Please list all of your band members and their roles in the band.
We are Ways. from Paris, France with Clément (Vocals), Tony (Drums), Nico (Bass), Bruno (Guitar) and Niko (Guitar and Back Vocals).
For starters, what bands were you guys a part of prior to Ways? How long has the band been around?
Tony, Bruno and me (Niko) played in Rise of Echoes, Clément was the singer of Mike Revolta and Nico played guitar in Over the Earth. Ways. are been around since 2013 but since 2015 with Clément (Vocals) and more recently with Nico (Bass).
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed the band’s name before?
Ways. is the original name of the band. This name is about direction, the way to go to find some solutions and move on again and again. Nothing is blocked, there is always a way, an alternative to move on.
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?
All the lyrics were written by Clément, except for one song (Something To Say...) on our first EP called "Watching From Afar". For this new EP "AFTERMATH", Clément wrote all the lyrics. Ours songs speak about a lot of thing like ecology, global warming, poaching, animal mistreatment and human behavior. I don't know if these topics will change over time, it depend of consequences of human actions. I mean, for example, if poaching didn't exist, we would not talk about it. It's the same thing for all these topics, which are important for us.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
It's really difficult to give you an answer for this one. We love a lot of artists and kind of music. But, if we have to choose some bands who are curently an inspiration for us, we could say Deftones, Underoath, A Day To Remember, 36 Crazyfists, Trivium, Marilyn Manson and Aqme.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
For me (Niko), Deftones and Thrice. I'm an huge fan of these two bands. For Clément, Marilyn Manson, Trivium and Aqme. For Tony, Deftones and 36 Crazyfists. For Bruno, Deftones and A Day To Remember and for Nico, Tool and Pink Floyd.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
Now, a lot, things like flexing and vocals exercices. We can play one hour so we need to be prepared to keep the distance and make a great show.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
Many things. Our first show was in Paris with Napoleon (UK) and it was so cool to share a stage with those guys. After that, we did two tours in Spain with many great bands like Vendetta FM for example. And you know, meet some people after the show, speak with them, it's really human sharing which gives us big highlights.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Deftones, 36 crazyfists, Thrice and Underoath for international bands. In France, share the stage with band like AQME or Mass Hysteria would be so great.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Thanks for the interview and thanks for all the people who support us since all the time. This is just the beginning. Keep going to support your local artists, don't forget that a small band can grew up thanks to your support.