Awake By Design is Adrian Powell (vocals, keyboards, piano), Toby Stewart (lead/rhythm/acoustic guitars), Callum Downing (lead/rhythm/acoustic guitars), Dave Favill (bass), Jon Black (drums), and Nik Sinnett (keyboards, piano). They are an up-and-coming melodic/gothic metal band from the UK with debut album “Sentiment” released earlier this year. A real melodic masterpiece, “Sentiment” makes a powerful statement of the band’s talents and great potential for the future.

When did you form your band?

Adrian: Late November 2007 by (ME) Adrian Powell  (Vocals,Piano) and Toby Stewart (Guitars)

What inspired you to make music together?

Adrian:We all wanted something we could connect to and Awake By Design was it.

We all write better as a whole band and we all inspire one another.

Sometimes I would have the structure and chords and vocals to a song but it needs those catchy lead guitar parts and unique drums over the top to make it an Awake By Design song.

How would you describe your music?

Adrian:Very Epic and emotional. The kinda thing where you have a really bad day at work and then you go home Stick Awake By Design on your CD player and it puts you at ease and really chills you out but can also make you wanna act like a crazy metalhead and throw your head about and just loose control.

The Idea behind the songwriting is to make people feel something special and something people can relate to. We want people to feel emotional and get the message they want from the song. We have been described as many things ranging from Gothic Metal to Progressive Rock but I dont think we are Gothic Metal at all. We have elements of Gothic but leaning more towards the rock side. We have classical, Folk, 80’s Rock, Synthpop and Heavy Metal elements to our music. We just do what we do and people can call us whatever they like. So long as they are enjoying the music and feeling some kind of emotion then I’m happy with that.

How has your debut album “Sentiment” been received by fans so far?

Adrian:Amazing actually, We seem to have a really good fan base behind us and a dedicated one at that. All over the world people seem to be getting into us Which is awesome to know about.

Is there a message or theme behind the album?

Adrian:Not behind the album itself no but individual tracks yes. It’s all about emotion for us and how we felt at the time. For example the track “Ethereal” is about existing within a crowd and a reality but no one seems to acknowledge you or notice you. Your like a living ghost that they never see but your breathe the same air, talk the same way as them, they just ignore you.

For those interested, could you tell us how to obtain a copy of your album?

Adrian:You can buy the CD through PayPal on myspace www.myspace.com/awakebydesign

In the new blog. Or you can buy the album as an MP3 album on Amazon,itunes,Napster,Rhapsody and many many more. All the information is on the myspace page.

Are you currently touring? (If so, where?) Do you have any plans for future gigs?

Adrian:We actually did a tour last May which was interesting, and plan to do another one in 2010, We are playing a few shows in England on May 25th in Taunton at the Perfect 5th and October 26th at the Centre Spot in Exeter supporting Negura Bunget.

Are you seeking a record label?

Adrian:We are yes to promote our debut album “Sentiment” and to hopefully work on second album and do a full worldwide tour.

What are your goals as a band in the future?

Adrian:Just to keep writting music and to still be enjoying it which I know we will all be.

We want to keep releasing albums and giving our fans what they want from Awake By Design. We love our fans and we love the music and we want to make both happy. We will always do music and there will always be Awake By Design

Is there anything else you’d like to mention?

Adrian:Our debut album “Sentiment” has had a lot of success with reviews so far getting 9/10 in a few magazines and webzines including PowerPlay Magazine, 4.5/6 in Zero tolerance Magazine. Head over to www.myspace.com/awakebydesign and check it all out.

Interview by Leanne