Συνέντευξη: Blend Mishkin

Γιατί "Survival of the fittest"; 

Tο νοημα εδω ειναι μεταφορικο και ειρωνικο. Survival of the Fittest στην μουσικη και τον ανταγωνισμο σε επιπεδο καλυτερου ηχου, περισσοτερου μπασου, φαντασου ενα soundclash οπου θελω να πικαρω τον αντιπαλο.

Η reggae έχει πολύ συγκεκριμένα χαρακτηριστικά. Ποιο ελληνικό στοιχείο προσθέτειες εσύ σε αυτή τη μουσική; 

Κανενα απολυτως, τουλαχιστον συνειδητα γιατι δεν εχω καθολου ακουσματα Ελληνικης μουσικης. Προφανως ομως το γεγονος πως δεν ειμαι Τζαμαικανος και εχω μεγαλωσει στην Αθηνα, ειναι στοιχειο που διαφοροποιει τα πραγματα απο μονο του. Τα χαρακτηριστικα τις reggae δεν ειναι περισοτερο συγκεκριμενα απο οποιοδηποτε αλλο μουσικο ειδος.

Στον νέο δίσκο έχεις πολλές συμμετοχές από καλλιτέχνες από διάφορες χώρες: Ελλάδα, Αγγλία, Ιταλία, Τζαμάικα, Γερμανία. Μίλα μου λίγο για τη διαδικασία παραγωγής του δίσκου (πού γράφτηκε, πόσο καιρό σου πήρε, πώς κατάφερες να συγκεντρώσεις τόσους καλλιτέχνες σε έναν δίσκο;)

Η μουσικη ηχογραφηθηκε στην Αθηνα, απο μια εξαμελη μπαντα που φτιαχτηκε για αυτο ακριβως το σκοπό και αποτελειται απο μελη των Burger Project (Σπυρος Μοσχουτης Drums, Αλεξης Ιωαννου Κιθαρες, Θανος Κοσμιδης Πληκτρα) τους Κωστα Φορτσα, Jim Σταριδα και Κωστα Κεφαλα στα πνευστα και την Νατασα Μινδρινου (Backing Vocals). Τα φωνητικα ηχογραφηθηκαν σε studios κυριως στις πολεις που αναφερεις.
Στον δισκο συμετεχουν 11  mcs και τραγουδιστες, μεταξυ αλλων οι Skarra Mucci, Suga Roy & Conrad Crystal, Exco Levi απο την Jamaica, ο BNC, o Georges Perin και η Jamaroots απο την Ελλαδα, ο Gappy Ranks απο την Αγγλια, Don Caramelo απο Κολομβια κ.α. Ολες οι διαδικασιες ηχογραφησης, μιξεων, παραγωγης και mastering  διηρκησαν περιπου ενα χρονο, απο τον Μαρτιο μεχρι τον Νοεμβριο του 2014.

Στην Ελλάδα το κοινό της reggae είναι συγκεκριμένο και τα media δεν πολυασχολούνται, για να το πούμε ευγενικά. Πώς αισθάνεσαι που τα πηγαίνεις καλύτερα στο εξωτερικό απ'ότι στην πατρίδα σου;

Στην ελλαδα τα ΜΜΕ δεν ασχολουνται με πολλά είδη μουσικης που θα επρεπε, επικρατει μια γραφικοτητα και μια στενομυαλια, δεν λειπει μονο η Reggae, λειπει γενικοτερα ο αντιλογος σε οτι μαζικα κυριαρχει. Ο ορος Reggae ειναι πολυ γενικος, κατω απο αυτον βρισκεται μια πολυ πλουσια κουλτουρα και εκπροσωπουνται δεκαδες στυλ. Υπαρχει η κλασσικη θεμελιωδης εποχη και η συγχρονη, υπαρχει το dub, τo rock steady, πριν απο ολα το ska η το blue beat, στα 80’s εμφανιστηκε το rub-a-dub και το dancehall, υπαρχουν τα steppas, η digital εποχη, τα 90s, το ragamuffin, οι προσμιξεις με το hip hop και τα τελευταια χρονια με το Bass και αυτο που λενε EDM με παραδειγματα οπως οι Major Lazer, ο Ape Drums και ενα σωρο αλλα.

Αυτη τη στιγμη στην Ελλαδα υπαρχει πολυ καλος πυρηνας που υποστηριζει τα παρτυ οπως και αρκετη δημιουργια με ολοενα περισσοτερους παραγωγους και djs να ασχολουνται με το ειδος. Οι δουλεια των περισσοτερων απο αυτους πρωτα θα εκτιμηθει εξω και μετα μεσα στην χωρα τους.

Ο δίσκος βγαίνει στη λονδρέζικη δισκογραφική Nice Up! Πώς προέκυψε αυτή η συνεργασία και ποιοι είναι οι στόχοι της εταιρείας για τον δίσκο; 

Η συνεργασια μας ξεκινα πριν 3-4 χρονια οταν κυκλοφορησα εκει 2 σαρανταπενταρια singles (Foundation Style, Bubble Up) Για τους εταιρικους στοχους δεν γνωριζω αλλα φανταζομαι εμπορικη επιτυχια..

Συνέντευξη: Zebra Tracks

Ο νέος σας δίσκος που μόλις κυκλοφόρησε από την Six Dogs records τιτλοφορείται “Waves”. Εξπλέιν. 

Ετσι λέγεται και ένα από τα κομμάτια του δίσκου.Ακολουθήσαμε τον κανόνα να βαφτίζεις το δίσκο από το κομμάτι που νομίζεις ότι θα σκίσει, τελικά βγάλαμε clip ένα άλλο που μας άρεσε περισότερο. Η ίδια ιστορία, από 40 κύματα φοβόμασταν ότιθα περάσουμε  για να το κυκλοφορήσουμε κι αυτό...Α! λες; Κοίτα σύμπτωση. Ε τελικά εμφανίστηκε η six d.o.g.s. records και ανέλαβε να τραβήξει το κουπί.

Aν και διατηρεί την ίντι-ποπ καλτίλα σας, είναι αυτό που λέμε πιο «μεστός». Πιο αργό τέμπο, πιο ογκώδης ήχος. Είναι επειδή τριανταρήσατε ε;

Ξεκινάμε από τα βασικά. Καλτίλα είναι το μουστάκι σου. Απο εκεί και πέρα. Στο κλισέ της καλλιτεχνικής δημιουργίας για έκφραση του ψυχικού κόσμου και των συναισθημάτων αντιστοιχεί μεγάλο ποσοστό αλήθειας. Δεν ξέρω αν είναι τα πράγματα που έχουμε αφομοιώσει μικρότεροι και μπορούμε να εξωτερικεύσουμε μεγαλώνοντας ή μια εσωτερική διαδικασία που σε κάνει πιο laid back με τον καιρό. Σίγουρα όμως έιναι κάτι που προέκυψε αβίαστα, χωρίς αλληθωρίσματα σε τάσεις και μόδες (αλλιώς θα παίζαμε κι εμείς ψυχεδέλεια). Είναι μάλλον το απόσταγμα της μουσικής που έχουμε ακούσει όλα αυτά τα χρόνια, που είναι στην ουσία της κιθαριστική rock. Τώρα το αν "βαρύναμε" επειδή τριανταρήσαμε έλα να το κρίνεις στις συναυλίες μας στο Ναύπλιο στις 12/6  ή στο six d.o.g.s. στις 19/6. 

