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Araxa

Introduce yourselves and tell us what you've been up to recently?
Hey, we're Araxa! A female-fronted metal band from both Manchester and Macclesfield.

There's: Zoe, our vocalist and bassist who is 18. Dan, our lead, who is almost 16. Rob, our rhythm, who is 15, and Bryan, the drummer, who is 15!

We've recently devoted our time to writing our album, with some luck, it should be out early next year. We're still finding our sound at the moment, so compared to our previously released demo, this is so different. Throughout our time together as a band, we've gotten to know each other's style more, and thus this album will include a bit of everything.

2013 is looking so good for Araxa, but that's all we're saying, aha.

And how did you get together?
Zoe: Oh, this is such a long story. But briefly, during AS, I needed some musicians to play alongside me for my exams, and my teacher, Mr Rodgers, recommended Dan and Bryan.

We then met again for my A2 exam where I asked for them again, this time with Rob, and we became good friends!

The name?
Zoe: We literally went through every subject we could that would make a good name, even Bryan started making his own up, haha
Bryan: I still think mine was pretty good...
Rob: I went on the internet and began searching for biblical terms/names, that sort of thing, just a different perspective. Then I came across some Greek God names. After sorting through ones that were already taken, we all decided upon Araxa.
Zoe: Short and sweet!

Who are your biggest influences?
As a band, we're often linked with Bullet For My Valentine, as our style is similar. We really don't mind, though. Bullet has been an influence in some sort of way; we really admire their perseverance into the music industry and we love how Bullet can appeal to anyone really, they're not that heavy that they have songs that can be enjoyed by everyone.
Dan: I'd say Rob Chapman. Erm, John Petrucci of Dream Theater, definitely. He is so technically gifted. He puts emotion into his music. And, erm, Alexi Laiho. He is probably one of the first people I watched and just got blown away by his playing!
Rob: Periphery's guitarist, Misha Mansoor. his technical ability is brilliant, and of course, my old guitar teacher, Jake Evans. He took me on when no one would because they saw me as 'too young'.
Zoe: Amy Lee. I shouldn't have to say anymore than that. She's breath-taking. Her range, her power and just her in general inspires me so much.
Bryan: Dave Rodgers, because without him I wouldn't be where I am today. Oh, and Tino from Of Mice and Men, because I get compared to him occasionally.
All: Mr Rodgers is great.

Here at Designer Magazine we're all about supporting the scene.. which are your fave local bands and why should we check them out?
Zoe: Definitely my boys, Seracrusis. Their talent is just... phenomenal. They always manage to grab you when they perform and they are the loveliest guys. In for a treat here!
Dan: SavingSyenna! They were great fun to gig with!
Rob: Jack's not Smooth, they're ace!
Bryan: Dread Your Last Day. They were the first band we gigged with and they've helped us out a fair bit!

What's your biggest promo tips you can give to other local bands? How do you push your band forward?
When our demo came out, we spent a lot of time just spamming everywhere with our music. It's basically just about getting yourselves heard, there's no point in working really hard on something and keeping it to yourselves. Get it out there!

Finding good venues to perform at and good promoters to aid you through the gigging process.

Mingle and speak to the other bands you gig with, they can definitely help you out with practically anything if you're just starting out.

Oh, and don't give up when the times get hard. It sounds cliche, but times do get tough, we've had our rough patches but we've stuck together and it's made us even stronger. It's hard work being in a band as you've other people to take note of, but it's definitely worth it. Being on stage with your best friends; there's no better feeling.

Where do you go for pre gig food and where do you go post gig clubs in Manchester?
Dan, Bryan and Rob: SUBWAY!
Zoe: Erm, I don't like to eat a few hours before a gig, but it has been Mcdonalds.
Zoe: Post gig? We stay around to watch the rest of the bands on the bill.
Dan: HASHTAG SUPPORT THE SCENE!
Zoe: After that though, we go home buzzing.

