WAYS - When There's A Will... (Metalcore/Post-Hardcore - Interview with Nico).
- Please, introduce yourself and tell us how it all began?
Hi, I'm Nico, and I'm a guitarist in the band WAYS. The band has officially existed since 2016 with Clément joining as the vocalist, the self-recording of our first EP, and our first tours. The first songs were written between 2013 and 2015 when my brother Bruno and I were looking for musicians to form a new band.
The current lineup consists of Clément on vocals, Anthony on bass, Etienne on drums, and Bruno and me on guitar. We all come from different projects and have many years of band experience behind us. We formed WAYS. at the end of a previous project (Rise of Echoes). Bruno and I were determined to write new songs, establish a new artistic project, and, most importantly, play live.
- Describe your sound and explain why I should listen to YOUR band at all costs?
We oscillate between metalcore, post-hardcore, and modern metal. Our goal is to bring our own artistic vision to the scene, with a sound that we hope stands out in its own way. While there are many incredible bands out there, we strive to bring something personal and distinctive to our music. Whether you like Ways. or not, we put a lot of heart into crafting something that feels true to us.
- Musical inspirations/influences?
Our main inspirations when writing the first songs were bands that Bruno and I really love, like Counterparts, The Ghost Inside, Poison The Well, A Day To Remember or even Norma Jean. We’re very much influenced by these bands in our creative approach. And of course, as the songwriting process progresses, the songs evolve with the feelings and inspirations of each band member.
As far as the lyrics are concerned, there are indeed specific thoughts and reflections that we develop. I'd even say there are recurring themes. We often talk about human behavior, which is frequently harmful to ourselves and to animal life. Animal welfare, in particular, is a very important subject in our songs. Clément, who writes the lyrics, also shares his reflections and feelings about past personal experiences.
- What about your latest album?
In 2022, we changed our lineup and were in the middle of composing what would become « Are We Still Alive? » At the time, our goal was not only to write new music but also to return to live performances and adapt our songs to the new members. That’s why we decided to re-record "So Far So Good". We wanted to introduce our new lineup with a song that would mark the beginning of a new chapter for the band. Of course, we also aimed to push our production further.
Nicolas Exposito from LANDMVRKS took on the production of this first single, ultimately defining the artistic direction for the rest of the EP. He brought a much more modern and impactful sound to our music. In the end, we worked with him on three tracks (So Far So Good, Why Do We Fall?, and Erase). Due to time constraints on his end, Robin from Resolve took over for the last two tracks of the EP. Robin seamlessly adapted to Nico’s production style, ensuring the entire record remained cohesive. Working with both Nico and Robin was an incredibly rewarding experience.
« Are We Still Alive? » is a question we’ve often asked ourselves regarding the band's situation over the past three years. Between two years of the COVID crisis, which prevented us from seeing each other, rehearsing, and playing live, lineup changes, and significant life changes for some of our members that affected how we work, compose, and record, we’ve had to constantly find ways to keep going. We’re proud to have made it through and to finally be releasing this new EP.
Naturally, the themes explored in the songs align with this question. It carries a double meaning. First, it reflects our own journey. We’ve been around for a while, and despite all the good things we’ve accomplished, we’ve also faced an incredible number of challenges. We’ve had to adapt and find solutions countless times just to keep moving forward. When COVID hit, we endured two very difficult years and repeatedly asked ourselves: Are we still alive as a band? Do we still have the drive to keep going? The answer is a resounding yes.
Second, the question extends beyond us, it speaks to our world, our society, and our relationship with one another, as well as with other species that share this planet.
The EP cover was photographed by our bassist, Anthony, who also shot all the music videos for each single. The model on the cover is @kalilaureine (IG), and the makeup was done by Tiffany Damermant. The EP is available on all streaming platforms, and a physical CD version can be ordered via our Bandcamp or directly from our merch stand.
- What are your plans for the future?
We’ve been touring France and Europe since February 2024 to promote our EP, and we still have a few dates in 2025 to continue this journey. Meanwhile, we’re actively working on our first album.
- Your wildest dream with the band would be?
There are quite a few, but I’d say that within the next 2 or 3 years, we’d love to play at Hellfest and have the opportunity to tour Japan.
- Your BEST & WORST concert and why?
I’ll start with the worst! After our first tour in Spain in 2016, we were invited to play a great little gig in Paris alongside two amazing bands, Mont Doré and Fall Of Messiah. The show was organized by Alex, the singer of The Prestige. Long story short: our bassist couldn’t make it, two strings broke (one on my main guitar and one on my backup), and I had a rather long sound cut-off in the middle of a song. What a nightmare!
As for the best, it’s hard to choose, but I’d probably say our second show in Cuba in 2019. There was a really strong connection between us and the audience, something almost magical, where we were all completely in the moment. It’s an incredibly intense memory..
- Next live appearance(s)?
We’ll be playing on March 15 at Dropkick (Orléans), March 29 at Camino (Caen), April 11 at the Viry Tattoo Fest convention with Lies We Sold and Resolve, April 12 at In Your Fest with Dropdead Chaos, Akiavel (Thorigny-sur-Marne), and more, May 9 at KJBI (Montpellier), May 10 at Moun’s for Wall Of Death Fest 3 (Les Barthes), and more shows to be announced.
- A few words about your local scene - any bands you're friends with that you'd like to name?
The local scene in France is truly impressive. I keep discovering new bands every day, and the level of quality is just insane. As for us, we’ve spent a lot of time on the road this year with our friends from Lies We Sold and Colossus of Destiny. We also want to give a shout-out to our buddies in Leahtan, who are making a strong comeback this year. And of course, a huge thank you to all the bands we’ve met throughout the tour, including Prosaic, Windshelter, Mokery, A Bitter End, Everaged, While Oceans Burn…
- The last word is yours...
Thank you so much for your questions and for your interest in our project. We really appreciate your work in supporting the metal scene. Let’s all do our part to keep it alive, listen to local bands, go to shows, share, like, and It’s all of us together who make this scene thrive. We love you.
More Interviews