Νομίζω ότι η πιο πετυχημένη εκδοχή του νέου ήχου σας είναι το “Over My Skin”, το αγαπημένο μου τραγούδι του “Waves”. Πες μου τα πάντα για αυτό το άσμα. 

Και σε εμάς αρέσει αυτό το τραγούδι. Έχει ένα υπόγειο groove και παραδόξως αισθανθήκαμε άνετα σε τόσο χαμηλά bpm. Φανταστήκαμε στους INXS να έκανε παραγωγή o Ben Gibbard, σιγοτραγουδώντας το Evidence κατά τη διάρκεια του session. Βγήκε το Over my Skin. Το κρατήσαμε.

Τι σημαίνει να κυκλοφορείς τον τρίτο δίσκο σου στη σημερινή Ελλάδα; Ποιό είναι το όνειρό σου για την πορεία του;

Το όνειρο που έχει κάθε μπάντα που κυκλοφορεί είναι ο δίσκος να φτάσει σε περισότερα αυτιά από αυτά που θα τον εκτιμησουν. Να τον ακούσουν περισσότεροι άνθρωποι από αυτούς που θα τους αρέσει. Το δυστήχημα είναι ότι με τους όρους που λειτουργεί η μουσική βιομηχανία στην Ελλάδα ο δρόμος προς τα αυτιά αυτά είναι μπλοκαρισμένος από γαρύφαλλα, έντεχνα άλλοθι, κακές ρίμες και διασκευές σε ταραντέλλες. Αν σε ακούσουν 10 ίσως αρέσεις στους 4. Αν σε ακούσουν 2 το πολύ να αρέσεις σε αυτούς τους 2. Το να κυκλοφορείς τον τρίτο δίσκο σημαίνει ότι δεν το βάζεις κάτω παρά τα παραπάνω εμπόδια. Ότι πιστεύεις το υλικό και αυτό θες να το βγάλεις από πάνω σου για να έρθει κάποιος να σου πει ότι του άρεσε το Over my Skin. Είναι πείσμα και ανάγκη. Παρόμοιο πείσμα έχουν και τα παιδιά απο την six d.o.g.s. records που ανέλαβε την κυκλοφορία μας και το χαιρόμαστε που βρεθήκαμε.

Είστε η επιτομή της «αθηναϊκής ίντι μπάντας», από τα πρώτα ονόματα που έρχονται στο μυαλό όταν λέμε «νέα αθηναϊκή σκηνή». 10 χρόνια τώρα στο κουρμπέτι, πες μου 1-2 σημαντικά πράγματα που έμαθες; 

Μάθαμε ότι κανείς δε θα σου χαρίσει. Μάθαμε να βασιζόμαστε σε όσες δυνάμεις έχουμε οι 4 μας και οι μετρημένοι άνθρωποι που μας στηρίζουν από τότε που η αθηναΊκή σκηνή ήταν ακόμα νέα. Μάθαμε να συνεργαζόμαστε άρτια με διαφορετικούς ανθρώπους, διαφορετικών δυνατοτήτων, χαρακτήρα και ποιότητας.Μάθαμε να διαχειριζόμαστε αγχωτικές καταστάσεις, από το να παίξουμε με απλό line check στο Exit Festival μέχρι την καθυστέρηση των βινυλίων μας από το εργοστάσιο. Συνθήκες που σε "ψήνουν" και σε κάνουν πιο στωικό για όσα άλλα αντιμετωπίσεις. Μάθαμε να αντέχουμε μεταξύ μας. Να στρέφουμε τον ενθουσιασμό μας και τη ματαιοδοξία μας  σε δημιουργική κατεύθυνση. Μάθαμε ότι όλα αυτά και άλλα τόσα αξίζουν γιατί θα δεις έναν τυπά να τραγουδάει τους στίχους σου στη Βέροια, ένα κορίτσι να  κλαίει στο Bicycles στο Manchester, έναν 60χρονο να αγοράζει τη δισκογραφία σου. Α, και για τα λεφτά. 

Το βίντεο του Grains of Sand: η μουρλή που σας σφάζει όλους είναι πρώην γκρούπι που δεν της άρεσε ο νέος ήχος της μπάντας;

Είναι η Εύη Δοβελου, η οποία υπό τις οδηγίες των Blicker, μεταμορφώθηκε σε τιμωρό- δολοφόνο των Ζεβρών. Νομίζω της άρεσε ο ήχος οπότε για άλλο λόγο μας σφάζει. Ίσως επειδή σε μια μέρα έκανε 18 ώρες γύρισμα, κυλίστηκε σε χιόνια τα χαράματα και τη σέρναμε σε υπόγεια πάρκιν στο Κέντρο. 

Οι Zebra Tracks παρουσιάζουν τον καλύτερο δίσκο της καριέρας τους "Waves" και άλλα από το παρελθόν τους στις 12/6 στο Ναύπλιο και τις 19/6 στο 6 dogs. Ψωνίστε τον δίσκο εδώ: http://shop.sixdogs.gr/shop/zebratracks-waves/

Interview: The Brian Jonestown Massacre

What took you so long to come to Greece?

Good question,we are an odd band and we never pushed by people with money,and that alone takes bands to places they would not otherwise be playing. It puts them in front of people's faces on tv and in magazines and on radio.we are just people that make music and because we are our own label,we pay for everything ourselves or it has to pay for itself,therefore we have to be invited by a promoter to come and play because the big bus and rent and petrol bills are not paid by the hopes and dreams and good vibes of the people…or.we just suck.

Your band's line-up has changed a lot over the years. Would you say that its latest phase, together with the last album - 'revelation' - is the best one?

let me make this clear - chuck berry never had a backing band since day one. i just make music and play with my friends and sometimes with people i don't even like. most of the people i play with now i've played with for a very long time. ricky,matt and i started the group, my drummer and base player now have been playing 14 years? joel came in after 2 or 3 years of the group rob about 12 or 13 years ago, frankie 14 years.i just record with whoever i feel like it because i create ideas not drama.

You started working on the soundtrack of the movie Moon Dogs. How has that experience been for you?

well i start that after this tour, it is my goal to work with film makers in europe to make interesting film projects even better, to work with some great artists and ignore hollywood.

What was the need for creating A-records since you have already been involved in The Committee to Keep Music Evil?

because i actually run a real label with worldwide distribution that employs people and pays taxes in several nations, records and releases other bands and can pay for tour buses. In short we actually have a real label.

