Call it weird or call it eccentricity but Youdash are amazing, simply put. The fact that they released their debut full length Astrophobia so late in 2016 only means that many missed this album for their end of year lists, but our own Zyklonius did not, check out his review here and see it on his Best Of 2016 list here. The way this band keeps you guessing is second to none but makes for probably one of the best albums of last year that was totally off the map of anything anyone would expect. Gorguts, Car Bomb, Meshuggah and Naked City are but a few of the many influences you’ll hear on this album but definitely doesn’t tell the entire tale, and yes it is indeed that varied. We recently had the opportunity to ask Ropa (vocals) our series of Profile questions, see what he had to say after the jump.
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How did you first get into playing music and have you achieved the level of success that you always hoped to achieve?
I guess, I’ve always wanted to be on the other side of speakers. So I was screaming and growling in every possible place, I was trying to be like Max Cavalera or Johan Lindstrand from The Crown. In the meantime I’ve tried to play guitar but I was not so patient about it. After some time I was invited to some garage jamming, it was fun haha. My first true band was Briar from my local town, we’ve played like three shows yay! And after it, suddenly few years came to pass and we’re here in Youdash.
As a band we have achieved a lot in some ways and in other a little bit less, but we are more than happy about how it’s going on.
What’s the most you have ever debased yourself to get your band onto a show, into a magazine or otherwise promoted, covered, debased and praised? If you don’t have a story please tell us any embarrassing story.
Well I don’t know about the guys but I didn’t do anything weird for that kind of stuff haha.
I don’t like to throw up, I always feel ashamed after it and unfortunately it’s a big part of drinking after shows haha.
What do you see as some of the great things happening in metal and what are some of the worst things happening inside the scene right now?
Best thing is the possibility of listening to bands from around the world, global village is a thing. Because of it, the progression is quite big and you can listen to a lot of crazy stuff.
The worst thing is copying the unique stuff from those bands — c’mon just do it on your own way!
And most irritating things are closed minds of some people and their bullshit talking on web. Fuck those guys!
It seems that now everyone has a passion for some cause and that those people are very open about displaying their passions. This is probably a very, very good (and progressive) thing socially. What are some of the most important issues (social/political/humorous/etc.) for you and how do you insert those issues into your music? (This question is especially appropriate for you since your music is quite an outlet for your physical and emotional pains).
I guess it can be open minded for us and as a part of these sociality we look at it.
For me it was easier to find some inspiration just by doing what I like, for example some songs are based on Star Wars (old ones, not that crap from Disney) and cartoons like Dragon Ball. Others are more personal but we are still part of the village so everything is made because someone did something. Sounds crazy but we are result of it all.
What, or who, got you into metal and how old were you? How did your family take the news?
My older brother showed me the beauty of metal world, I was around ten years old.
My parents were chill about it, everything changed after they heard my singing haha. It was weird, my father was mad at me for some time.
What advice do you have for aspiring music critics and outlets out there? How can we all better serve the genre in the eyes of a hard-working musician?
First of all – be good at writing. No one likes to read reviews and articles which looks like they’re made by a kid.
Be objective –- I’ve seen a lot of articles which start from words “Normally I do not listen to that kind of music…” and later dude writes some bullshit because he know nothing about that genre and he tries to compare it to what he is listening to.
That’s not helpful at all.
What’s your goal? You guys thinking world domination? Maybe saving a continent? Maybe invading one? Any interest in starting a cult? Do you guys have day jobs or hobbies you want to share? Whatever it is, please let us know.
Yeah “Youdash” definitely sounds like a cult name haha. I think that USA would be the best place to share our music, maybe Scandinavia? In Poland metalheads prefer more classic and not so crazy stuff. But maybe some polish metal kids would like to listen to us but if we need to change our genre to djent or some kind of core, hah sweet irony. And yes we are adults and we have daily jobs and hobbies. I am a tattoo studio manager so I like to draw from time to time. The other thing is bmx, I’m into it for about 9 years now so it’s a big episode of my life. Buck (drums) is a psychologist and he tries to be perfect at it in every way (I guess drummers have that in common), Leń (guitars) is a bank accountant and he is starting his own family. Matt (bass) is making wooden parquets, he plays in few different bands so he has a lot on his mind.
Finally, when you’re not listening to, writing or playing metal, what are some of you favorite albums to listen to currently? (Feel free to include non-metal)
While writing Astrophobia I was into Cattle Decapitation, Gojira, Cynic, Devin Townsend, BTBAM and Intronaut.Now I can add Ihsahn (Arktis is fuckin great), Baroness, The Ocean, Porcupinee Tree and Steven Wilson. Also some “core” bands like Parkway Drive, The Contortionist and Despised Icon.I have a lot of good bands but those came to my mind most easily.
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Thanks to Ropa for his time!
Astrophobia is available now on Deformeathing Production. For more information on Youdash visit their Facebook page.
Nine Circles 