Despre religie si evolutia Epica cu Mark Jansen - interviu

de Cristi Nedelcu

Despre religie si evolutia Epica cu Mark Jansen - interviu


Ne pregatim de o noua reprezentatie Epica in Romania, de aceasta data la Arenele Romane in cadrul Maximum Rock Festival. Acestia vor urca pe scena in data de 16 Octombrie. Cu putin noroc am reusit sa schimb cateva cuvinte cu Mark Jansen. Ce a iesit gasiti mai jos.

1. First of all, hello from Romania and Metalhead! How is it to be back in our country? What do you remember from you last show here?

Mark: Hello back! Sibiu, if I remember correctly in 2012. It was a very nice festival on a cute square. The dressing rooms where inside an old building where we also got a great dinner. The fans where very enthusiastic and the atmosphere was great that night!

2. Do you write and play hoping to change the world’s vision or it is just a poetical attempt to be different, perhaps a way to answer your own questions?

Mark: One band can't change a world vision but with our lyrics we try to reach people with topics they might haven't heard of yet or subjects that fascinate them and offer an alternative view. I never try to convince people of my views as I can be wrong as well. I only want to make people think as I have the feeling that's something that many people don't do enough on their own. It's always good to stay critical towards news or opinions from others as you'll be able to notice in an earlier stage when there's something wrong and you can choose the right side.

3. Thematically speaking, have anything changed from when you first started with Epica or do you follow the same pattern?

Mark: In the beginning I used to write about religion a lot but I have noticed it doesn't satisfy me that much anymore to write about it. Important is that we respect each other, especially regarding religions. In the end everyone who believes in a God, believes eventually in the same thing. Religions/believers divide people if they don't respect each other. Nowadays I write more about the combination of science and spirituality as I think that these two need to find each other along the way and meet somewhere in the middle. Due to science we know a lot about nature, physics and the laws of nature but there's always a big wall at the end of the road which science bumps into. Simply because science can never reveal all the answers in my opinion. Using our intuition we know a lot too and we should use this aspect more in order to find out more about the secrets of life.

4. In which way celebrity and success influenced you? How can you handle that in your daily life?

Mark: I think it didn't change me, I'm still the same guy as I would be without playing in a famous band. The reason for that is that I don't think we are any more special than other human beings. Everybody is special and unique. Also everybody has unique talents. We have followed our hearts and therefor we have reached already many of our goals but everybody can! You just should follow your heart and intuition as they guide you on your way. I won't say it's easy but in the end all goals are within reach. Just stay realistic, and if you ignore your heart and keep following a path that's not meant for you than it can become a struggle. In my daily life I love to spend time with my dogs and cats and cycle and explore beautiful places in nature.

5. Which role plays religion in your lyrics?

Mark: Like I said before it's been a topic mainly from the beginning. Everybody is curious about why we are here and what are our goals in life. There are many possible truths and many people are searching. I just think fear is not a good guide. You find horror stories in all kinds of religions. I think religions contain many good sides but the frightening parts that some spiritual leaders use in order to control their followers are just a trick. Many religions are big companies which need to earn money. Once you see that you are able to see the bigger picture and just use the information that is really helpful in order to grow as spiritual beings.

6. Does Epica help you overcome any doubts about life in general? The music you’re playing helps you to express even the weirdest thoughts that are crossing your mind?

Mark: Yes, due to Epica I get to talk with people who express their thoughts about certain topics. I meet many interesting people and have interesting discussions with some of them. In general due to Epica I could travel a lot and by traveling you learn a lot as well and get more open minded. The weirdest thoughts crossing my mind definitely find their way in Epica as well, musically we can realise and express the way we feel.

7.What are Epica’s plans for the future? Do you have anything planned?

Mark: First of all we need to overcome some bad luck, during the USA tour Simone had to fly back home due to health issues of her family and Coen had to sit out the tour already due to health issues of his wife. We had no other choice than to cancel the tour which is a very hard decision to make. But I'm sure we will get even stronger by the misfortune and overcome it. Up next are the Romanian festival and a european tour.

8. I know you love cycling! When was your last serious ride with your bike?

Mark: During the USA tour I made some nice rides before it got canceled. One fantastic ride in Grand Rapids, the nature is amazing there. Now I am sitting in the plane on the way back home. For sure I will do some more riding once I'm back at home.

9. One last thought for our readers and your fans?

Mark: Thanks a lot for all your support and especially during the hard times, we appreciate that a lot!



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