Keeping their beady one on the prize has paid off for local band EYE.
The Dubai musicians had a taste of the big time when they opened for Anathema last September. But not content with stopping there the guys have struck gold again and won the coveted spot as the opening act for American goth-rock legends Evanescence this weekend.
EYE, which stands for Empty Yard Experiment, blends post, alternative and
progressive rock. Throw in some inspiration from Middle East politics and a novel approach to visual
expression of music and you have a taste of why these guys are up there with the best.
Mehdi Gr is on lead guitar, Gorgin Asadi on the keys, Kaveh Kashani plays the bass, Sasan Sam sits behind the drum kit, visuals contrived by Altamash Urooj and Bojan Preradovic handles vocals
and rhythm guitar. With the exception of Bojan and Altamash, who are from Serbia and
Pakistan/Venezuela, respectively, all of EYE’s members hail from Iran.
Q. How did the band originally form?
A. The band was formed in 2006 when a few kindred spirits from the local scene came together with their varied musical influences and started experimenting with profound ways to present their sonic creations – both across aural and visual landscapes.
Q. Describe the music in one sentence?
A. Experimental, progressive, intimate and emotionally engaging.
Q. Original music or covers?
A. We only play original songs.
Q. Best and worst thing about being in a local band?
A. The UAE is home to an immense amount of musical talent and it is a privilege for us to be part of and to be able to contribute to some of the incredible material local artists have been producing. Unfortunately, however, there is little support for local bands in financial terms, which limits their ability to break out and reach wider regional and international audiences.
Q. Who writes the songs and what is the main inspiration? Has Dubai ever inspired a song?
A. We write all of the songs together. Each song is collectively crafted, which makes the experience a memorable one for everyone involved. Like all songwriters and performing artists out there, we are inspired by the world around us and the unique perspectives we have on life. Dubai is our home and platform through which we experience our existence on a daily basis. So it certainly plays a part.
Q. What were the first words you said to each other when you found out you’d be supporting Evanescence?
A. Awesome. We’d better double our rehearsal time.
Q. Is it nerve-wracking?
A. It’s more thrilling than anything else. We have played in front of a large audience before and it’s always an opportunity to connect with new people and expand your support base. Both our music and performances are fashioned in a manner intended to elicit an emotional response, and we cherish the prospect of being able to do that.
Q. How did you get selected in the first place?
A. We got word from a friend that Evanescence were coming to town. We applied for the opening spot through the promoter, and we got it. Incidentally, our opening set for Anathema was a good reference.
Q. If you could support anyone who would it be and why?
A. Between the five of us we grew up listening to bands like Tool, Porcupine Tree, King Crimson, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden and Nine Inch Nails. Sharing a stage with even one of those giants would be a dream come true.
Q. What’s next for you guys? Singles/albums?
A. We are scheduled to perform at Holland’s ProgPower Europe 2012 festival in October. After that, we are planning to hit the studio and record our second album.
Q. How do we hear more?
A. For news and updates, find us on Facebook (eyeband), Twitter (@EYExperiment), or go to our official website www.emptyyardexperiment.com Our album is available for download on iTunes, Amazon, CD Baby, and other digital distribution outlets.
