time to complete this interview for us. We
were so excited to hear from you.

Thank
you too My pleasure.