In a fb post, A-records says: "BJM Reviewed in Mojo 3 out of 5. there was a time mojo never reviewed any bjm but think how much kasabian's label have paid to get the 3 star review ha ha". Would you like to comment on this post?

fuck Facebook and fuck mojo - i don't need to know anything else about the beatles ever, i know every christmas there will be a new feature and a new beatles release. don't need to pay for a magazine to know that.

Would you say a bit more about what the Dead-TV project is and what's your involvement in it?

i am interested in mixed media,it was my hope i could teach some other people to do their own shows and i few have learned,its fun to do sometimes,by i have a small son so my time needs to be used wisely.

You work and live in Berlin with your family. How is the life of a studio owner who lives in Berlin with his family?

it's normal, i'm living the dream…i'm at that point where i need to figure out what i can do and go for it, because i can do anything, i just don't know what that means…what are the limits, i need to set goals and make them happen, think of places and book tickets…whatever.

We see you also use twitter a lot, what do you think about social media in general and twitter in particular?

its helpful for me to be open to everyone…i know people everywhere.

You commented on Bobby Womack's recent death via twitter. What are your thoughts of him and do you have a favorite Bobby Womack song?

i comment on all the legends i like as they pass…he was cool, people loved him.

So, we read in a recent interview that you have quit drugs and alcohol. That's awesome news! Now that you're clean, how much different is it for you to do an 8-week tour with daily gigs?

its going great, being drunk is a social lubricant but i am strong, i can face the world and most people's idea of partying is rubbish anyway.

Are interviews just a necessary burden, or are you also getting something out of them?

not really, but i don't mind being honest.

Thank you for your time!

take care and see you soon!

Kostas Sfinarolis

The Brian Jonestown Massacre will perform for the first time in Greece this July 14th @ Fuzz Club.

Interview: New Model Army

You have spent an incredible 30 years in the record business. What is the most important lesson that this industry taught you?
Stick to your guns, your principles and beliefs. Never do what the industry tells you.

"Between dog and wolf" cemented my opinion of New Model Army, that music comes first. I mean, NMA is considered as very political, but I think you just make the music that you want to make, regardless of the moment in history. Am I totally wrong?
No, you’re totally right!

With the attention that "Between dog and wolf" is getting (climbing up the charts like it's 1993), how does it make you feel that you are getting back into the fame-game, after so many years?
Not really. I think we always ignored the fame game.

Back in the early 90s, you were supposed to break to the huge crowds. But, you just seemed to not want to do this. Was that intentional? Is there something inherently wrong about success and/or people loving you and your art? 
By instinct we valued the freedom to do what we wanted above ‘success’ and so we just made one commercial ‘mistake’ after another. It wasn’t intentional but it is an absolute instinct with us to go against the grain. I also think that small to medium gigs are far more powerful than big ones so perhaps we got what we wanted.

Matt Reid is making a movie about NMA. I can't wait to see this, so please, give us some details about it - where does it focus and when will we get to enjoy it?
It’s his film not ours and is necessarily selective about the story he tells. It’s not a comprehensive documentary – how could you put 33 years and all those stories into 90 minutes? – instead he’s made a movie movie. It’s not the film we would have made but it’s his vision.

England is the 51st state of America. But now the whole world is the 52nd, 53rd, 54th state of America's empire. Why do we love to be Americans? And is it such a bad thing after all?
American culture is based on commerce – that is to find what people think they want, convenience, new and shiny things, sugar, fat, games, pornography in all its various forms, violence happening to other people and sell it to them (they are rather better at this than at actual wars). The problem comes with the ever-increasing level of cynicism required to drive this – so all our deepest instincts are exploitable.

Fascism is a big issue in Europe once again. Is this horrible menace linked to capitalism? How do we deal with it?  
No it’s linked to tribalism which is actually a response to the failures of capitalism (see the last question). I understand tribalism – loyalties to family etc – but when it’s exploited by power- hungry people, it’s turns ugly and dangerous.

The 20th century was divided between capitalism and socialism. Today, capitalism has conquered the world and it is something like a religion to a lot of people. Do you believe that the future is capitalistic or is a change about to happen?
There was a famous book written in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union called ‘The End Of History’ which celebrated the triumph of liberal capitalism over all other systems. It’s already out of date. People are now realizing that capitalism in its modern guise is equally unjust, tyrannical and corrupt and only works for the elites already in power. I have a friend who grew up in East Germany who says that now reminds him of the last days of the DDR in that everyone knows the system doesn’t work but no one knows how to fix it. Change is coming but unfortunately it won’t be ‘nice’.

Greece is being destroyed by its politicians, E.U and the IMF. And Greek people just do not react. Same goes for pretty much all Europeans. Why do you think that people are so reluctant to act, even when such harm is happening to their lives?
Because most people are frightened and still have a little something left to lose.

You've visited Greece a few times over the decades. What are your most fond and your least fond memories of your shows here? Please, give us amusing details.
We all love Greece and always feel that Greek audiences really understand the emotional primal instincts that drive the band. I have lots of favourite memories – being driven around Athens by friends after the show on the night of my 50th occasion (that led to the Sky In Your Eyes song) and last time stopping to eat by the sea halfway between Thessaloniki and Athens – me, Marshall, Dean and 14 cats.

You are to perform 3 shows here in late November. Are they going to be based around the new album? 
Yes but with some different older material that we don’t play so often too.

You are now 57 years old. Most people don't live their lives, they just get on with it. You seem to have lived yours. What is the correct way to live one's life?
I really don’t know. I’m still trying to work that out.

Name one thing in life that is not negotiable.
Music.

New Model Army will perform live in Larissa (28/11), Thessaloniki (29/11) @ Block 33 and Athens (30/11) @ Fuzz

Interview: We Are Scientists

"Return The Favor" will make my Top10 songs of 2013, for sure. What is it that makes you write all these good songs? Is there something in the water that you drink?
There is, indeed, something in the water that we drink - it's called "any alcohol."  We add any alcohol to pretty much everything we drink - water, soda, other alcohols, cereal milk.  It definitely helps us write our tremendous tunes, and it helps us vomit into gutters at 4pm on a Wednesday.

"Business Casual" EP is out October 14th in Europe and the next day in the US. Tell me all about it.
Five songs, two from our forthcoming album, two recorded at Tim Wheeler's NYC studio, and one recorded by Keith, cold and alone in his bedroom.  It's a bit of an appetizer, to hold everyone over while they endure the interminable wait for our new album.

This EP means we're waiting for a new album in 2014? 
Yeah, the album is on it's way.  I guess I'm not supposed to divulge too much, since we're meant to be promoting the EP, but suffice it say that, come early 2014, everybody that cares about having ten new We Are Scientists songs collected in one place will be very, very happy, indeed.

As time passes and you grow wiser and older, is still "everything out of context" or have you found "something you're into"?

Well, I've found that passing things off as "a complex" was really "oversimplifying" things.  I also do actually really hate it when people call me on the phone - I welcome hang-ups.

