Female-fronted metal has a new player in the game, and this time it is the Israeli based Shiran whose namesake takes the vocal role and has delivered one of the cooler EP's to make its way across my desk in a long time.  I listen to it over and over digesting the different tones, sounds, and nuances.  Offered the chance to send Shiran a few question and get to know a little more than the basic press releases, I jumped at the chance and here is the result.

Toddstar: Well first of all I want to say thank you to you for taking time for us today. We really appreciate you taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule.

Shiran: Thank you for having me.

Toddstar: Let’s talk about the new EP, Warm Winter Day. What can you tell us about the album that a fan might not pick up on after one or two listens?

Shiran: first of all I would like to say that we are not a gothic metal band. We are trying to create something special, combining Djent metal with melodic country and jazz singing. So I would say: approach to this open minded for a different style of female vocals. This album is very personal. Whoever listens to it, will get to know me (Shiran) as a person.

Toddstar: Can you tell us a little bit about the inspiration behind the beautiful piece you put together, “The Child”?

Shiran: The child is a song I wrote about a very difficult time in my life. It's about a woman who is struggling with losing her inner child which symbolises losing hope and faith, still is fighting for her life. Elram recognized the pain in my words and wrote the powerful music around it. It became one of our heaviest songs.

Toddstar: The unrealeased track “Survivors Road” is strong and seems to fit well within the other songs recorded.  Why was this track left off of the EP?

Shiran: Well, we have recorded many songs that for now are waiting till we move ahead. Then they will all be released in a full length album. This EP represents our different styles in each song. And “Survivor's Road” will come back in the next album for sure.

Toddstar: The five songs have different tones and textures woven into them.  I love the way your clean melodic vocals offset the heavier music.  What gave you the idea or inspiration to create music with such a contrast?

Shiran: First of all I started working with Elram, my partner, and this just happened. I am a metal head, always was, my style of singing is warm and soulful. I could have become a jazz singer, but, metal is in my blood, so we have got the chance to have a special new metal genre in our hands. This is a collision of me and my country lyrics and singing and Elram's hard metal writing and production.

Toddstar: Now that the EP is complete and you have had time to step back from the material, are there any songs you find yourself enjoying more than others?

Shiran: Well, every song means the world to me but, “Burden's Off” is getting me excited every time because it's so strong and the vocals are high and painful, the music is fast and kicking and I was so angry when I wrote it. This song has released me.

Toddstar:  Any discussion of Shiran bringing a live show to North America to treat the US fans to a tour in 2015 to promote the material?

Shiran: We would be more than happy to, it depends on how things will roll from now. But don’t worry we are coming.

Toddstar: How would you describe the sound of Shiran to someone who had not heard your music?

Shiran: Shiran is a Djent metal band with clean jazzy vocals. Combining heavy sound with deep female singing.

Toddstar: Let’s discuss you for a moment.  What are your favorite and least favorite parts of being in a band?

Shiran: My favourite part in being in a band is being able to be myself. This is my destiny. Every other path would be a lie. Also, it is a lot of fun performing and hanging out in the studio. But being in a band that wants to seriously succeed is hard. The ambitions could drive you mad from time to time; controversies between band members can be nasty.

Toddstar: If you could go back in the history of time and choose one piece of music through the history of time that you wish you could have been a part of, what would it be?

Shiran: Dream Theatre - Images And Words, this is a magnificent album and I love its beautiful complexity.

Toddstar: What or who made you want to sing and be a rockstar for a living?

Shiran: What made me want to sing and be a rock star first was my voice. I always had a big loud voice and no matter what I did it wanted to come out. Also I hate doing almost anything else. I am a very external person so performing makes me feel good. I always admired metal frontman like Bruce Dickenson and Sabastian Bach and in time I realized I wanted to be like them.

Toddstar: If a fan of Shiran were to stumble across your music collection, what album, CD, or download, etc. might surprise them?

Shiran: I have a big cd collection. Many rock albums, all types of metal, maybe my jazz and fusion albums will be surprising. I have many Chick Corea albums, a great piano player.

Toddstar: How is a female-fronted metal band being received in Israel?  So many similar bands here in the U.S. complain about the focus on the fact there is a female singer or her appearance instead of the music and talent.  Do you find this is a common attitude in Israel among metal fans and bands?

Shiran: I think that a female front woman will always be judged by her appearance, this is a part of human culture but also, she will be appreciated for her talent as well. In Israel there are not many female front women but the Israeli metal crowd is very objective and likes artists for their music alone. I get a lot of positive responds from Israeli fans, they also criticise but that’s how it is here.

Toddstar:  When (and by whom) were you last star struck?

Shiran: I am always stricken by stars, my last 'crush' for now is Anneke Van Giersbergen, I can't stop listening to her beautiful voice and I follow her steps in the industry. She is a role model to me, her technique is flawless.

Toddstar: At this point in your life and career, what is the meaning of life?

Shiran: The meaning of life to me is being. I believe a person must be natural, except pain as a part of life and at the same time seek for happiness, never stop looking for the truth. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe one day I'll send you a philosophy book written by me. I have to say that I had a great time writing answers for you. Your questions where interesting. Again, thank you for having me.

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