Doomed Confessionary: Jensen Rodolfo & Kate Glock (Lodestar)
Lodestar are a 2-piece Canadian doom/gothic metal studio band which formed in 2020 from a collection of passionate people who met during the pandemic. Kate Glock takes lead vocals and synth while Jensen Rodolfo takes on the role as the guitar player, while also doing the bass and drums. Together they create a style of music which is slow, heavy, and yet melodic. Combining from genres such as doom metal, gothic metal, and of hard rock, to bring something that is moody, atmospheric and emotional.
Lodestar have recently signed with Sliptrick Records to release their fourth studio album »Darkstar« in 2025.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Jensen: We are a two-piece gothic metal band with a hard rock edge. We formed in 2020, after I stumbled across our singer Kate, and her demos. We worked on song after song, which then became albums. I handle guitars, bass and drums. While Kate, handles vocals, and synth along with orchestral instruments. Together, we released three albums and one EP. Currently, we are working on our fourth album, set to release in 2025.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Kate: In my eyes, it was probably getting to the same speed in the sense that Jensen, started as almost a complete beginner and by that time I had been in music for a much longer period of time. That, and I’d say finding our sound that both are happy with.
Jensen: I agree with Kate, I started with not much experience writing songs. Its just the level of experience between us is so drastic, and still is, but I have grown with her guidance over the years. I would also say, living in two different countries is a challenge. Dealing with time zones and not being in the same room as the other person.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Jensen: For me, I’m most proud of the relationships I have been gifted. Not just with Kate and her husband. The small group of people that help us in video production, art design, promoting our music. Along with fellow musicians that we have gotten in contact with over the years. Finally, cant forget the small fan base we have currently. The fans that buy the albums, follow our social media, leave comments, share posts, etc. We cannot thank them enough.
Kate: Definitely that we’re signed even though to small labels, how we make artwork and music work together really well, how fast we seem to be growing our fan base.
What was your biggest regret?
Jensen: I think my lack of music theory and ear training. That’s why I feel so behind when it comes to working with Kate on songs. I can think something sounds good, but in theory it makes no sense. When you work with talented people, its hard not to compare yourself.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Jensen: We are only a studio band so we have not toured yet.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Jensen: The amount of female metal singers that are out there now. They can also pull off some amazing guttural vocals and being able to switch between clean and distorted vocals is amazing.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Jensen: Besides the regular bands I listen to like Alter Bridge, Sevendust, Tremonti. Kate showed me this band called Thousand Needles In Red and their album »Empires«!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Kate: Don’t strive to be technical, but to be real instead.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Jensen: I don’t feel guilty about saying that I love listening to the Bee Gees. Totally, the opposite compared to the music we make. But, I have a soft spot for them.
Kate: Rewatching/replaying the same movies/games for the hundredth time because it feels like home.
Can you say something more about the music scene in Vancouver / British Columbia?
Jensen: We don’t have many local metal bands in Vancouver. However, the biggest metal bands/musicians to come from here are Devin Townsend and Unleash The Archers, which makes me proud to say.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Jensen: Currently, no plans to tour.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Jensen: We are working hard on our fourth studio album »Darkstar« and everything that goes along with that, such as artwork, CD packaging. We are even thinking on ways we can do a music video with me and Kate.
How can people best support your band?
Jensen: The best way is to buy our music, be it CD, Vinyl or digital download. The profits go to the band directly. Streaming won’t make us any money. Other ways are following our social media.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Jensen: Me and Kate would like to thank everything single one of you! You are all appreciated, and we don’t take you for granted. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you, for your support and belief in this band.
Links:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Bandcamp | Spotify | YouTube
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well