http://www.facebook.com/3.14group
Max Kochetov - bass / vocals
Emin Kerimov - guitar
Tahir Mammadov - guitar
Emin Hasanov - keys
Ilyas Ahmadzadeh - drums
Can you tell me a little bit about the history of Heavy Metal in Azerbaidjan? When did it start? Who were the pioneers? Who were the first bands from Azerbaidjan who played Metal? How did the scene evolve until today?
It was the end of the 80s. There was a group called 'Black Town'. They played a mixture of trash and heavy metal. But it is not kept any records. Azerbaijan has always been a soft rock, many bands were playing blues and just rock. In the late 90s there was a group Fatal Nation, they played hardcore. Then appearedone Black metal band. Metal scene then and now is represented by just a couple of groups, not more.
How did the independence from the Soviet Union affect the Metal scene in Azerbaidjan? Was it easier to buy / get in touch with Heavy Metal after the independence?
I would not say that at that time was very difficult. But now we are good enough. During Soviet times it was very hard to get good equipment, but now all that is available. It only requires money. But basically you can buy any instrument and any equipment.
How would you rate the importance of the internet for the Metal scene in Azerbaidjan?
The role of the Internet is very high. All communication and dialogue with other countries, we are online, find out the world news metal music. Through him, we start dating communicating with other groups from different countries. Thanks to the Internet, we found your magazine.
What is the live situation in Azerbaidjan like? Is it easy to organize shows for Metal bands? Do the bands play a lot of shows? Are there meeting points for the scene (for example Rock Pubs ...)?
Yes, to organize a concert of the metal's not very difficult. But you need a lot of money. To rent space, equipment, printed tickets. Rock pubs we have not. There are the usual pubs where sounds live music. The musicians play old hits and rock 'n' roll.
What are the biggest problems for Metal in Azerbaidjan at the moment? (e.g. equipment, not enough fans, politicians, religion, not enough shows ...)
The problem is that musicians lose their incentive to engage in metal music. Earn money for this is not possible, the equipment is very difficult to buy because there is no choice. almost all that is needed - bought via ebay. Metal concerts held very little. In the year once or twice, not more.
Are there any problems with the government/police when it comes to playing Metal?
No, the government is not interested in metal music. The main thing in the songs do not blame him.
How does the fact that Azerbaidjan is an Islamic nation affect the Metal scene?
Azerbaijan is a democratic country and religion has nothing to do with power. Yes, the official religion of Islam in our country, but this has no effect on our music.
Who are the most influential international bands for the Azerbaidjan scene? Who are your idols?
Each group has its own guidelines and values in music. It all depends on what kind of music the band plays. As for ourselves, then we do not have idols, because we all listen to different music, from classic rock and roll to death metal. And each of us finds something in his favorite music.
What are your thoughts on the Metal scenes in Armenia and Georgia, compared to Azerbaidjan?
We have no information about what's going on in Armenia, but we know that in Georgia the case better. There's metal music is more in demand, although, of course, there is also a very strong tradition of old 70's music
Do you work together with bands/organizers from Georgia or Armenia?
No, our group did not connected with them, but we have musicians who have close links with the Georgian musicians, and often drive them to concerts together.
What are the most important markets for selling CDs at the moment? Russia?
No. Our CDs are not sold anywhere else. We distribute them at our shows send out to everyone for free. Now everything is downloaded from the Internet.
What is your wish for the Metal scene in Azerbaidjan?
I would like to, of course, that was conducted more concerts to be good, because now we can not trust anyone it is. We play only for our own concerts, because only then can we be sure that everything goes well and efficiently.
What are you doing in your real life?
Our lead singer / bass guitarist is working in the store of expensive watches and jewelery, I work security guard. Our second guitar player works at a music store. All of us than what we earn. But I hope that time will come when we can all focus only on the music and it will bring us a profit.
The group was formed in 2002, the year, then we sang the girl. We were called differently. Lasted about a year. Then two years there was a break. In 2005, we gathered again and were called "3.14 ...". Play doom metal, as we all enjoy the music. We listen to different styles, but doom is what unites us all. At the moment, our composition is as follows:
What is your definition of "Doom Metal"?
This is the music, through which we express our thoughts. The gloomy, depressive, creating an atmosphere of hopelessness and cycling all that is happening. Pressing on you reality, from which there is only one way out. Although the doom metal as a style is very diverse, we just play what my heart feel.
Is it difficult to get proper equipment in Azerbaidjan?
It is difficult, because the stores do not sell musical equipment necessary goods. All we need - we have to buy through Ebay. Although, if you have enough money, any equipment can be purchased via the Internet.
What is your inspiration for your lyrics?
The texts are written at once. Sometimes just watching the life, you see what's going on around you. Sometimes inspiration can serve as a movie or read a book.
What is the live situation for 3,14... ? Do you play live often? Where?
We give concerts rarely. Once or twice a year, not more. A platform for performances are hard to find, but you can rent a small theater and a concert to take place in it. We are doing so.
