Before Avantasia’s spectacular concert in Bratislava, one of the band’s newest members gave us an interview. Young Adrienne Cowan already has an impressive track record in the music industry. How did she first find her way to music, and what is it like to join a band she has listened to since her teenage years? Adrienne generously shared her thoughts.

Who introduced you to music?

My father. He was a DJ in the 1980s and, of course, he played music at home. Sometimes it was classical, but mostly it was dance music. I also played piano from a very young age. My parents placed a small keyboard on the floor and I would just play.

And how did you get into metal?

I think I was about ten or eleven when my uncle gave me CDs by Scorpions and similar bands. I started listening to them and gradually moved toward heavier and darker music.

What was your first CD?

The first one I bought with my own money was Welcome To The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance. It was an emo record, and a lot of people mocked it back then, but when you really listen to it, you realize the production quality is incredibly high, and it has real artistic value. The arrangements are grandly theatrical, and this record probably inspired the dark theatricality I try to bring to my own music.

Do you remember your first public performance? Where and when was it?

I was three years old, and it was in a church. We sang some songs and danced a little. It was a program for parents.

You mentioned playing piano from an early age. Do you prefer keyboards or singing?

They are two very different things, each producing a completely different kind of energy. I think when it comes to connecting with a large audience, I prefer singing, but when music is a personal balm for my soul, I prefer playing keyboards.

What was the name of your first band?

My first band was called Ignition. We didn’t really do much, but it was still fun because I was thrilled to finally be in a band.

You’ve been part of many groups and collaborated with artists across genres, such as FirstBourne, Light & Shade, Sonic Pulse, Erik Huang, Mike Kerr, and Kyle Morrison. In which do you feel most comfortable?

Yes, these are very different styles, but Kyle Morrison is closest to my taste. It’s heavy metal focused on keyboards, dark and somewhat classical. I love creating soaring, dramatic melodies and I enjoy heavier music.

Currently, you are known as a member of Seven Spires and Winds Of Plague, both of which released albums in 2017. Can fans expect new releases?

Seven Spires will definitely release a new album soon, hopefully this year. We signed with Frontiers Music. The album is finished, the videos are shot, everything is ready, it just needs scheduling. With Winds Of Plague, Michael and I are composing. He sends me the band’s recordings and I add keyboards, making them richer and more emotive. And I should mention the upcoming Masters Of Ceremony album as well.

Speaking of Seven Spires, could we expect some European tours with them?

I hope so. Since we have a contract with an Italian label, I believe there will be European shows, maybe this year or next. There is demand, and I want to make sure we meet it.

You studied composition at Berklee. Do you write music for the bands you play in?

Yes, I’m the main composer for Seven Spires. Jack, our guitarist, comes over and we write together. I sit down, write keyboards and vocals, program drums, and finish orchestral elements and arrangements. Jack adds guitars and his amazing solos. Sascha sometimes lets me write melodies for Masters Of Ceremony, which is fantastic.

As you said, you joined Sascha’s project Masters Of Ceremony and were also recommended by him for Avantasia’s current tour. How did it feel to work with such renowned metal artists?

I thought I was dreaming. I’ve listened to Avantasia since I was sixteen. At music school, we had a program for metal musicians to meet, and one of the songs we played together was Wastelands. I was inspired by Tobias and all the singers he invited to his metal opera. Sascha has been part of almost every metal album I grew up with, from Kamelot to Rhapsody. It still feels a little surreal, but I already feel like part of the family.

What was it like at your first Avantasia rehearsal with all the singers?

Scary. I was very nervous. There are so many amazing vocalists on this tour, especially Jorn. I love his insatiable singing style, which aligns with how I like to sing. It’s inspiring to see them all, and they are all very kind and welcoming.

Your first concert of the world tour is behind you. How was it?

I don’t know how it usually goes, but others said it was one of the better first shows of a tour. I felt good about it. Ronnie told me that since the concert is three hours long, I need to stay completely calm. It was challenging because I was really nervous. It was good, but there is always room to improve, especially my parts.

How do you feel about today’s concert?

Ready to be even better than yesterday.

Do you like Slovakia? Did you have time to explore?

Yes, we walked around Prešov yesterday and took some nice photos. It’s my first time in this part of Europe, so I’m enjoying it and glad to explore a bit.

Any message for your Slovak fans?

Oh, I’m always terrible at this question. I’m very happy people care about my art, so I want to thank you for your support. I hope to return to Slovakia soon and perform here again.