Ever heard of Symphonic Metal? Me neither, but new band Queen Bee and the Drones are an up and coming band specialising in this type of music. Think heavy metal boys who know how to play with a stunning voice like Firouzeh. The band only started out in October but are already making their impact on music. With their sights set on what they want, you can see the band are hungry to take their music all the way. VIVA had a chat on the VIVA couch with the band, just to get to know a little about them…

VIVA: So, first off tell us how you started?

QBD: (Firouzeh) Well, I had an email off Grant, the bass player. Well I’ve been wanting to form or join a symphonic metal band for absolute years. I’ve put ads out, but I never got the right people and then one day I got an email off Grant saying they was looking for a vocalist, so I went along and I liked what I heard. So then we started writing and before we knew it we had a gig and the  it went from there.

VIVA: So have you all always been in music?

QBD: Yes, that’s right. We’ve all been in various bands before. We’ve been in the recording studio this weekend, and I’m gonna say cause I’m a bit biased but the tracks do sound really good. So they’ve just been sent away to Joe Gibb who’s going to mix them. So you will be hearing from us very soon.

VIVA: So what’s going to happen once the tracks are all sorted?

QBD: (Laughing) Something magical I think. Yeah and promoters,we’re gonna have a busy summer.

VIVA: So what has the rest of 2016 got in store for you?

QBD: Well, lots of gigs. You know, were just going to work hard and spread the word of Queen Bee and the Drones and get a lot of fans. It’s gonna be an exciting year for us.

VIVA: Okay, so I’ve never actually heard of symphonic metal?

QBD: Well it’s heavy metal, with a female singer and its has keyboards in it. It’s metal softened up with a female voice.

VIVA: So who influences you as a band?

QBD: Well, obviously other symphonic metal bands like Nightwish. Since I discovered them thats when I wanted to be in a symphonic metal band. Not only just symphonic metal bands, all of us have different tastes in music so that just builds it up.

VIVA: So do you write your own songs with all your input?

QBD: Yes, definitely.

VIVA: So do you go out often in Manchester?

QBD: (Firouzeh) Too much! (rest of the band) disagreeing and laughing. Northern Quarter, but now cause I live in South Manchester, I go out there more. I used to really love the Northern Quarter.

(Firouzeh) I used to be a 5th Ave girl back in the day!

VIVA: So where do you see yourselves in a years time?

QBD: As an established band, with the whole of Manchester knowing about us. Maybe working towards an album, but more focussing on the gigs and get a big fan base out there. In a year’s time we will probably be sat here telling you how awesome we’ve done! (Laughs)

VIVA: So where did the name Queen Bee and the Drones come from?

QBD: Well, (Firouzeh pointing at herself) Obviously I’ve got a bit of a sting, erm, but I like bees for a lot of reasons. I wanted something different, I was thinking at first is it too cheesy but when I told the band they liked it and others have really liked it. The Bee is the symbol of Manchester it represents us as a band and this city, and I’m Queen Bee (laughs.) Plus I get to wear a tiara, one day it will turn into a crown.

Album 1

Follow the band on Facebook here .