It seems pretty many bands prefer not to mention their influences nowadays. Why’s that? Are they too scared of being labeled as sounding like some other act? Or do they really think that their sound is totally new and original in 2011? Or are they too hip or indie to admit their influences? If you really don’t have a weird or an unique approach with your music you should be brave enough and just tell your influences.
The Duke had also a period of time when we didn’t want to put our influences on The Duke’s website or MySpace as it seemed to turn against us. Sometimes the critics and even the puplic can be so black and white minded that if you have a certain kind of an element or a sound in your music (for example my voice and how I use the falsetto) you’re just trying to be some other band. In our case, the common opinion seems to be that we try to be Muse. At first we were proud as we got this honour but then it started to feel frustrating as the stamp sticked with us once in a while. We never wanted to sound like Muse though we admire their music and sure we have a plenty of the same influences. In our case, our biggest influence is Queen. It has always been all about Queen and their early albums (I, II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at The Opera, A Day at The Races). Off course the comparison is always the most obvious pick and the most closest act from the modern music scene. But now I feel different again. I don’t really mind if someone has made up one’s mind about us sounding like Muse. Fuck it! They’re awesome and we haven’t stolen their melodies, lyrics or Matt Bellamy’s guitar riffs. And most of all, if you like their music, you will (with a big probability) like The Duke’s music as well. Sure, we’re not as modern and heavy but it’s for sure we have the same audience – and we love you all!
If you have reference artists or bands you should tell them. Then it’s easier for the puplic to find your music as one can do comparisons. So, that it wouldn’t be a big ass mystery from now on we can proudly declare our influences: Queen, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, VETO, Egotrippi, The Ark, Weeping Willows, The Beatles, Jeff Buckley, Doves and many many more! And MUSE(!)
Here’s a highly influential live performance by Queen from the sweet and rockin’ 1970′s, watch it!
// Mikko //
