We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Allen of Slanderus a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Allen thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s the best or worst investment you’ve made (either in terms of time or money)? (Note, these responses are only intended as entertainment and shouldn’t be construed as investment advice)

In an attempt to improve shoes with the ultimate goal to become famous I purchased a lot of expensive lighting equipment in order to improve Our shows. The idea made sense in my head, but the lighting equipment posed many issues in the practical application stage of setting them up at venues. The main problem was the logistics of transporting all the equipment and hiring someone to run the lights while we played. Due to us not being very well known we would be restricted to dive bars. As a result all the lighting equipment spent the majority of it’s time spend collecting dust.

Allen , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m Allen, a passionate vocalist and musician who embarked on a journey into the enchanting world of music at a young age. My love for music was sparked by my mothers passion for music, which fueled my desire to explore the vast and diverse landscape of sound.

As a musician, I specialize in singing, drawing inspiration from system of a down, disturbed, linkin park. My journey began with my vocal talents being praised while singing along to songs in the car, which ignited my commitment to pursuing excellence in my craft.

In terms of what I offer, my musical endeavors extend to 4 professional recordings, two music videos, and hundreds of live performances. I am dedicated to providing the audience a sense of unity, and harmony through my music, aiming to transport listeners to a world where emotions resonate and stories unfold, and to experience the purity of their being.

One of the key aspects that sets me apart is my commitment to no method. I act as though things are where they need to be. Whether it’s innovative techniques, a fusion of genres, or a commitment to storytelling everything is as spontaneous as possible , I I feel this no approach, approach gives a distinctive musical experience that captivates and resonates with my audience.

In terms of problem-solving, my music aims to give the listener and experience of letting them know that they are the same as me. That there there individual self should not be taken seriously. I believe that music has the power to heal, inspire, and unite people, and I am committed to contributing positively to the lives of my listeners.

For potential clients, followers, or fans, I want them to know that my work is a reflection of authenticity and a deep love for the art of music. I invite you to join me on this sonic journey, where every note tells a story, and each melody carries the weight of genuine emotion.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I see four approaches that could help the arts world

Investment in Arts Education:

Prioritize and invest in arts education at all levels. Encourage creativity from a young age, fostering an environment where artistic expression is seen as integral to personal and intellectual development.
Accessible Funding Opportunities:

Establish and expand funding opportunities for artists and creatives. This could include grants, scholarships, and subsidies for both emerging and established talents. Ensuring accessibility is vital, promoting diversity and inclusivity within the creative landscape.

Supportive Infrastructure:

Develop and maintain cultural spaces, studios, and venues that provide artists with affordable and accessible places to create and showcase their work. These spaces serve as hubs for artistic collaboration and community engagement.
Fair Compensation and Recognition:

Recognize the economic value of artistic work by ensuring fair compensation. Implement policies that protect artists’ rights and intellectual property, and promote fair pay for performances, exhibitions, and contributions to various media.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Our band, a tight-knit group of friends bonded by our love for heavy music, faced its share of challenges. The local scene was not always receptive to the idea of a metal band emerging from their close-knit community. Yet, we pressed on, fueled by a shared passion that transcended the skepticism of those who doubted our ability to bring the power and intensity of slanderus to the forefront.

My journey began with an unyielding determination to defy expectations. The stereotype of a metal vocalist often carried with it a set of preconceived notions, but I was determined to break those molds. I delved into my vocal training, honing my screams and growls, ensuring that every lyric carried the weight and emotion demanded by it’s supporting melodies.

The local scene, accustomed to more mainstream sounds, raised eyebrows at first. We faced rejection from some venues, whispers of skepticism from fellow musicians, and puzzled looks from those who couldn’t fathom the marriage of melodic storytelling and heavy riffs.

But rather than succumb to discouragement, our band used these challenges as catalysts for growth. We played in unconventional spaces, from dive bars to makeshift stages in the outskirts of town. Our persistence slowly began to win over the hearts of a dedicated few who recognized the authenticity and raw power of our music.

One defining moment came during a battle of the bands, a local event that brought together musicians from various genres. As the only metal band in the competition, we felt the weight of expectations and the skeptical glances from the crowd. Yet, as I stepped up to the microphone, I channeled the resilience that had been forged in countless rehearsals and late-night jam sessions.

With each scream and every note, I poured my soul into the performance. The crowd, initially unsure, began to respond. Heads started to nod, and the energy in the room shifted. We roared through our set, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of those who had never imagined that a local metal band could command a stage with such authority.

To our surprise we won the competition and received an artists painting and a small cash prize. that night, the resilience of our band became a talking point. Our reputation as a group that defied expectations grew, and doors that were once closed began to creak open. We continued to play shows, each one an opportunity to prove that we had something to say.

Through every rejection and every doubting glance, I learned that resilience wasn’t just about enduring; it was about transforming challenges into stepping stones.

And so, in the heart of Ontario, our metal band roars on, a symbol of resilience and a reminder that sometimes the most potent melodies are forged in the fires of tenacity.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://slanderus.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slanderusinc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/slanderus
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Slanderus
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/slanderus

Image Credits
@arkmmedia @astralmedia