After the power and grandeur of its debut, “Free Admission for the Damned,” The Nightmare Stage returns with its new opus. With complex, layered arrangements and more attention to song craft, The Nightmare Stage has achieved the perfect balance of epic melody, crushing brutality, and progressive flavor. Mixing the runaway speed of “Returns Again” with the militaristic foreboding of “Dark Skies” and the sweeping majesty of “From Below,” the band has created a breathtaking ride from the album’s exposition to the moment…… the curtain…… closes
A: We are the Nightmare Stage. In thinking of a name, we wanted something that would marry darker imagery with the idea of grandiosity. And what is more grandiose and bombastic than your own nightmares played out on a theatrical stage?
What is your name and what do you do for the band?
A: My name is Marc Muchnik. I am the keyboardist and main song writer for the band.
2.Tell us where you are based and describe the scene. How do you think where you are located influences your sound.
A:We are based in Long Island, New York. The scene is very underground but dedicated. I got into it later on, as I’m a bit younger than the rest of the guys, but everyone else has been a part of it for going on 30 years. While there are a few great bands around here, I’ve always looked to bands from Europe for true inspiration.
3.Who influences your sound that would surprise people?
A: Honestly, I don’t think any of our influences would floor people. A ½ cup each of Maiden and Sabbath, 2 tbsp of Nevermore, and a healthy dash of Symphony X. In a nutshell. Of course I feel like we have somewhat of a unique sound. What may surprise people is that I write many of the guitar riffs on piano and keys, and then give them over to Craig (our guitarist) who runs with it. I come from a classically trained background so there is a strong classical influence running through the material, but that probably wouldn’t shock people.
4.Are you endorsed by musical companies , if so who , and if not who would you like to be endorsed by?
A: Not at the current moment. Can’t really think of one off the top of my head.
5.When you started what was your ultimate goal? And how close to the goal are you now?
A:Our goal has always been to put out killer, complex, and heavy music. Getting signed to Pure Steel Records was a huge moment and validated the musical journeys of many of us in the band. We want to get the vision of the Nightmare Stage to the furthest reaches of the globe possible.
6.In today's digital environment it takes creative strategy to keep things moving. What creative ideas do you have to keep your band relevant over time?
A:Our last album was completed almost 10 years ago, and we feel that with the new one, there has been an evolution in our sound while retaining the core aspects that made it appealing to fans in the first place. This time, we also sought out unique and relevant artwork (courtesy of Danish artist Natascha Friis) to boost the entire presentation. We really took a lot of care in making sure the finished product would be something we would be proud of.
7.We've all seen a terrible live band that is awesome on CD. Is that cool with you or do you lose respect for bands that cannot pull it off live?
A: It is very important to me to recreate as much of the recorded experience live. As a keyboardist, I do not work with backing tracks, and will physically push myself to the limit of what I can pull off in the live setting. I feel it is more authentic that way and important for your self respect as a musician. Play your instruments!
8.Tell us your “core” are you Metal , Rock , Punk , Pop etc because people just have to categorize these days you know?
A: Metal to the core.
9.This is a tough question but a very real reality, Is your band actually talented or just popular?
A: Everyone in the Nightmare Stage is an exceptional musician who has worked at their craft for decades. We all bring different strengths to the writing and performing process. Of course, it all starts with the vocalist, and Scott (Oliva) is as talented as they come. I feel like the new album has really pushed him to explore his range. He could always effortlessly nail those high notes, but the more mid range stuff is really shining through as well and adds to the complexity of the material.
Many bands make it with a cliche or publicity stunts etc. Would you accept fame even if it was just because of being the “ in” thing or is it actually important to you that you gain favor with talent?’
A: Hell fucking no!
10.Tell us what to expect from you live. Nothing is more boring than watching bands stare at the floor and bob their heads to music nobody but the band knows. What can your band offer in a live setting that people will remember?
A: Again, this question always starts and ends with the front man/vocalist. Scott is an incredibly active front man. From that first note he’s stalking and lurching across the stage. He sets the tone for the power of the live show. I also like to move around, and you may find me extending through the bottom of my stand in some crazy yoga pose. That is, if I not trying to switch between 3 different tones on the Motiff (laughs).
11. What releases have you put out , When will we see something new?
A: We self financed our first album, “Free Admission for the Damned” in 2010. Our 2nd album, “When the Curtain Closes” will be released through Pure Steel Records on April 26th. So, in reference to your second question, very soon!
12. If you have videos where can we see them?
1.What is the name of your band and how did you come up with it?
A: We are the Nightmare Stage. In thinking of a name, we wanted something that would marry darker imagery with the idea of grandiosity. And what is more grandiose and bombastic than your own nightmares played out on a theatrical stage?
What is your name and what do you do for the band?
A: My name is Marc Muchnik. I am the keyboardist and main song writer for the band.
2.Tell us where you are based and describe the scene. How do you think where you are located influences your sound.
