Svalbard: What lockdown has taught us
Svalbard look back at the lessons of 2020 as they prepare to unleash fury in The K! Pit, in association with Nordic Spirit
Words: Phil Alexander
Photos: Esmé Surfleet
“I’ve been writing solo black metal record. It’s nearly finished and it’s coming out next year,” says Svalbard’s Serena Cherry. Like most musicians facing down the pandemic, the guitarist/singer has been left to her own devices during much of this year, navigating periods of lockdown by finding new ways of expressing herself.
“I didn’t know how to use recording software or how to programme drums, but I learnt how to do all that,” she says. “Not to sound mean, but writing all the stuff myself, means that I don’t have to compromise. With the band, we all write together and you have to learn that if someone doesn’t like your lead part then it won’t be part of the song. This has been different. It’s been really indulgent and great!”
Svalbard: “When shows come back, they will be different”
Svalbard’s Serena Cherry looks forward to post-pandemic gigs as the band announce their K! Pit show, in association with Nordic Spirit.
Words: Phil Alexander
Photos: Esmé Surfleet
Serena Cherry is standing in front of a film crew in an empty venue with tears in her eyes. Her and her bandmates in Svalbard are ensconced in Blondies, the fabled East London dive bar, where they are being filmed for our internet-shattering live series, The K! Pit hosted in association with Nordic Spirit.
One song into their 30-minute set and the singer has clearly been hit by a wave of emotion. The reason is simple enough: this is the Bristol metal crew’s first show since February and their first since the release of their third album, the universally acclaimed When I Die, Will I Get Better?.