Why did the boxer have to die in the video of "It's Hit"? That is one sad ending for a music video.
He had to die because, in the end, all boxers die, either in the ring or at the ripe old age of 104, in a jacuzzi, enjoying a pina colada with several of their favorite wives.

Are there any rules that actually stop you?

No.  None at all.  I'm that guy who's always secretly using his electronics - including ipods and Kindles and radar scanners and radio-jammers - while planes are taking off and landing.  I simply won't follow those rules.  What makes it all rather pathetic, I guess, is that if they simply make it a hearty recommendation, rather than a hard-and-fast rule, I'd happily just read a magazine or do sudoku or fall asleep with my head in the lap of the neighboring stranger during those sequences.

I loved the scientific approach in "My body is your body, I won't tell anyboby. If you wanna use my body, go for it.". Has being scientists paid off or was college a waste of time?

Without being too graphic, let me just say that, in terms of the clandestine use of other people's bodies, college was time very, very well-spent.

I loved the acting in "Steve Wants His Money". Bring SWHM back, please.

Done.

What video games are you into these days? 

I'm pretty into Grand Theft Auto IV, but mainly because, now that GTA V is out, I get to feel like one of those snooty, nostalgia-dwelling hipsters.  I might as well be twirling my waxed mustached and snapping my suspenders and running my xBox off of a steam engine, that's how retro I feel playing GTA IV.

What is the kindest and the weirdest thing anyone has told you about your music?

Oh, I guess that our brilliant work in music is unsurpassed, and will probably make our name live beyond eternity.  That's pretty kind stuff . . .

Name one thing in life that is not negotiable.

Physical attraction to Keith Murray.

Interview: Faith SFX

You are obviously very good at what you do. Who do you see and who do you follow in order to become better? 
My Mum Is the best beatboxer I've ever heard.

  

How do you train to keep in such good form? 
Jet Li, Tony Jaa and Donnie Yen are like my best mates.

Is there something you can't do as a beatboxer?

I can't do the sound of a man with a dry foot putting on his slippers…sadly.

What are the main differences between the US and the European beatboxing scene (if any)? 

I think more people make a living off beatboxing In Europe than they do In the states. I could be wrong though…

  

What was the first thing that came to your mind when you heard you'll be performing in Greece? 
I said "wicked, I hope its hot!"

  

Is there anything special that you might add to your show for the Greek fans?

I might beatbox, sing, play a trumpet with my voice and eat Feta cheese all at the saaaaaaaaaaame time! 

Name one thing in life that isn't negotiable. 
Watching Breaking Bad

Συνέντευξη: Roni Iron

Tο Roni Iron feat Anna Maria - De Grecia σκίζει. Πες μου για την πορεία του τραγουδιού στην Ελλάδα και στα διεθνή καταστήματα
Το De Grecia όντως σαρώνει στην Ελλάδα, παίζει στα καλύτερα ραδιόφωνα και στα μεγαλύτερα μουσικά sites & blogs. Όμως δεν μπορώ να σου πω το ίδιο για τα διεθνή καταστήματα. Το παράνομο download χτυπάει κ εμάς. Από την άλλη νιώθω τόσο όμορφα που μου το ζητάει συνέχεια ο κόσμος σε inbox & mail που το δίνω free. Θα βγει κ αυτό σε Digital single με πολύ καλά remixes.

Από το 2011 κυκλοφορείς singles που κάνουν επιτυχία. Ποια είναι η συνταγή;
Δεν υπάρχει κάποια συγκεκριμένη συνταγή. Aπλά αγαπώ αυτό που κάνω και είμαι ειλικρινης απεναντι σ'αυτο. Ασχολούμαι από πολύ μικρός και το παλεύω όσο μπορώ. Θέλω να έχω έναν ρομαντισμό κ ένα δυνατό συναίσθημα σε αυτό που λέγεται δημιουργία. Αυτο που λείπει από την καθημερινότητα μου, προσπαθώ να το βγάζω στην μουσική μου.

Τα τελευταία 2-3 χρόνια βλέπουμε ένα comeback της house στην Ελλάδα. Πώς το βλέπεις εσύ ως dj;
Μπόρα είναι θα περάσει! Αυτό που λες είναι αλήθεια, τα τελευταία 2 χρόνια η deep house, new disco, γενικότερα εχει γινει πολύ της μόδας. Σε αυτό παίζουν ρόλο αρκετά πράγματα όπως η ηλικία, μεγαλώσαμε λίγο, ωριμάσαμε λίγο περισσότερο και ακούμε-δίνουμε ευκαιρίες σε πιο ήπια μουσικά θέματα. Η house πάντα θα υπάρχει στο προσκήνιο γιατί είναι εμπορική μουσική. Τα clubs στην Ελλάδα στηρίζονται στα σκυλάδικα και στην εμπορική house μουσική. Εγώ γουστάρω που έρχονται νέα παιδιά κ μου ζητάνε Maceo Plex Solomun και στα καπάκια ξενερώνω κ προσγειώνομαι γιατί τα ίδια άτομα μου ζητάνε Παντελίδη... Όπως την βρίσκει ο καθένας. Ο Έλληνας έχει πάντα έναν δικο του μοναδικό τρόπο διασκεδάζει.

Έχεις την έδρα σου στο Ναύπλιο. Ποια τα πλεονεκτήματα και ποια τα μειονεκτήματα για έναν dj να βρίσκεται εκτός Αθήνας;Όσον αφορά το θέμα δημιουργία, το Ναύπλιο και γενικά η επαρχία είναι ιδανικό μέρος κ τόπος για να εκφράζεται κανείς. Τώρα όσον αφορά την δουλειά, θα σου πω οτι υπάρχει πρόβλημα. Είναι πολλά τα Ελληνικά Αρη! Γενικά στη ζωή δεν μπορείς να τα έχεις όλα, εγώ επέλεξα να μείνω λίγο στο Ναυπλιο για να ολοκληρώσω το πρώτο μου άλμπουμ που κυκλοφορεί τον Σεπτέμβριο. Το Ναύπλιο είναι ένα πανέμορφο μέρος, είμαι πολύ τυχερός που μένω εκεί. Εχω λίγους κάλους φίλους κ περνάω πολύ όμορφα. Έχει πολύ ωραία μαγαζιά κ γενικά αν έχεις όρεξη κ κίνητρο, είσαι πολύ άνετος και περνάς καλά. Στην Αθήνα υπάρχει πολύ πίεση κ αγχος κ δεν το μπορώ αυτό. Γενικά οι εποχές έχουν αλλάξει, μετά απο 10 χρόνια+ στο χώρο, εχω την δυνατότητα κ τις γνωριμίες να παίζω παντού κ να ακούγεται το όνομα μου. Αυτό φυσικά δεν είναι εύκολο, ούτε έγινε από την μια μέρα στην αλλη..

