| Band | : La-Ventura |
| Instrument/Position | : Vocals & Drums |
AM : Erwin, why did you leave Orphanage ? Did you already had in mind to start a new project ?
Erwin : After 6 years of Orphanage I didn't feel comfortable anymore and decided to go my own way. We part ways in 2000. After that I participated in some rock and metal cover bands, until I met Carla. Together we started La-Ventura in September 2004.
AM : You founded La Ventura with Carla, how did you meet each other ?
Erwin : Carla responded on an advertisement wherein I was looking for members to start a new band. After she sent me just one song from her former project, I already knew she had the right vocal skills. Together we created some basic songs to start with and then went on looking for other band members. Carla knew keyboard player Marco van Boven from her former project and he offered to join after hearing the songs. Michael Saffrie was the only bass player I knew who would perfectly fit in the band, so we asked him. At that time he was playing in the band "Badly Preserved" together with guitar player Sascha Kondic and they both wanted to join us and from here the La-Ventura story begins.
AM : Your first album is quite impressive, how's the feedback, do you manage to sell albums as you're not signed ?
Carla : Thanks you for your compliment! The feedback and reviews that we've received, are very positive. More then we could've imagined. Countries like Belgium, America and the UK show great interest and in Holland the big magazines like Aardschok wrote convincing reviews towards our debut. So, yes! We are very satisfied with such feedback. We do sell most of the CD's as merchandise at our shows and also through MySpace. We did a select pressing to promote our debut but as soon as we are signed (some great news is coming up…) we will be able to distribute the album worldwide.
AM : Btw, how is it possible that with such strong music, full of nice melodies and refrains, no label signed you... Yet, any News on this front ?
Carla : Yes, there is!! Negotiations with a new label have resulted in a good contract which we will sign at the end of this month (NDH : it's done now !). So, 2008 will have a great start for us with very promising opportunities.
AM : Tell us about the recording ? Are you satisfied with the sound (I think you should) ?
Carla : The recording process went very well. Each band member had the possibility to record the tracks at their own home studio, so we didn't have to go through the pressure of recording at a studio you have to pay for each day. We could do this in our time which was a good and relaxed way of working. After we finished our recordings, we send the tracks to the US where it would be mixed and mastered by our previous label. Unfortunately the record company worked with a different timeline and didn't come up with a finished product for over half a year. That's when we decided to pull the plug and took over the production process ourselves. Within three weeks and with help of friendly professionals we managed to deliver the album in time and with a satisfying sound.
AM : About your music, how would you describe it, do you feel you belong to the atmospheric or gothic scene ?
Carla : Our music is a blend of different genres like (progressive) Rock, (nu-) Metal and Gothic. The combination of heavy riffs, groovy rhythms, atmospheric parts and catchy melodies is a perfect style for us. And because it sounds pretty mainstream, I think it will find its way to a big audience both Rock/Metal and Gothic.
AM : What are your musical influences ? Lacuna Coil maybe ?
Carla : Yes, we do like Lacuna Coil but also bands like Sevendust, Machinehead, Skunk Anansie Evanescence etc.
AM : About the lyrics , what are the topics you're singing about ?
Carla : As for the lyrics I used various subjects. Some are socio political issues, others are about things that occurred in life, some personal issues and dealing with the past.
AM : How do you see the future of the band ? What are your objectives ?
Carla : This year will be an important year for La-Ventura. The new signing will be a new chapter and gives us the opportunity to release our album worldwide and go on tour. In the mean time booking agencies and promoters are working hard to get us further on the road in Europe. A new website will be launched soon to keep you all informed about the latest news
AM : Thanks for this interview and all the best for your rising career ! I let you the last words...
Carla : Thank you very much for your time and support! Keep in touch.