Unsigned Spotlight: Ape On The Rocket
Ape On The Rocket is a dynamic metal band hailing from Kaliningrad, Russia. Their music defies genre boundaries.
Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
Alex Sh - Drums, composer
Alex G - Guitar, composer
Sergey M - Bass
Sergey Fil - Vocals, manager
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Ape On The Rocket? How long has the band been around?
We’ve been Ape On The Rocket from the start, and next year will mark our 10th anniversary.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
This has always been our original name, and we’ve never changed it.
Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs, and do you think these topics will change over time?
Both Alexes write the music, but they usually work separately. Fil writes the lyrics, and sometimes he collaborates with one or both Alexes on the music. The themes of our songs often align with metal’s staples, such as death, love, religion, and politics. Occasionally, we touch on personal experiences or more abstract ideas.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Our band members have very diverse musical tastes. You could say our influences range from black metal to rap, pop, and Berlin techno.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
I can’t recall a single exact name, but let’s say bands like Architects and Slaughter to Prevail have been huge inspirations for us.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, etc.?
A great show starts with a great morning. We like to do some light exercise or yoga, followed by a calm, enjoyable breakfast. We also avoid booze and drugs before performing. And the most important tradition? A kebab after soundcheck!
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
It has to be our opening slots for bands like Adept, Black Tongue, Nasty, and I Set My Friends On Fire. Our music videos, especially for "Good Luck" and the upcoming ones for "Hope" and "Follower," are also standout moments for us.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Led Zeppelin — because they’re simply the greatest band of all time.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
We strongly recommend checking out our full discography. Over the past ten years, we’ve created a wide variety of music, so no matter what kind of core listener you are, we’re confident you’ll find something you love. Peace!