A:We are based in Long Island, New York. The scene is very underground but dedicated. I got into it later on, as I’m a bit younger than the rest of the guys, but everyone else has been a part of it for going on 30 years. While there are a few great bands around here, I’ve always looked to bands from Europe for true inspiration.
3.Who influences your sound that would surprise people?
A: Honestly, I don’t think any of our influences would floor people. A ½ cup each of Maiden and Sabbath, 2 tbsp of Nevermore, and a healthy dash of Symphony X. In a nutshell. Of course I feel like we have somewhat of a unique sound. What may surprise people is that I write many of the guitar riffs on piano and keys, and then give them over to Craig (our guitarist) who runs with it. I come from a classically trained background so there is a strong classical influence running through the material, but that probably wouldn’t shock people.
4.Are you endorsed by musical companies , if so who , and if not who would you like to be endorsed by?
A: Not at the current moment. Can’t really think of one off the top of my head.
5.When you started what was your ultimate goal? And how close to the goal are you now?
A:Our goal has always been to put out killer, complex, and heavy music. Getting signed to Pure Steel Records was a huge moment and validated the musical journeys of many of us in the band. We want to get the vision of the Nightmare Stage to the furthest reaches of the globe possible.
6.In today's digital environment it takes creative strategy to keep things moving. What creative ideas do you have to keep your band relevant over time?
A:Our last album was completed almost 10 years ago, and we feel that with the new one, there has been an evolution in our sound while retaining the core aspects that made it appealing to fans in the first place. This time, we also sought out unique and relevant artwork (courtesy of Danish artist Natascha Friis) to boost the entire presentation. We really took a lot of care in making sure the finished product would be something we would be proud of.
7.We've all seen a terrible live band that is awesome on CD. Is that cool with you or do you lose respect for bands that cannot pull it off live?
A: It is very important to me to recreate as much of the recorded experience live. As a keyboardist, I do not work with backing tracks, and will physically push myself to the limit of what I can pull off in the live setting. I feel it is more authentic that way and important for your self respect as a musician. Play your instruments!
8.Tell us your “core” are you Metal , Rock , Punk , Pop etc because people just have to categorize these days you know?
A: Metal to the core.
9.This is a tough question but a very real reality, Is your band actually talented or just popular?
A: Everyone in the Nightmare Stage is an exceptional musician who has worked at their craft for decades. We all bring different strengths to the writing and performing process. Of course, it all starts with the vocalist, and Scott (Oliva) is as talented as they come. I feel like the new album has really pushed him to explore his range. He could always effortlessly nail those high notes, but the more mid range stuff is really shining through as well and adds to the complexity of the material.
Many bands make it with a cliche or publicity stunts etc. Would you accept fame even if it was just because of being the “ in” thing or is it actually important to you that you gain favor with talent?’
A: Hell fucking no!
10.Tell us what to expect from you live. Nothing is more boring than watching bands stare at the floor and bob their heads to music nobody but the band knows. What can your band offer in a live setting that people will remember?
A: Again, this question always starts and ends with the front man/vocalist. Scott is an incredibly active front man. From that first note he’s stalking and lurching across the stage. He sets the tone for the power of the live show. I also like to move around, and you may find me extending through the bottom of my stand in some crazy yoga pose. That is, if I not trying to switch between 3 different tones on the Motiff (laughs).
11. What releases have you put out , When will we see something new?
A: We self financed our first album, “Free Admission for the Damned” in 2010. Our 2nd album, “When the Curtain Closes” will be released through Pure Steel Records on April 26th. So, in reference to your second question, very soon!
12. If you have videos where can we see them?
https://youtu.be/6AaqOX1mcLE
13.Everybody has Bandcamp , ReverbNation , Soundcloud , etc
Why do you think this is so important? Doesn't it seem like everyone is giving everything out for free?
A: It’s our current reality, so I’m fine with it if it gets people to listen.
14.Best moment of your career so far?
A: Signing to Pure Steel Records.
15.Your message to the fans?
The initial response has been amazing and humbling. We do this because we are fans first and foremost, and as such write music that we would want to listen to. Thank you for your support!
Bonus Question who do you bring back
Dime , Cliff , Dio , Lemmy , Randy
Dime was the most tragic loss that happened when I was a fan, but I miss Dio the most.
Dark Skies, our first single!
13.Everybody has Bandcamp , ReverbNation , Soundcloud , etc
Why do you think this is so important? Doesn't it seem like everyone is giving everything out for free?
A: It’s our current reality, so I’m fine with it if it gets people to listen.
14.Best moment of your career so far?
A: Signing to Pure Steel Records.
15.Your message to the fans?
The initial response has been amazing and humbling. We do this because we are fans first and foremost, and as such write music that we would want to listen to. Thank you for your support!
Bonus Question who do you bring back
Dime , Cliff , Dio , Lemmy , Randy
Dime was the most tragic loss that happened when I was a fan, but I miss Dio the most.
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