Interview with Veronica (vocals) & Cep (guitars)

http://www.facebook.com/powerhill.official

Powerhill is a hard rock band from Switzerland known for inventing ‘Farm Metal’. With their album “Generation X”, to be released on 06/27/2025 via Dr. Music Records, they’re carving out their very own tongue-in-cheek genre with their ‘Farm Metal’. Recently I had very interesting and fun talk with Veronica & Cep.

Metal Revolution: Hello guys, how are you both? How are things over in Switzerland?
Cep: Here, doing good; we are super excited about the upcoming album release. As I assume everywhere, life is tough here, too, but we are multitasking and adapting.

MR: You were founded 25 years ago! Can you tell us about the very beginning of your career? What was the idea behind the formation of this band?
Cep: Having grown up in the most congenial way and thus fed on Heavy Metal, obviously the path to follow was already automatically mapped out. My idea to form this band came about because, from our latitudes, finding willing or ambitious musicians or bands to fit in is a virtually impossible mission. And yeah, I’ve already been around for 25 years, smashing everyone’s eardrums, to say the least.

MR: The funny thing is that I began my career as a metal journalist in the same year (2000), but I’ve never come across the term ‘Farm Metal’. Who came up with this original and funny idea?
Cep: Then I must give you an updated encyclopedia. (Laughing). The idea came from combining my two great passions, heavy metal and cows. Hence, it is a style based on metal music but with rural references and settings. What could be more fun than playing metal in a dirty, dusty barn? After a long, sweaty day of hard work in the fields or graze, we retire to the barn and …

MR: How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard of Powerhill before? What if I say your music is an electrifying brew of classic hard rock, hair metal, and sleaze rock? Do you agree with this description?
Veronica: For me, it’s a mixture of nostalgic classic rock and, at the same time, modern and current.
Cep: Yes, I agree. I am also adding a dash of symphonic metal and a few sprinkles to give it some color of classic heavy metal. But specifically, I’d correct you like this: True hard rock, peasant metal, and dirty rock. (Laughing)

MR: You recently released your first single from the upcoming album, “Powerhill”. It’s been received, and I could notice many views and shares on social media. Are you pleased with the reception of this single/video?
Veronica: As a first release, we are satisfied, and obviously, it’s very pleasing to receive so many positive reviews.
Cep: Did we win anything? Of course, we have, and we are delighted. It’s time for the metal people to return more to their roots. Heartfelt, thanks.

MR: Talking about your new album Generation X, what can you tell us about this record? How many songs are on it?
Veronica: Being the debut album means a lot to us. Each song has a different story, going from fun songs to others with more complex themes and more possibilities for interpretation.
Cep: Not enough for what we would like to express; there are only 9.5 songs because the tenth we consider an extra ‘funny’, but not so much an ‘unnatural’ song. (Laughing). It’s a very varied record; there are songs for all tastes for us rock and metal lovers. There are purely ironic songs and others with lyrics that have multiple interpretations. In short, we have made an effort, right? But it’s the title that says it all. We desire to revive the real music and spirit of the 80s, obviously played and made current with the times. Simplifying: A record for the nostalgic, but one that, we hope, will also make inroads into the hearts of the new generation.

MR: Probably too early to ask, but do you have any personal favorites from Generation X? Which song resonates with you personally the most, and why?
Veronica: When I listen, it is “Powerhill,” but when I sing, it is “That’s Fine”, as both evoke feelings I wish to express freely.
Cep: All of them because they were created with such passion and dedication. Sweat, no, because we had already used it in the fields during harvest. But if I had to choose one obligatorily, I could only mention “My Mood”, which I wrote and is entirely dedicated to my sweetheart.

MR: How long did it take to record Generation X? Did you use any new recording techniques when recording this one, compared to what you recorded earlier in your career?
Cep: Since I was the producer, the entire recording phase took a full seven months. I did not use innovative techniques, but I researched some specific sounds and took care of the effects, especially the ambient ones. Simply put, I improved on the sound of the past, avoiding the mistakes made and creating others as they should be. I am delighted with the production but still have a long way ahead.

