Interview: Lenax (Written)

Games, Brrraaains & A Head-Banging Life bring you a written interview with experimental black metal band, Lenax.

1. Hello! Thank you for taking the time to chat to us. First things first, tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got started.

Lenax started as a solo project a little less than a year ago. Like a lot of musicians, I had been waiting to start my next venture for “one of these days”. After not having played a live show in almost five years, I just started getting to work writing and recording, bringing in a few collaborators to help.

2. Someone comes to you and asks you to sum up what kind of music you play – what do you tell them?

We are a black metal band that explores multiple iterations of what the genre has to offer. Sometimes raw, sometimes melodic, and even some black n roll, ultimately giving what we believe is a unique sound.

3. What’s currently going on in your camp? New releases? Tours? Etc.

The biggest two things coming up for us is the release of our five song EP “Purity”, currently in its finishing stages. Starting in November of 2023 we will be playing live, but no current plans to tour at the moment.

4. What has been the most positive experience of making music to date for you?

I would have two. First of all just having my music recorded, released, and received positively was amazing. Second to that, it has been an absolute pleasure building the band. To have my bandmates not just learn my music but add their personality and creativity, taking it to the next level, is a whole new experience for me.

5. Likewise, what has been some of the more challenging aspects and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge is really just the time management. Making music while also having other life obligations is difficult but not impossible. However with the new band, now I have to split my limited free time between finishing two recordings while also managing the band and playing our rehearsals. Overcoming is just a matter of establishing priorities and applying willpower. We all have the same 24 hours in our day, which means we all have the ability to chase our passions.

6. How do you handle the modern expectations of being in a band? Always online, having to put out content constantly, your success measured in likes and follows?

Like everything else, it is both a learning experience as well as a matter of taking it one day at a time. You realize that as long as you are online and active, people will engage.

7. What’s something that really ‘grinds your gears’ about the industry/business these days and what would you propose is done to combat it?

I share everyone’s disdain for streaming music and how little it supports the artists, so I’ll leave that aside as it’s been done to death. The next level of frustration is in how certain roads to what you want to get done have an element of gatekeeping. The idea that “its all about who you know” is very grounded in reality. The biggest thing we are doing about it is just making real relationships with the sort of people that will help us get to that next level.

8. Speaking directly to listeners – what would you ask they do to help support your music?

Telling a band that you like the music and engaging in the social content is a big help. It let’s us know our art is appreciated. Buying a t-shirt or a record is a thousand times more beneficial than listening to streaming music. The one thing I would say to listeners is if you love a band, reach out and get some merch.

9. Outside of the music, what’s do you do to relax?

I’m an avid reader, casual gamer, and a family man. To take a weekend off to unwind is something that everyone should keep in mind to prevent burnout, whatever your passions may be.

10. Where can people find you?

For the main website, you can visit LenaxMetal.com which should take you everywhere else. Most of our social sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube will also be at the username LenaxMetal. Come check us out and say hello!