Έχεις παίξει μπροστά σε πολύ κόσμο με μεγάλα ονόματα όπως οι Deep Dish και Infected Mushroom. Πώς ήταν αυτή η εμπειρία;Δεν περιγράφεται ευκολα. Είναι μοναδικό το συναίσθημα να είσαι πάνω σε stage και να παίζεις με τόσο μεγάλα ονόματα που έχουν προσφέρει πολλά στον χώρο της ηλεκτρονικής μουσικής. Θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω τον Γιάννη Παλτόγλου και τον Τρυφωνα που με έχουν εμπιστευτεί όλα αυτά τα χρόνια και μου έχουν χαρίσει τέτοιες μοναδικές στιγμές.

Τι ετοιμάζεις για το καλοκαίρι και για το υπόλοιπο του 2013;
Έχουμε το digital single του hit "Amame" με remixes από πολύ δυνατά ονόματα όπως Dave Rose, Asymmetric Soul & Adi Shabat, Niv Cohen & more.
To official video του clip "Amame".
Το remix μου σε Itay kalderon & Maya - Great Stuff (Dancepush).
Διάφορα events σε ολη την Ελλαδα, ιδιαίτερα στα νησιά.
Ξεκινάω συνεργασία με ενα guest mix zone στον Energy 88.6 Athens κάθε Τρίτη 23:00-24:00.
Και λίγο υπομονή μέχρι τον Σεπτέμβριο που κυκλοφορεί το Άλμπουμ μου από την Dancepush.

Interview: The Residents

 

Is the world more crazy today or when you kicked off The Residents, 40 years ago?As The Residents' spokesman, I can only give my own opinion for a question like that, but it's my feeling that the world is no crazier now than it's ever been. The difference is that with emergence of mass communication, the craziness is more obvious, consequently people are more aware of it.

Can art change the world? Or does the world just not want to be changed.
I don't think art alone can change the world. Art reflects change.

48 studio albums, plus the compilations, the live albums, the singles, the EPs, the multimedia projects, the touring. So many things in such little time takes a very strict schedule, I imagine. So, describe a typical day for The Residents.
A typical day for The Residents is not that much different from most people. They get up, have breakfast and go to work, have lunch, go back to work, etc. They are very disciplined, so by keeping up that schedule of 40 years and working exclusively for themselves, they have accomplished quite a bit.

With so much music under your belt, do you listen to your previous releases?
In general, The Residents are always moving forward, so they pay little attention to the past unless they are reworking material from an earlier album. Even then, they usually try to change or re-interpret it as much as possible rather than trying to be faithful to the original.

What are the most valuable lessons this 40-years-in-the-musicbusiness-trip has taught you?I think the most valuable lesson is that things change, so one should never become to comfortable with the status quo. But this is more of an overall life lesson and not just about the music business. The Residents like to keep moving forward.

A tour for the 40 years of The Residents. Should we expect some of "the hits"?
Since The Residents don't have any "hits," they aren't burdened by the obligation to play them. All of the material they have chosen for this tour is from their catalog, but most is fairly obscure; also they have drastically rearranged it, so in many ways the material often sounds like new songs.

You return to Athens once more. What have you associated Athens with?
The Residents mainly have positive associations with Athens, although there was an incident back on the Wormwood tour in 1999 when someone in the audience threw a rock and it hit Bob, the guitar player, in the head. Luckily Bob was wearing an eyeball mask at the time and it protected him, but he still had a serious cut. But The Residents have mostly had good times in Greece.

Has the Ultimate Box Set found a buyer yet? If no one comes up with the 100K, is there a plan-B for this project?
So far there has been one buyer of a U.B.S. (Ultimate Box Set). It's a young man in Indiana who is building a recording studio and wants to make the U.B.S. the centerpiece of the studio. There has also been a serious inquiry from a contemporary art museum in Romania, but this happened just before the tour started, so we haven't been able to follow up on it yet.

Name one thing in life that isn't negotiable.
Passion

The Residents will bring their Wonder of Weird tour this week in Athens (24/5 @ Fuzz Club). 

Interview: Group Rhoda

Your music is stripped down to the more basic elements. Why did you choose to go this way?

Many reasons.  I seem to think that way.  I also am attracted to very simple musical ideas that are rich in texture and I like building complexity of tone within a simple framework.  Additionally, it is a solo project and most songs are structured around what I can achieve live which is inherently restricting and I started the project knowing very little so some of the simplicity was just due to my own limitations as a writer and performer.  

Suicide

Is a non thinking state.  As a listener I get caught up in a kind of entranced state.  Marten Rev creates a landscape and Alan Vega delivers a skizophrenic gospel.

Ann Clark

She is a poet.  Really.  She is simple and honest.  She speaks of her fears and dreams.  She reveals the distopia we live in.  I feel very close to her ideas.  

Cabaret Voltaire.

Is all about movement and form.  My imagination runs wild with each song.  Plus there is a strong  influence of punk, dub, funk, and experimental.  I feel like they are not just timidly borrowing from these influences but actually embodying them.   In my opinion, its very physical and visual music.

Tell me all about the second album. What are the major differences with the debut.

The second album is a little more diverse in the type of songs and production.   Thematically it is also very similar.  

You toured with the mighty Soft Moon. That must have been something! Any interesting experiences?

It was a great short learning experience.  It was a window into what it means to be a professional band. They are all great musicians that can consistently play good shows.  I got a view into some of the darkness and the light that comes with being a band on the rise.  There is a lot to balance and constant forces working for and against you.  It seems to take a lot of commitment and persistence.  Those guys are almost always on the road and have put in tremendous ground work.  I had great fun on the tour when the shows were well thought out with a welcoming audience and good promoters.  I also liked making jokes in the car with them as they are all quite fun to be around.

Name 5 things that come to your mind about Greece.

Olive trees, leather sofas, Plato, classical columns, beaches.

Group Rhoda will tour Greece for the first time next week: 26/05 Thessaloniki, Residents,   27/05 Larissa, Hobo, 28/05 Athens, Yperokeaneio

Interview: Allah Las

Is it true that you met while working at Amoeba? Any good/funny stories about
vinyl freaks?
Yeah I met Matt and Spencer while working at Amoeba, and they had known Miles from school. It's hard to think of one particular story but there were definitely regular characters that shopped at the store. Some of them included "No Face", "Headphone Jesus" and "The Purple Lady".

Did you expect the success of your debut album?
We knew some people would like it but we never thought we'd make it to Greece,  so that's a pleasant surprise for sure

Your music is upbeat, but the lyrics not so much. Was this intentional? What
was the process of creating the songs?
Not really intentional, our music for the most part comes together through building on a riff or motif that everyone is into. Also, we were all going through break ups when the record was being made so that made its way into the lyrics.