What do you like most about Manchester?
Dan: CD and game shops and how there's a Subway every 5 metres!
Rob: The music venues, there's a good variety to choose from so there's always somewhere to go whether it's gigging ourselves or watching others!
Bryan: PUBLIC TRANSPORT. No, I'm joking. It's ridiculous. Have you seen the price of bus tickets now? Rip-off, I tell ya. But, erm, the IMAX theatre, it's only down the road!
Zoe: The energy Manchester radiates whether it's musically or culturally. Everyone just comes together in Manchester. Oh, and the Christmas markets, they are amazing!

Best gig you've been to of all time (and why?)
Zoe: Evanescence. I got to see my idol literally metres in front of me. It was so surreal and she put on such a beautiful performance.
Dan: Yeah, seeing Alexi Laiho was brilliant for the same reason. The supports were great, too. I'd also say Parkway Drive, it was sick!
Rob: Erm, Sylosis back when I was 13, the atmosphere was incredible, and Bryan got me to the front!
Bryan: That was a great gig. I'd say when I went to see OM&M. It was their first gig in the UK and I got to meet their support Crossfaith.
Rob: I GOT TO STROKE THE BEARD OF BURY TOMORROW'S LEAD SINGER.
Bryan: Let me have my moment! Right, erm, or While She Sleep's gig, because Crossfaith remembered me from the OM&M gig!

What one book would you say all of your fans should read and why?
Dan: I'm not a big reader. But, er, Corey Taylor 7 deadly sins.
Bryan: Catcher in the rye. It gave me a new look on life.
Zoe: Bryan's gone all philosophical on us... I absolutely adore reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the Lord of the Rings trilogy, One flew over the cuckoo's nest and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. Get on them. They are brilliant reads.
Rob: Hmm, Lord of the Flies. It made me have to think outside of the box and it's generally just a weird book.

Fave movie or TV show of all time?
Dan: Tv - Fresh Meat, Father Ted, Black Books, Inbetweeners, garth marenghi's darkplace.
Bryan: What Dan said.
Rob: I've no idea, I'll say the same!
Zoe: I don't watch much telly, er, but when I do, it's Big Bang Theory, How I met Your Mother, Family Guy and Come Dine with Me... So. Let's say them!
Bryan: Film-wise - It's a Wonderful Life.
Rob: The Fourth Kind
Dan: Forest Gump or School of Rock.
Zoe: Death Race and V for Vendetta.
Rob: Dead Snow! It was the first film we watched together as a band!
Zoe:... I spent most of my time behind a pillow, like.

Which football team do you support?
Zoe: I'd say I was the only avid football person here. United, of course. Don't let the hair fool you that I'm a city fan...
Bryan: CITY.
Rob: Er, I'll say United.
Dan: I used to like United, but I find football boring now.

And finally we're all about the live sweaty gigs - final chance to say why we should check you out live?
Everytime we perform we put our everything into it. Generally our reviews talk about our stage presence, and how glued we are as a band. We're developing ourselves on stage and we love how it's coming through to you guys.

Araxa love to get the crowd involved with our set, afterall you are here to see us, or you are waiting for the band you came to see to come on, so we really want to get you all hyped and make it a great night!

We like to include a good mix of our original songs with covers, so not only are we enjoying ourselves but you guys can sing along with us and even strut a few moves.

Bryan: AND WE HAVE BLUE HAIR IN THE BAND.
Zoe: Awyeeeeee.

And if we want to know more whats your facebook / twitter addresses?
www.facebook.com/AraxaOfficial - We read everything that gets posted on our wall or messaged to us. We love all the support our fans show us!
Tweet us @AraxaUK

Just before we go, we'd like to say a massive thank you to our families. Without them, we wouldn't be here. Thank you for everything you're doing for us and have done for us, it means the world to us.
And to those avid fans of ours, we love you all. x


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