Blending the raw energy of classic rock with the grandeur of symphonic metal, Gates of Seleucia is redefining musical boundaries. The brainchild of guitarist and songwriter Andreas Schneider, this innovative project is already gaining attention for its unique sound and collaborative spirit. We sat down with Schneider to explore his musical journey, creative process, and the vision behind Gates of Seleucia.
Can you tell us about how you got started in music?
I started making music around age 10 with piano lessons, but everything changed when I first held an electric guitar. It was love at first sight—or better, first chord. From that moment, I knew I wanted to master this unique instrument.
What inspired you to form Gates of Seleucia?
After playing in a local cover band for years, I felt compelled to focus on writing my own music. I had already performed some original songs live, but I wanted to fully realize my musical visions. That’s when I decided to form Gates of Seleucia.
How would you describe your music to first-time listeners?
Gates of Seleucia moves between classic rock, hard rock, and alternative/symphonic metal. We’re also open to experimenting with other genres. Our music is guitar-driven and mostly female-fronted. I try to tell epic stories through our songs and collaborate with artists worldwide to create a special musical experience.
What are some of the themes you explore in your lyrics?
Our lyrics deal with various themes, often inspired by art, books, movies, TV series, or personal experiences. For example, our latest single “Broken Memories” is about loss and finding a way to move on. “The Cry of the Loreley” reimagines a famous German legend as a metaphor for toxic relationships.
Your project involves collaborations with different artists. Can you tell us more about that?
Absolutely. I’m passionate about collaborating with artists from around the world. For instance, our release “Dangerous Love” featured Carolina Padrón, a fantastic metal singer from Ecuador, and Patri Grief, a talented guitarist from Spain. These collaborations bring fresh perspectives and variety to our music.
What’s your creative process like?
I handle pretty much everything myself—the music, lyrics, arrangements, and all guitar parts (with a few exceptions). This allows me to maintain a cohesive vision for each song and the project as a whole.
What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they share my passion for handmade music and the stories we tell. I want to provide an extraordinary experience that goes beyond genre boundaries. The journey of Gates of Seleucia has just begun, and I hope our music can be a gateway for listeners to find themselves, whether they’re fans of classic rock or symphonic metal.
What’s on the horizon for Gates of Seleucia?
We just released a new single called “Broken Memories,” which goes back to the essential roots of rock. I’m also working on incorporating more epic and symphonic elements into future projects. There’s a song in the works about the Greek general Seleucus I Nicator, which ties into our band name. It’s all just the beginning of the journey, and there are a lot of good stories to tell.
As our conversation with Andreas Schneider comes to an end, it’s clear that Gates of Seleucia is more than just a musical project—it’s a labor of love and a vehicle for storytelling. With its unique blend of classic rock roots and symphonic metal influences, Gates of Seleucia offers listeners a rich, diverse soundscape paired with thoughtful, evocative lyrics.
Fans can explore Gates of Seleucia’s music on various platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. For the latest updates and a deeper look into the project, visit their official website or follow them on Instagram.
As Schneider puts it, “Through art, you create your own world.” For Gates of Seleucia, that world is one of epic tales, collaborative spirit, and genre-defying music—a world that’s only just beginning to unfold.