What is the nicest thing anyone has told you about your music?
That it influenced their music

What is your connection to http://reverberationradio.com ?
Reverberation Radio is a weekly podcast of mixes that we and a close group of friends take turns making. Each mix is about 30 minutes long and features music new and old that we're into

You've been touring with the Black Angels this month. How has that been?
The tour is over now but it was great. We got to play for pretty good crowds each night which was a definite upside. A great band from Montreal called Elephant Stone was also a part of the tour and we really enjoyed their music too

Name 5 things about Greece that come to your mind.
Olive Oil
Plato
Gyros
Acropolis
Olympics

Name one thing that people might not know about the band?Spencer and Miles have known each other since kindergarten

Name one thing in life that isn't negotiable.
Rabies

The Allah Las will tour Greece for the first time: 29/5 Patra, Lithografion - 31/05 - Athens, Fuzz Club, 01/06 Thesaloniki, Mylos 

Συνέντευξη: 2L8

Ακούω ότι ετοιμάζετε δίσκο με ελληνικό στίχο, ενώ τρέχετε σαν παλαβοί με τα διάφορα; 

Οι τελευταίοι μήνες είναι πραγματικά γεμάτοι. Με όλες τις σόλο εμφανίσεις σε τόσο πολλές πόλεις, ταυτόχρονα κλείνουμε full band συναυλίες και μέσα σε όλο αυτόν τον χαμό δουλεύουμε και το νέο υλικό. Ξεκίνησε δειλά και κάπως τυχαία, αλλά τελικά έχει αρχίσει να παίρνει μορφή και θα είναι το πρώτο ελληνόφωνο άλμπουμ των 2L8 και είμαστε πολύ ενθουσιασμένοι με το αποτέλεσμα. Παίζω ήδη και αρκετούς μήνες μερικά κομμάτια στις σόλο εμφανίσεις και έχω να μεταφέρω μόνο τον ενθουσιασμό όσων τα ακούνε...

Η ιστορία με τον τελευταίο δίσκο μέσω του pledge είχε αίσια έκβαση. 

Το όλο πρότζεκτ στο pledge music ήταν ένα ρίσκο, το οποίο πήραμε και τελικά δικαιωθήκαμε. Εφόσον οι δρόμοι που υπήρχαν μπροστά μας δεν μας κάλυπταν αποφασίσαμε να δημιουργήσουμε έναν νέο εμείς οι ίδιοι. Η ανάγκη μας οδήγησε αλλά τελικά αποδείχτηκε ότι καλύτερο κάναμε ποτέ. Οι φίλοι μας το είδανε με ενθουσιασμό, στηρίξανε την προσπάθεια και στο τέλος τα καταφέραμε! 119% του αρχικού στόχου. Και κάπως έτσι κρατήσαμε τα δικαιώματα της μουσικής μας!

Στο TedX τι θα πείτε;

Στο Tedx με καλέσανε τόσο για να γίνει η αναφορά και μια μικρή παρουσίαση στο πρώτο ελληνικό άλμπουμ που κυκλοφορήσε με τη μέθοδο του crowdfunding, το "New Battles, without honor and humanity" όσο και για performance. 

Στις 20 Απριλίου παίζετε στο Bios.

Επιστρέφουμε για ακόμη μια φορά στη Αθήνα, και το τελευταίο μας live μάλιστα ήταν στο Bios. Μας ταιριάζει η σκηνή και το επιλέξαμε και πάλι. Ανακατέψαμε πολύ το σετ μας. Ξαναγυρίσαμε πίσω σε προηγούμενα άλμπουμ και βγάλαμε κομμάτια που έχουμε να παίξουμε χρόνια από τη μία και από την άλλη θα είναι η πρώτη παρουσίαση τμήματος του νέου άλμπουμ. Οπότε έχουμε πολλά καινούρια πράγματα να μοιραστούμε!

Και ετοιμάζετε και κάτι πιο θεατρικό για τη Στέγη Γραμματων κ Τεχνών.

Είναι ακόμα αρκετά νωρίς να μιλήσουμε για αυτό που ετοιμάζουμε για αρχές Ιούνη και για τη Στέγη, διότι η παράσταση είναι στη διαδικασία της δημιουργίας. Πρόκειται για μία σύμπραξη τεχνών. Μια παράσταση βασισμένη στην μουσική και τον λόγο των 2 τελευταίων μας άλμπουμ, "New Battles", "He&She", μαζί με κείμενα που βρήκανε και ερμηνεύουν οι ηθοποιοί, με ταυτόχρονες προβολές video art και φωτισμούς. Αυτή είναι η ιδέα και τώρα έιμαστε στο στάδιο της υλοποίησης!

Οι 2L8 περιοδεύουν ανά την Ελλάδα τον Απρίλιο

Interview: Herbert Bail Orchestra

Hi guys, introduce yourself to us. 

Herbert Bail is a collective alter ego for a sometimes ten strong band, with members hailing from all over different parts of the US. Now based in downtown LA. Lead by A.Frattolillo on the mic and acoustic guitar, and A.Katz on accordion and trombone. Herbert likes to think of himself as creating musical narratives that are epic tales. It’s an eclectic sound with keys, backup vocals & harmonies, violin and viola, trumpet, banjo, bass, percussion, and a little electric guitar now and then. It’s been said that Herbert Bail is a gypsy-revival act…from the depths of the American indie folk movement…a campfire tale…darkly beautiful…a danceable Wild West showdown…carving out myths of its own. But in the end, there are no single truths and we all lead many lives. Herbert Bail thanks you in advance for your thoughtful questions.

"All the chances we don't take, they haunt us when we lie awake. That's the way it goes." Why don't people take more chances? 

Good question. Woulda, coulda, shoulda. We are partly defined by the choices, chances and risks we take and make. But people get comfy. They’re not hungry. They don’t take as many chances. And you gotta’ get hurt, be burned or struggle to grow or change. So  (strictly metaphorically speaking) get your hands or your heart cut off or cut out, and you’ll get stronger. To die and grow ya know. Why don’t people take risks? Because they don’t want to face the consequences. But that’s what life’s about right- it’s a sacrifice. Destruction and consecration. And maybe that’s partly what ‘Nobody Knows’ is about.

"The Future's In The Past"- that is so true. Most people see the past as a nostalgic place, when everything was great and pure. Of course, this is far from real. How do you see the past and why is it important to you?  

Herbert Bail released his first full-length album on the day the world was supposed to end. Simply put, the album title could reflect the idea about how the lessons of the past lay the foundation for the future. And that’s why the past could be important. But there are other possible meanings that are not as permanent or agreeable. Carlos Feuntes said, “We imagine the past and remember the future.” Positing perhaps that we experience both the past and the future in the present moment. Meaning that maybe the past is an equal to the future, and we experience life linearly, but it’s really much more complex than that. Cultural anthropologist Dr. Bob Deutsch says, “The future has an ancient heart.” So again, one thinks of the past informing the future and vice versa.  The thing about the album title is it’s not supposed to have one meaning. It’s meant to create a dialogue about how we see the past and why it’s important. So thank you for asking. And to try to clearly answer your question: Herbert Bail sees the past as a romantic notion, as you said a - nostalgic place, carried forward by memory and myth. We’re trying to draw out that meaning for people to see. And perhaps that’s the importance and purpose of the past - to trick and treat us.

