Switzerland-based band, Shakra, prides itself on creating a sound that mixes hard rock and metal, resulting in something in-between, yet still impossible to define. Initially founded in 1995, their lead singer Mark Fox joined in 2003, when he was twenty-one years old. As of today, he’s been with them for twenty years. Since joining the band, Fox says it feels like a long time, but it has been a great adventure.
When performing at music festivals, they set themselves apart from other bands for their stylistic choices.
Singer Mark Fox discusses “Invincible” Album
“Some say it’s metal, some say it’s hard rock, but it’s always something else. When we play at a metal festival, we are always the band that is like a party band. If we play a rock festival, we are the hardest band. It’s always the same,” he says.
Their most recent album, “Invincible”, is a culmination of work that started amidst the Covid pandemic. When the world shut down, they were unable to tour and perform songs from their album “Mad World.” At a time where there were no plans ahead, the band members indulged in the creative freedom available to them, and got down to writing brand new tracks. For the first time ever, there was no deadline, no one waiting for the next album, and no pressure applied by management. It was finished on their own terms, not when the label deemed it complete. Fox believes that freeform quality can be heard on the album.
With every captivating melody, oftentimes there are meaningful lyrics to accompany it. Shakra goes about writing their lyrics in a unique fashion, as english is understandably not their main language. They begin by creating a melody, and singing words that make little sense in context. Then gradually, they replace the words, accounting for syllables and meaning. Fox explains how this process can be difficult, especially when the band gets used to the words they used for their demos. But once the right words are put into place, everything works out.
Regarding creative choices for their music videos, Shakra favors story-based clips, or shots of the band performing. They love the likes of Guns & Roses, Bon Jovi, and others from the 80s and 90s. Previously, they have filmed music videos against the Switzerland mountainscape, as those areas are most accessible to them. They have ambitions of shooting a music video on the roof of a skyscraper, considering there are only so many within Switzerland.
“We like big pictures, but you have to have good ideas for them. In Switzerland we have mountains, but we had already done that. Just trying to bring different images and visions for each one. Such as the building we used for the video clip for ‘Invisible.’ It doesn’t exist anymore, it was destroyed afterwards.”
When asked about what inspires the direction of a song, Fox explains that it depends on who is writing it. Each of the band members find inspiration for their own pieces in the music they predominantly listen to. Their electric guitarist, Thomas Muster, obtains his musical style through listening to new rock and metal from America. That quality can be heard in their single “Invincible” itself. The song has a modern touch, with a heavy emphasis on mixed guitar riffs. Fox says that his own creative influences are everywhere.
Shakra’s tour begins in July and goes well into Oct. By Aug., they will be performing at some of the biggest music festivals within their county, something they are exceedingly proud of. By fall, they will be visiting clubs in Germany, the Netherlands, and many others. Touring went well for them last year, and they continue to go anywhere they can. They have previously visited Bulgaria and Sweden, but still hope to come to America.
The desire to create music has always been ingrained in Fox’s heart. He doesn’t know where he’d be without it, and he hopes he’ll continue to make music his whole life. For a fan attending one of their shows, Shakra creates a pure rock and roll show anytime that they perform. There are no side-shows, no pyrotechnics, and no dancers. They just make music, and play for those who love it. They believe that’s enough. To hear Shakra’s album “Invincible” or keep up with their dates, visit https://www.shakra.ch/en/.
LISTEN TO INVINCIBLE:
Ava Sarnowski / BackStage360
Invincible Track Listing:
01. The Way It Is
02. The Matrix Unfolds
03. Invincible
04. Devil Left Hell
05. On the Wild Side
06. Old Irish Song
07. Tell Her That I’m Sorry
08. As I Lay Down to Sleep
09. House of Rock
10. Walls of Hate
11. Between the Lines
12. As Long As I’m Alive
Line Up:
Mark Fox (Vocals), Thom Blunier (Guitar), Thomas Muster (Guitar), Dominik Pfister (Bass), Roger Tanner (Drums)
Credits:
Produced by: Thomas Blunier / Thomas Muster
Recorded at: PowerRide Recording Studios
Cover art: Mark Fox
Photographer: Jasmin Burfeindt
For More Info Visit:
www.facebook.com/ShakraBand
www.instagram.com/shakraband
www.afm-records.de