The Grand and Rapturous Refrains of Miracle Flair

The Grand and Rapturous Refrains of Miracle Flair

Miracle Flair present their own grand and rapturous brand of melodic metal that is absolutely wondrous to behold.  Featuring the sweeping vocals of Nicole Hartmann, the exhilarating guitar artistry of Daniel Maurizi, and the pulsating bass performance of Chris Deml, Miracle Flair is sure to enrapture all who explore their vast and glorious tapestries.  Synchronism is the name of the latest masterwork from Miracle Flair, now available worldwide through Massacre Records, and it’s a thrilling album well worth seeking out.  Highwire Daze recently caught up with the members of Miracle Flair to find out more about the vibrant Synchronism, working on the album with Tommy Vetterli from the legendary Coroner, their recent tour through Russia, and other topics of intrigue.  Read on…

Introduce yourself, tell me what you do in Miracle Flair and how long the band has been together.
Miracle Flair is a band following the creative lead of Nicole Hartmann (singer) and Daniel Maurizi (guitarist). We are responsible for the compositions and started to write and work together ten years ago. After being in bands with various playing styles we realized we needed to go our own way. We noticed that we complement each other very well and tried to combine our strengths to form our style. It’s not easy to find musicians with similar goals and passion. With Chris Deml on bass we have found a very committed and great guy to pursue this path. Chris joined us as a band member in October 2018.

Where is the band based out of and what is the local music scene like there?
Chris: Nicole and Daniel are from St. Gallen, Switzerland; I live in Munich, Germany. The scene in Munich is pretty cool. We have bands of almost all levels and there’s a little underground scene but in general Munich is more a city of snobs.

Nicole: In Switzerland we have big festivals as well as smaller venues with lots of atmosphere. The most famous clubs for metal in Switzerland are probably Konzertfabrik Z7, Samsung Hall or Komplex 457. Because the conditions are good, a lot of international acts love to play in our country. In general Swiss fans are a bit distant in the beginning of concerts but very attentive and loyal if they like a band.

How did you wind up signing with Massacre Records?
Daniel: We were actively looking for a label for the release of Angels Cast Shadows. Signing with Massacre Records was a very important step in order to access to a bigger international audience.

Is there any overall story or concept behind the Synchronism album title?
Nicole: The shortest answer would be “life itself.” Actually, it is not a concept album, but at some point during the songwriting process, the term “Synchronism” appeared in my mind and I found that most of the songs aligned themselves naturally. It became clear that this was the perfect title for our third album. The lyrics of the title song which summarize so much actually emerged at a later date.

Select two songs from Synchronism and what inspired the lyrics.
Nicole: The title song, Synchronism is about everything and everyone being connected. What we send out resonates – cause and effect. In the very last chorus I sing “Synchronsim is vibration find the frequency, arm your wishes give them wings all your energy.” It is worthwhile and very important to dream, to hope, and to believe in your wishes, and to fully immerse yourself in something. “Life gives and takes. Where there is life there’s death, receive and let it go, we are connected souls.” New beginnings and goodbyes are part of life and are opportunities but also challenges.

Lost in the Void is kind of an “after tour song”. After the fantastic five week European tour it was extremely difficult to return to my everyday life. Learning a lot of new things every day, growing, being under adrenaline and surrounded by such great people from the other bands and the audience let me be fully in my element. It all felt so right. I wanted to maintain the tour feeling as long as possible and struggled internally to return to my daily routine, which is actually quite fine.

Who did the cover art for Synchronism and how much input did you have on it?
Nicole: Stefan Heilemann is responsible for this wonderful artwork. As with our last album Angels Cast Shadows, we wanted something strong but not destructive, mystical and dark with a hint of hope, light and shadow. Stefan and I exchanged our thoughts about our personal interpretations of the album title. Additionally, I sent him a few songs from our pre-production to create a vision of our world. But still, when we saw the cover for the first time, we were really amazed and happy with the result. Stefan nailed it in a very artistic and stylish way.

