By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Project Renegade is a metal quartet from Athens, Greece, founded by Marianna (vocals) and Ody (drums). Their sound derives from electronic and ambient elements with a background of alternative and heavy grooves. Their Debut EP, ‘Cerebra’ was released in 2017 to international acclaim. After the addition of Nick. K. (guitar) and Jay (bass) to the lineup, they are currently at work on the release of their first full-length album, ‘Order Of The Minus.’
The group has performed live in Greece and Europe with participation in renowned festivals like Danube Rock and Over The Wall. This past Apr., they shared the stage of the famous Greek indoor venue “Piraeus Academy 117” with Bullet For My Valentine as their only support.
Most recently, the band announced via their Facebook page that on Sep, 20, they will perform as special guests to Evanescence in Kiev, Ukraine.
Music Bugle – Could you describe the creative process of putting your debut EP ‘Cebebra’ together?
Marianna – Ody, our drummer, and me took it up on us to finish ‘Cerebra’ since we were just the two of us back then with no line-up. It was a hard and long process for two people making their first musical endeavor, but it was also rewarding to see your music come to life and to learn from all that process.
Music Bugle – What’s something you feel people should know about the band?
Marianna – We are making music because we want to make a change in the world. Our message is one of understanding, tolerance, love and equality. We hope that every person can find a safe home with our music and that everyone accepts and embrace themselves and each other regardless of race, sex, religion, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.
Music Bugle – What feelings do you look to convey through your music? What should the listener feel?
Marianna – I don’t imagine I can pinpoint exact feelings that anyone should feel about a specific song. What makes me angry could probably make the next person sad and vice versa, so the feelings are up to each listener. What’s important to me is to make the listener think about the lyrics, to put him/her in the process of discovering his/her feelings whichever those may be and to use our music as an outlet for every bad thought, every bad memory and every problem that torments him/her. The process is important for me and the band, the fact that you can actually feel, that you can actually think and cope with what bothers you. Then, the music will be a sanctuary in your life and that is what Project Renegade’s music is aiming to be: a sanctuary.
Music Bugle – How do you think people will react to “Order Of The Minus” once it is released?
Marianna – I am very confident on our new album. ‘Order of the Minus’ is a very intense record, with a lot of stuff going on and it is a big step for us. Everything is more melted together, more cohesive but also very emotional and raw. The music is heavier, the lyrics cut deep –sometimes too deep- and there are also some experimental moments in there. If you liked ‘Cerebra’ I believe you are going to love “Order of the Minus” and I hope that we will get to attract a lot more fans from different backgrounds. Above all “Order of the Minus” has a strong message about unity through diversity, and the fact that all people should put their differences aside and unite in order to win the meaningful things in life.
Music Bugle – What are some of the band’s future plans?
Marianna – We are planning now the release of our album “Order of the Minus” and we are also looking on gigs and tours in order to support the album.
Music Bugle – What’s your biggest memory with the band so far?
Marianna – I think when we listened to the first mix of ‘Order of the Minus.’ Forrester Savell (Karnivool, Twelve Foot Ninja, I Am Giant etc.) who mixed the album did a terrific job. We realized we had something special in our hands – at least in my opinion- and it was the final outcome of a really long and difficult road. Other moments I remember are funny tour mishaps that made us come closer to each other, like our first trip abroad to a festival or the time when the show promoter made a mistake with our accommodation and we didn’t have a place to sleep (at the time not that funny though!) and of course each and every show is special to us and we have a very fond memory of every time we hit the stage!
Music Bugle – Can you name any bands or musicians that helped influence your sound?
Marianna – If we are talking about metal music, I could say that Korn, Evanescence, Slipknot, Limp Bizkit, Rammstein, Lacuna Coil, Devin Townsend are some of our main influences or at least some artists that we hold dearly in our hearts, but we also like to listen to other types of music like funk, r’n’b and also a lot of classical music. To say the truth, if it’s good music, we will listen to it. We have a really open mind and we don’t have boundaries or hang-ups on that matter.
Music Bugle – What was your favorite show to play and why?
Marianna – My favorite show we’ve played so far was with Bullet For My Valentine back in April. The crowd was amazing, the circumstances ideal and everything was just perfect. Plus, we got to play next to a band that we really respect and admire for its music and all of that in our hometown Athens which was a great achievement for us.
Music Bugle – Which song is the meaningful to you?
Marianna – Out of all songs we’ve written so far, I believe the one that every time hits me hard when I listen to it is “Black Mountain” from our upcoming album ‘Order of the Minus.’ Sometimes, I don’t even have the psychological reserves to listen to it. It’s very emotional and writing it was very difficult due to its intensity. It’s a trip to the darkest place of my mind and every time it makes it very hard not to get there.
Music Bugle – What’s your biggest fear when it comes to making music?
Marianna – Not having anything to say, not finding a message to convey to the listener. Not only with the lyrics, but with the music itself, then an album becomes just a product to be marketed and there is no real art in there. There is no soul and there is nothing to link yourself with, just another product to consume, as if it was food or toilet paper. It is quite scary when a form of art loses its integrity and becomes something comparable to toilet paper, don’t you think?
