From Moscow to Bloodstock: Imperial Age’s Journey and Defiance in Metal

In this episode, Pipeman interviews Ayo from Imperial Age at Bloodstock Festival. The conversation delves into the band's journey from Moscow to the UK, their genre-bending musical evolution, the significance of artistic freedom, and the realities of pursuing a music career independently. Ayo shares personal stories of risk, inspiration, and gratitude to fans, while also promoting an upcoming Kickstarter campaign for Imperial Age's new album.Main Topics CoveredJourney from Russia to the UK and Bloodstock FestivalThe evolution and philosophy of Imperial Age's musicGenre bending and rejecting musical labelsThe importance of loving the process in music and lifeDIY approach and the challenges of independenceDetails about the new album Kickstarter campaignGratitude to fans and the metal communityKey Discussions & StoriesBloodstock Festival DebutAyo describes moving to the UK after leaving Moscow due to the war against Ukraine, forming a new band lineup, and playing the main stage at Bloodstock as an "absolute dream" 00:39.Pipeman welcomes Imperial Age to the Bloodstock "metal family" and praises the festival's sense of community 01:05.Band Philosophy and Musical EvolutionAyo explains Imperial Age's musical journey from symphonic power metal to a more genre-blending "powercore" sound, integrating breakdowns and extreme vocals 02:58.Both discuss the freedom modern artists have to break out of traditional genre boxes and how every song on an album can have a different vibe or genre 04:07.Rejecting Labels and Embracing UniquenessThe conversation mocks the proliferation of hyper-specific subgenres in metal, emphasizing that what's most important is making music and having fun 05:08.Pipeman and Ayo agree that true artistry comes from experimentation and refusing to be boxed in 04:35.Artist Motivation and Going All-InAyo shares the turning point when music became a full-time pursuit, leaving behind tutoring and medical careers for the band's success, thanks to fan support 07:21.The challenges and sacrifices of an independent music career are candidly discussed, including the importance of burning bridges and never having a fallback plan 09:03.The Role of Fun and AuthenticityBoth agree that fun and passion are crucial; a lack of enjoyment means audiences and competitors will notice 10:02.New Album and Fan SupportAyo reveals details about Imperial Age's Kickstarter campaign for their forthcoming album, highlighting its genre-bending nature and the importance of fan pledges for independent artists 10:44.Notable Quotes“When the war against Ukraine began, we said fuck it and left the country…we found a new band with a British and Italian lineup, and since then it's just been going up and up.” — Ayo 00:39"Our country is the UK now." — Ayo 01:51“Everybody today is genre bending…maybe you could call it something like powercore…to be honest, I don't even know how to call it.” — Ayo 02:58"Being an artist is all about experimentation and just playing what you feel, not because, oh, we have to go by this guideline of this subgenre." — Pipeman 03:42"I think that you should always do only the things which are fun for you." — Ayo 10:02"Never have plan Bs." — Ayo 09:03"We are running a Kickstarter campaign right now for our new album…kickstarter.imperialage.com. Every pledge is welcome." — Ayo 10:44Resources & Links MentionedImperial Age Kickstarter campaign: kickstarter.imperialage.com 10:56Follow Imperial Age on all streaming platforms and social media: Search "Imperial Age"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-adventures-of-pipeman--941822/support.Click Here to Subscribe for PERKS, BONUS Content & FREE GIVEWAYS!Follow @pipemanradio on all socials & Pipeman Radio Requests & Info at www.linktr.ee/pipemanradioStream The Adventures of Pipeman daily & live Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays at 1PM ET on W4CY Radio & Talk 4 TV. Download, Rate & Review the Podcast at The Adventures of Pipeman, Pipeman Radio, Talk 4 Media, iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & All Podcast Apps.