How do you decide to use an element from the past in your music? What is it about that element that speaks to you? 

Herbert understands what you mean, but it’s not a conscious decision to use elements from the past in the music. It just happens to be that way for us. We don’t sit down to write a song with as much intention as intuition. K. Beachum says our music is “slightly anachronistic” and maybe that points to how we feel about the past, history and chronology it self. Though we will admit to drinking heavily at a very young age from the likes of Muddy Waters, and watching too many John Ford and Sergio Leone films.  Perhaps those are the elements we draw from and that speak to us, things inside and outside music that were made or take place in the past.

You are based in L.A., the place everyone in show business wants to be. How difficult is it for a band to make it in L.A.? 

It seems there’s no more gold at the end of the rainbow these days with album sales or big record deals. It’s all about doing it your self. And LA is a great place for that DIY mentality. Maybe it’s just the ardent sun, but everyone’s really motivated here and doing something creative. It’s certainly harder to rise above all the noise, but there’s also more opportunities. Herbert Bail will let you know how difficult it was when we make it. In the meantime, it’s all about the journey, and we hope it never ends. 

What is the nicest thing that anyone has told you about your music. 

It’s the meaningful questions people ask that are the nicest things. Like these questions you’ve asked us here, or stopping and having a conversation with an audience member after a show. We participate together in this kind of ritual of theater and performance and this musical phenomenon. Herbert Bail can’t distill it down to one single thing that was the nicest thing anyone has ever told us. Though someone once sent us a video clip of there 11 month old baby dancing to our song 'Holy Smokes' and that was really uplifting. Herbert Bail wishes we could test all our music on children, because they truly live in the present and recognize a good song. Adults are too busy thinking about the past and the future. 

Name one thing in life that isn't negotiable.

Death… maybe… And life, and love, and sex, and birth, and change. Oh and food too. Definitely food. Loving is just like eating, you can go without it for a little while but sooner or later you’re gonna’ have to eat something.

Interview: Al Lover

Your twitter states "takes drugs to make beats take drugs to". So, what is it about Spacemen 3 that has you, me and so many people hooked on their music for so long?

For me the connection to the blues and gospel in their music is what really does it for me. I feel like what they did was an extension of something really deeply rooted and there for it resinates more. I think they really respected that. I also really dig the emphasis on texture, simplicity and groove as well.

Can I guess that you are a fan of John Spencer, too?

I love John Spencer. Everything from Pussy Galore to Heavy Trash and in between. He's another one that understands the history of blues and rock n roll music and does it right with his own spin.

You paid homage to the great Captain Beefheart's album "Safe As Milk...". Name why every music lover should own this epic album?

It's a classic, not one wasted moment on that record. So ahead of his time. Beefheart is the god.

What were you thinking when you titled an album "Al Lover’s Distorted Reverberations of Reverberating Distortion – Psychedelic Reinterpretations of Contemporary Rock ‘n Roll"?

I just though about how most the bands I sampled were using reverb and distortion effects on their guitars to kind of define their sound and that I was distorting the reverberations of what they were doing even further in a different way. I also thought it sounded kind of funny.

With First Fam you've released about 20 rap albums. Are there any new hiphop/rap artists that have impressed you over the last couple of years?

Yeah for sure, I really dig Kendric Lamar's new record a lot. Also, The Underachievers from NYC, The homie Alexander Spit from LA/SF, Davinci from SF. Too many to name, Rap is really good right now. I dig that groups like Odd Future and Death Grips have made punk rock ethos cool to the new generation of younger rappers. Old man rap ideals can be kind of silly at times. I'm glad to see the young kids trying something new and opposing the old ways.

You are now based in San Francisco, which happens to be sending constant psych/garage vibes to the whole world, lately. What is it about this city that keeps giving us great music all the time?

I don't know the city's just got a great musical history. From the hippies, to the punks, Garage rockers, bay area rap and electronic music as well. The city just has a very creative vibe and attracts creative people.

You've done the remixes and you've done the parties and the albums and you're the man in SF. So, name 5 bands that make your top SF list for 2013 so far.

I'm definitely not the man in SF, ha! Just trying to stay busy. As far as SF bands go right now though. Thee Oh Sees (oh course), Ty Segall, Burnt Ones, Pow!, Wax Idols, Cool Ghouls, again too many to name. The Mallard and Blasted Canyons are in there as well. I'm sure there's 100 new bands that formed over the last couple months that are gonna rule here shortly as well!

You played quite a few shows at SWSX last week. Your impressions of this carnival of modern music business?

My favorite part about sxsw is just seeing people I know from other towns I don't get to see too often and meeting new people, discovering new bands. It's great fun. I don't even ever go to any official sxsw shows, but I will gladly drink all the free booze from money hungry corporate sponsors.

Any bands/artists that impressed you at SWSX?

I saw a great punk band Glitz from SF at the burger records show that I hadn't even ever seen in SF. They rocked. Camera, an amazing Kraut rock band was really good too, I can't remember where they were from, I believe they're European. Deep Space from Austin, TX killed it as well.

How do you feel about coming to play in Greece? What are we to expect from your show(s) here?

I'm very excited to experience Greece! My shows will be very drum beat heavy and psychedelic. Hopefully the sound man will turn me all the way up so it's extra loud and the bass knocks! It's music you can nod your head to and zone out or make you dance depending on what substances you consume!

Name one thing in life that isn't negotiable.

Death.

Al Lover will perform in Thessaloniki for the first time on April 21st @ Residents

Lumiere Brother - 10 μελωδίες / 10 επιδραστικές μέχρι το κόκκαλο μουσικές για τις 10 μέρες μέχρι το live στο SixDogs

O Lumiere Brother μόλις κυκλοφόρησε τον δεύτερο δίσκο του "Twenty One", τον οποίο θα παρουσιάσει στις 4 Απριλίου στο 6 Dogs. Τις τελευταίες μέρες ανεβάζει στο FB του 10 μελωδίες / 10 επιδραστικές μέχρι το κόκκαλο μουσικές για τις 10 μέρες μέχρι το live. Μας έκανε την τιμή να μας γράψει 2 γραμμές για το κάθε κομμάτι. Διαβάστε και μετά να πάτε στο λάιβ. 

Btw, και o πρώτος δίσκος του ήταν εξαιρετικός αλλά δυστυχώς, τα media μας δεν τον εκτίμησαν γιατί νόμιζαν ότι ήταν indie-pop και δεν τον άκουσαν. Να τα λέμε αυτά και να προσθέσουμε και ένα "Ουστ ρε ζώα".

1) Ennio Moricone - Cinema Paradiso
Από τα πιο συνταρακτικά όμορφα κινηματογραφικά scores που έχω ακούσει ποτέ. Ικανό να βρεί και να αγγίξει τις πιο ευαίσθητες χορδές της ψυχής ενός ανθρώπου, όσο βαθιά και αν είναι καταχωνιασμένες.

