Cellar Twins Interview

Cellar Twins are a Belgian rock group comprising of four members and got together in 2014.

Since then they have received a number of awards and latest album ‘Duality’ received top marks on both Wildspiritz Music and Independent Music Showcase sites. We managed to get hold of them and during a rare break from playing we managed to throw a few questions their way.

How did you come up with the name Cellar Twins and does it have any specific meaning?

“Funnily enough, Jeff (lead guitar) and Francesco (drums) initially met as members of a very soft French variety band. However, the need for high gain guitars and powerful drum fills was too strong and Jeff decided to create something new and much heavier. On the technical side, given that rehearsals initially took place in a basement, the band name Cellar Twins came as an obvious choice. On the artistic side, it was also an attempt to translate the unique style we created into words, something intriguing, dark and intense with many different meanings.”

Reading through your social media you play extensively throughout Belgium at standalone gigs and festivals. Do you have any plans to play further afield in the future and possibly the UK?

“We already have a couple of gigs for 2020 but most of our booking process is still ongoing. However, we would love to play in the UK as soon as possible!”

As your reputation grows are there any plans for your social media to also have an English version?

“Yes, this is ongoing! As most of our fans so far are French-speaking, we kept it in French, but now that Duality is out, we will move to EN/FR versions on our social media.”

‘Duality’ is a fabulous album. Did it take long to write and were there any difficulties?

“Thank you very much for the kind words! The album took two years from start to finish. Right after our EP, we wanted to improve and create a full-length album that would be a bit heavier and deeper while retaining the melodic side we love, further defining the Cellar Twins identity. Some songs were difficult to finish, either due to the personal meaning of the lyrics, making it hard to write, or because we felt they had not reached their full potential.”

“We did the best we could, and this is how Duality was made! Based on what you’ve just said, it seems we’ve done a pretty good job!”

 What is your writing process like and where do you draw your inspiration from?

“Regarding the writing process, Jeff usually comes up with most of the guitar riffs and melody ideas while lyrics are written by both Carl and Jeff. Then the band works as a whole to turn it all into the best tracks possible. We draw inspiration from a lot of different bands and styles. We all listen to Alter Bridge, Avenged Sevenfold, Volbeat, Dream Theatre, Killswitch Engage, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, Korn, Bring Me The Horizon, etc. We also listen to electro, classical, pop, pretty much everything!”

What do you guys do when you have some downtime?

“Well, there is usually no real downtime! When we’re not rehearsing or gigging, we either write or record demo material or get in touch with our fans on social media. It’s a never-ending process but that’s how we like it!”

Are you booked for any festivals next year?

“We already have a couple of gigs for 2020 but most of our booking process is still ongoing.”

Will you be touring ‘Duality’ next year?

“We already have a couple gigs for 2020 but most of our booking process is still ongoing.”

When do you think that we might see the next single or video release from you guys?

“In a couple weeks at most! There is already a video on its way for the song ‘Millennium,’ but we also shot a live video for the song Molotov Parade during our release party. So, keep an eye out!”

Is there anything that you would like to say to your growing number of fans?

“An enormous thank you to all of you for your love and support! We worked (and still work) very hard to give you our best and you give it back 10-fold! We are incredibly grateful!  Cellar Twins is on its way!”

Of all the bands you like and are influenced by, who would you like to play with the most and why?

“Alter Bridge would probably be a great choice given the similarities in styles and that several members of Cellar Twins really look up to them! However, we would be truly honoured to play with any of the band we've cited above!”

What’s the future looking like for Cellar Twins?

“Bring your sunglasses 'cause it's gonna be bright! Now on a more serious note, we have at least 2 videos coming to support our new album, the 2020 tour is in preparation, and we've already been asked for a second album (for which we already have awesome demos and ideas). So, in one word, our future is looking great!”  

Any final words?

“Thank you again for the very flattering album review, and we hope to see you guys at one of our gigs soon very soon!”

Words by Ernest Platt