How did Tommy Vetterli from Coroner become involved with the recording of Synchronism and what was it like working with him?
Daniel: Synchronism is already the third album we recorded with Tommy. We complemented each other very well and we knew how the workflow and steps of the whole process would be.

What could one expect from a live Miracle Flair show?
Daniel: Power, energy, passion combined with a joy of playing, and dedication on stage, and a charismatic singer.

Chris: For me, performing a song live, is to express the feelings I have while playing this song at this place and at this time. In the best case, I can connect with the audience and empower them to feel the music better than at home “just” listening.

If Miracle Flair could open for any band either now or from the past, who would it be and why?
Nicole: In general, I highly appreciate great down-to-earth warm people. And if they even play great music and do their work with passion and true dedication – behind or on stage, that leaves me with admiration. I saw it all on our European Tour with Dark Tranquillity (Sweden). We played 29 shows in 13 countries and felt very comfortable with the band and their wonderful crew. I would repeat it on the spot! Besides this, I really like Evergrey and I would also be very honored to open up for Disturbed.

Daniel: Dream Theater because they are great musicians and I assume that they are nice and decent people. I also would love to go on tour with Amorphis. Their current CD makes them one of the best bands for me personally at the moment.

Chris: I would like to go on tour with In Flames, Five Finger Death Punch, Overkill, Testament, Flotsam & Jetsam. Or maybe some completely different genre like Depeche Mode?

Has Miracle Flair ever played here in the States or plan to do so in future days?
Chris: No, we don’t, but it’s funny to get this question because we’ve been discussing this at least since I’ve been in the band. Daniel has played already and really wants to go again.

Nicole: If we get a good and appropriate chance and offer, we will certainly be happy to do so! I would love that dream to come true.

How did your Russian Tour in 2018 go and what were some of the highlights?
Daniel: The tour was well organized. People were very nice, open and interested in our style and music. During the shows they were very enthusiastic and were fully involved.

Chris: I was overwhelmed how open hearted the people were. Almost after each show it was the same game. At first they just stood around us very shy, but after the ice was broken they really showed their appreciation.

Nicole: The people themselves were the highlight and it was very interesting to get an insight into their culture and their country.

Nicole Hartmann has such an amazing voice and dramatic presence in the What Remains video. Has Nicole ever considered acting or performing in musicals such as Phantom Of The Opera – or has that already happened?
Nicole: Thank you very much for the compliment. I’m not leaning so much towards musicals. In the past, I seriously considered studying acting and also played in a few pieces. However, I’ve always loved music and singing and decided to focus on it many years ago. When everything runs smoothly, I enjoy immersing myself completely. I love to perform, and it’s a wonderful feeling if I can reach people and be completely in the now.

Are you or any other members involved with any other projects outside of Miracle Flair?
Daniel: This is my life’s work and I want to keep my full focus on it.

Nicole: Not at the moment. Over the years, I collected different experiences in various projects and styles and came to the conclusion that I want to do one thing at a time and do it well.

Chris: I have a little Primus-Tribute Band in Munich where I play the guitar. Sometimes we do some little shows but since I have been with Miracle Flair it’s on pause.

What’s up next for Miracle Flair?
Nicole: To go further down this path in style and passion. Hopefully we will get some interesting opportunities to play at festivals or other cool locations and above all to do more touring!

Daniel: At the moment we’re preparing for live shows.

Chris: Hopefully this weird corona crisis will be over soon and everything comes almost back to normal. If so, we will go on tour through Europe and if somehow possible, the States.

Any final words of wisdom?
Chris: Humbleness is the base of happiness. 😉

Nicole: Maybe no wisdom, but a wish? It would be fantastic if people continued to appreciate music and keep visiting shows.

Daniel adds: For an artist it is the greatest thing when people show interest and support bands.

Thank you for taking the time to answer these questions! Hope to see your band here in the States one day.
Nicole: With pleasure! We would be very happy to perform in your country. Thanks a lot for your interest in Miracle Flair!

(Interview by Ken Morton)

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