MR: Another funny thing about your image is Clotilde, your notorious cow mascot. Again, it’s pretty original and fun. What can you tell us about Clotilde?
Veronica: I have watched her evolve over the years, and now I’m very fond of it.
Cep: It’s practically worth the birth of ‘Farm Metal’. Think of heavy metal as its most active fan. What comes out of that? It’s an iconic metal cow. For us now, she’s an untouchable and unquestionable part of the band, not just our icon but our brand. She’s our most loyal and devoted fan. She doesn’t miss any concerts, but I also have to say that she’s a bit of a slacker. Furthermore, she doesn’t help us in the fields much; in fact, she mostly grazes and ignores us, but we love her. And I add, she soils a lot, if you know what I mean. (Laughing)

MR: I know Dr. Music Records is helping your band name be heard through their promotion activities. Do you know them personally, and why did you choose Dr. Music Records to release and promote your latest work?
Cep: Exactly, in person, not really. We’re a bit distant, logistically speaking, but, of course, we are regularly in touch with Miriam and Torsten. The whole thing was born almost mutually; we were looking for valid promotion support, and they were looking for a new and interesting musical reality to promote. These days, and especially on debut, finding a good record deal is almost impossible, so you must roll up your sleeves and promote yourself independently as much as possible.

MR: Even the lyrical content on Generation X is full of heavy riffs, explosive hooks, and a seriously twisted sense of humor. Is it important to you not to take yourself too seriously, just have some fun and produce some decent hard rock & metal tunes?
Veronica: We have a good mix of humorous and ironic songs and others with serious themes, but still set in the rural context. It is up to the listener to interpret them best and/or to their liking. Of course, the musical part is all taken very seriously.
Cep: When should I ever be taken seriously? Otherwise, what would be the point of life? We believe in what we do and propose. We care a lot about the music part to create the right impact and sound, but then the lyrics, as already mentioned, can be ironic or complex. Fun is the basis of everything; what would be the point of making music without that? And then, what more do you want? For example, after a good shoveling of manure, we find ourselves in the dilapidated barn hammering a guitar.

MR: The digifile and booklet for Generation X look incredible as well. What can you tell us more about it, and who was responsible for that part?
Cep: There’s relatively little to say about this. We have entrusted it to the recognized Guru in this field, Thomas Ewerhard (i.a. Avantasia, Amon Amarth, Hammerfall, Gotthard, Jon Oliva’s Pain). So, the outcome was already a foregone conclusion from the beginning. We thank him so much, especially for his patience, but he also added to his curriculum ‘Farm Metal’.

MR: How does your creative process work? I mean, what’s the creative process like when you make a new song?
Cep: There’s no real method or sequence; it can be born from a simple guitar riff or a whistled phrase. Sometimes, I imagine a finished chorus and then develop the melody. I have already tried to give a musical imprint based on the moment’s mood. Once I have the structure and more or less a length, I start thinking about which arrangements to insert and/or which instruments could make the difference.

MR: What other hobbies and passions do you guys have, regardless of music?
Veronica: Cultivate my vegetable garden and travel. However, they assigned me the role of ‘pannier holder’ in the band, so I had to collect the hay and the various seasonal vegetables. It’s hard work, but it gives me a lot of satisfaction. So far, the others haven’t complained yet.
Cep: Besides the hard work in the countryside, we have little time left. I love traveling and wellness; what better than a nice mud bath? (Laughing).

MR: Veronica, can you think of a time that your music or credibility as a musician was discounted due to being a woman?
Veronica: For those who haven’t looked back at my roles, maybe you don’t know that I’m also a drummer, and in this role, I’ve sometimes felt less considered. As a singer, on the other hand, I’ve never had discrimination. Still, on the contrary, I’ve often been encouraged to choose only this leading role. Even though I love singing, the drums will never be put away in the attic or, in our case, in the barn.

MR: Now, would you tell us what the next step is for Powerhill? Live performances in support of Generation X? Any new projects in the pipeline that you can share with us?
Veronica: I can’t wait to perform live to promote our work.
Cep: We will try to perform live as much as possible. We have some new songs in the pipeline and an idea to create an explosive single with maybe a special guest. But time will tell. Furthermore, the harvest is coming soon, so we should also dedicate some time to that.

MR: Thank you very much for taking the time to do this interview! Would you like to add anything to the readers of Metal Revolution Webzine?
Veronica: We need manpower for the upcoming harvest, but we would also appreciate your warm presence on the stage. The look doesn’t matter; you choose, and eventually, I will reward the most original.
Cep: Happy to help; it was an absolute pleasure. Make ‘Farm Metal’ your new lifestyle, or if you prefer, musical style.
Cheers from Switzerland.