Defying Expectations With LUCAS, NAV And MERRY From TO OCTAVIA

Melbourne rock/metal outfit To Octavia have shown their hand early in their career, resisting the temptation to follow in the path of easier acceptance in preference for staying true to their art.
With the breakout success of their EP Somewhere In A World, Not Of The Dream, it would have been tempting and sensible to rehash the same winning formula for their debut album Melodrama. Their sound had obviously struck a chord with the music-loving public, and more of the same would have likely instantly propelled them into the next level of aspiring artists. But more of the same wasn't on the minds of To Octavia, who instead followed a darker, heavier path more in keeping line with their own musical progression, leaving behind the safety net they had worked so hard for and once again throwing their choices and music at the mercy of the public.
It was a decision that has already shown dividends with four singles already making a splash, and with Melodrama coming out this Friday, October 31, it seems like the band's bold decision to defy expectations is not going to backfire on them.
HEAVY caught up with guitarist Nav Jay, vocalist Merry Kirk-Holmes and drummer Lucas Keurntjes to chat more and start by asking how they are feeling on the cusp of the album's release.
"Very excited," enthused Merry. "This album has been in the works for a very long time, so it's really exciting to finally get it out."
We ask the boys to dive deeper into Melodrama musically.
"We were all on the same page when we were writing it and taking it to whatever it was going to be," Merry replied. "We didn't know it was going to be an album at the time. But I guess there's more of a darker tone than the previous EP, Wonderland, which is a bit more upbeat, a bit more poppy and rocky. We decided naturally that we'd go back to our more metal influences, like our roots, really. And that led to experimenting more and more with different kinds of sounds and things."
In the full interview, To Octavia tell us more about the musical side of Melodrama and how it is heavier than previous offerings. They detail their thoughts on taking the music in a darker direction and discuss the need to further expand their sound rather than play it safe.
They discussed how their music has grown and will continue to grow, how Nav is fitting in to the band, the risk of alienating existing fans with the new direction and more.


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