2) Genesis - Carpet Crawlers
Ένα γκρουπ των οποίων την πιο ευφάνταστη πρώτη περίοδο ανακάλυψα σχετικά αργά. Ποταμός ενορχηστρωτικών ιδεών και λυρισμού πάνω στον οποίο "πλέει" η ζεστή φωνή του Gabriel.

3) Serge Gainsbourg - Evelyne
Το κομμάτι αυτό του αγαπημένου Gainsbourg αποτέλεσε μουσική έμπνευση για πολλούς πειραματισμούς μου με βάση τον ξεχωριστό ήχο της μεγάλης μουσικής "σχολής" του ιδιοφυούς αυτού ανθρώπου.

4) Fleetwood Mac - Man of the world
Ίσως το πρώτο κομμάτι που άκουσα απο τους Fleetwood Mac και παραμένει ακόμα για μένα ένα από τα αγαπημένα μου, ίσως γιατί είναι τόσο μελαγχολικό..

5) R.E.M. - Electrolyte
Ακόμα θυμάμαι το video-clip του Electrolyte από τότε που πήγαινα Λύκειο, πάντα αυτό το κομμάτι μου έδινε για κάποιο λόγο την αίσθηση μιας ζεστής αγκαλιάς, την ασφάλεια ότι όλα θα πάνε καλά..

6) Yann Tiersen - Le matin
Παίζω αυτό το κομμάτι σπίτι μου πολύ συχνά, είναι από τα αγαπημένα μου του Tiersen, νομίζω ότι σε αυτό έφτασε στο ζενίθ της ατμόσφαιρας που τον έκανε γνωστό παντού.

7) Wilco - How to fight loneliness
Απο τα κομμάτια που έχω βάλει στις περισσότερες συλλογές που έχω φτιάξει ποτέ. Περιγράφει ακριβώς της γλυκιά ειρωνεία της "παρεϊστικης"... μοναξιάς.

8) Queen - Love of my life
Τα φωνητικά που φτάνουν σε ουρανούς ..αγγέλων και το πιάνο κλασσική κοπής με έχουν στιγματίσει από τότε που το πρωτοάκουσα.

9) Scott Walker - Copenhagen
Το είχα ακούσει απο μια συλλογή που είχαν φτιάξει οι Midlake, οι Walker Brothers είναι απο τα αγαπημένα μου γκρουπ της δεκαετίας του 60, απλά αυτό το κομμάτι έχει τόσο μα τόσο απίστευτα ονειρικό τελείωμα..

10) The Beatles - Long long long
Από τα κρυφά διαμάντια του White Album, καθηλωτικό το πιάνο που μπαίνει λίγο πριν την μέση, μαγικά σκοτεινό, στοιχειωμένο αριστούργημα.

Interview: Mop Mop

Andrea Benini aka Mop Mop is coming to Greece for the first ever show of his Mop Mop soundsystem here. He was kind enough to talk to us about.

 

Where is this "Isle of Magic" and how can I get there?

Well the 'Isle Of Magic' doesn't exist for real. It's just a magic place i had in my mind. The perfect place for me where you can just live, cook, eat, play music and do voodoo rites at night. This idea just come up to me during a vacation in a small Island called 'Marettimo' in Sicily, real deep south of Italy. Marettimo is so small and just with an amazing landscape. Perfect to relax.

 

Why do we need to escape to an "Isle of Magic" via music? Isn't Europe a great place to be in 2013?

Of course Europe is nice but i am always trying to 'build' a kind of perfect place to have a story, a concept for my albums. It makes things easier for me than just have a look at the reality. People like to dream. Me too.

 

The artwork of the new album shows a naked black woman covered by a snake. Explain, please.

 I am a record collector since many years and i have a lot of funk, disco,afro and tropical albums from the 70's. There were a lot of very nice cover during that period and some of them used to have naked women with organic and spiritual elements. You can check the Mandingo album ' Savage Rite' from 1975 to have an idea. Moreover we wanted to have some exotic/tribal elements to represent the music of isle of magic. 

You worked with the iconic Fred Wesley on the album. How did this happen and how was working with him? Please, please, please, can you share any crazy stories he might have told you from all the legends he's worked with?
We were doing the pre production of the album and we wanted to have some guests. I was working on the track 'Run Around' and i wanted to try to mix some gospel elements, funk and poetry. So i've asked to Anthony Joseph to try some heavy lyrics for the song and we got in contact to mr Wesley too. We sent him the demo and he loved the idea. Fred was touring in Germany with the new J.B.s and we scheduled a studio session in Berlin. We recorded two tracks and 'Run Around' is in the album. Unfortunately we didn't have much time during the studio session to have a long chat with Fred but we went to his gig later at night and it was great.

"Three Times Bossa" was on the OST of Woody Allen’s ‘To Rome With Love’. How did this happen? And how has it helped your band?

My friends and co-writer Alex Trebo was in New York some years ago and he was introduced to one of Allen's video editor during a dinner. Alex started to talk about Mop Mop music and Allen’s video editor was pretty interested. Last year i received a phone call from my publisher in Italy because Woody Allen wanted our track 'Three Times Bossa' for his movie 'To Rome With Love'. It was just great and of course it has boosted our popularity to a more bigger audience. 

 

Four albums in, what are the biggest lessons the music business has taught you?

That 'the message' is the more important thing. You can have the best promotion, advertise and whatever but if the people don't get your message you can't complain. There are no secrets or tricks. It's just about working hard every day. You can't fake. Especially if you do underground music.

 

Does the name of the band come from Louis Jordan's 1945 hit? And if so, why did you choose to reference Jordan?

No. When i was living in Bologna i came across an old dictionary of jazz , ‘Nestor Ortiz Oderigo, Dictionary Of Jazz’ from 1961 if i remember fine and i discovered the word Mop Mop for the first time. The dictionary says ‘Mop Mop...a bastard performance of modern jazz based on riffs looped till monotony...’ Well a part of the ‘monotony’, we were doing pretty much the same, i mean jamming on riffs, creating hypnotic grooves and doing solos. James Brown and Fela Kuti know what i am talking about!. Moreover ‘Mop Mop’ is the name of a Max Roach composition. It was the right name in my opinion.

 

How do you feel about coming to perform in Greece? 

I am really looking forward to it. I hope to spend nice time in a good weather with nice people.  We are playing with the Mop Mop sound system at six d.o.g.s. in Athens with Alex Trebo on keys and synth, Luca Spinogatti on turntables and samples and myself on drums, effects and vocals.It's the 'dancefloor-oriented' version of the album. We will mix heavy tropical, funk, disco beats with samples from the album and a lot of jazzy-psychedelic improvisations. 

 

Name one thing in life that isn't negotiable.

The respect.

 

Mop Mop will perform their funk/afro/jazz in Athens on April 13th @ Six Dogs.