DeezMag #2 by Miguel Teixeira

Nr 2 February 2013

The ART CRIMES BALﾃグ DE FERRO SIBYL VANE UP-LIFTERS TOY SOLDIER and many others

DEEZ NR 2 EDITORIAL The other day I was in contact with a band to schedule an interview. When we were done with that, I asked the guy if he could bring the band's record to the interview, because I might be interested in doing a review. A soon as I wrote this a sort of fear hit me. The guy might very well give you the record just because of the review, but the truth was I was asking for it because I had liked their music. I might do a review, but I was asking for it for myself,

for

m y c o l l e c t i o n . O f c o u r s e I w o u l d h a v e t a k e n i t a n y w a y. A f t e r a l l I w o r k f o r a m u s i c m a g a z i n e , bands give you their music, be it a CD or a digital ﬁle. But it would have ruined it a little for me. So I hastily corrected it to say I was also interested in it at a personal level, and asked h o w m u c h i t w a s s o I c o u l d b r i n g t h e m o n e y . A s t h e d a y s w e n t b y, a n d I w a i t e d f o r t h e r e p l y, I t h o u g h t " D a m n i t m a n , y o u b l e w i t . Y o u s h o u l d h a v e s c r a t c h e d t h e r e v i e w p a r t a l t o g e t h e r. H e ' s g o i n g t o g i v e y o u t h e r e c o r d . " B u t e v e n t u a l l y h e r e p l i e d i t w o u l d b e 3 e u r o s , a n d t h a t h e w o u l d b r i n g i t . I f e l t r e l i e f. Yo u ' r e p r o b a b l y w o n d e r i n g w h a t ' s t h e p o i n t o f t h i s s t o r y. W e l l , i f h e h a d g i v e n i t t o m e , e v e r y t i m e I e n j o y e d t h a t r e c o r d i t w o u l d f e e l w r o n g . I k n o w w h a t y o u ' r e t h i n k i n g : y o u w o u l d g e t o v e r i t . Ye a h I p r o b a b l y would. But the fact that I even worried about it got me thinking.

T h e p ro b l e m i s I ' m a n o l d s c h o o l g u y. W h e n I w a s y o u n g e r I u s e t o s a v e e v e r y p e n n y I c o u l d s o I c o u l d b u y a re c o rd . A n d e v e r y re c o rd w a s special. That's probably why I never regretted buying any of them, even the ones I don't listen anymore. Nowadays, more often than not, when I ﬁnd a band

I like, I go and try to ﬁnd their music and, lo and behold, they are giving it away!

W e l l I ' l l t a k e i t , b u t i t d o e s n ' t f e e l t h e s a m e . S o o n e r o r l a t e r, i f I r e a l l y, r e a l l y l i k e t h e b a n d , I w i l l h a v e t o b u y t h e i r r e c o r d , p h y s i c a l m e d i a or online. But I have to admit I find looking for music in this endless repository of free art a little daunting. Just the other day a friend referred me to a site filled with free legal downloads. He told me they had over 15.000 records available, and that I was sure to find something I liked. No doubt. But has he said that my first thoughts were "15.000 records!? Are you serious!? I'll be dead before I can browse through that, let alone do any serious listening." O f c o u r s e I h a v e d o w n l o a d e d m u s i c o n m y c o m p u t e r, p a i d o r o t h e r w i s e . A g u y l i k e m e t h a t l i s t e n s t o a l o t o f m u s i c i n t o d a y ' s w o r l d h a s t o . But my point is that I sometimes feel deprived of my right to support a band because I simply cannot buy their record.

Ye s f r e e m u s i c i s a b l e s s i n g f o r t h o s e w h o c a n ' t r e a l l y a f f o r d t o a c t u a l l y b u y r e c o r d s . A n d s o m e t i m e s a r t i s t s d o g e t s o m e t h i n g o u t o f i t , like for instance when the site shares the advertisement revenue with them. And yes there are other ways to support artists. Like going to their live performances. Although I must be honest, I sometimes find it difficult to drag myself out of the house on a rainy Thursday night, to go to a gig, pay as much for it as I would for a record (or more) just so I can support a band. And sometimes the gigs end up not being that great. And you could always send the artist some money if he decides he does not want to charge for his work. But we all know that once we get it for free, we won't do that. M a y b e I s h o u l d b e a l i t t l e l e s s o l d s c h o o l a n d j u s t a c c e p t t h e f a c t t h a t a l o t o f b a n d s j u s t b a s i c a l ly g i v e t h e i r m u s i c a w a y. O r m a y b e o t h e r s should just start supporting the bands they like a little more instead of just feasting on as much free music as they can get their hands o n . A n d m a y b e a l o n g t h e w a y w e c a n fi n d s o m e m i d d l e g ro u n d . J u s t a t h o u g h t f o r t h e c o m m u n i t y.

Ivo Caires Bello Editor

w s w t b c t

And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music. 3

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Friedrich Nietzscheâ&#x20AC;?

www.facebook.com/obisonte

twice. Our encouragement comes from

the

audience.

The

only

thing we think of is to let them have the music, let them own it. When that happens, we have the inspiration to go on. Sometimes we feel reassured just by seeing someone showing up with one of our t-shirts. And then, off we go again

play

someplace

else.

And because love always wins, O Bisonte has been winning a huge herd

followers

caring who,

and in

devoted

return,

are

generously spoiled by the band in e v e r y p o s s i b l e w a y. N o t e t h a t t h e

O BISONTE

top quality of the music speaks for itself but whoever gets the chance to see O Bisonte live will be ferociously attached and won’t

MUSCLE ROCK

ever forget that, if they’re sched-

uled

play

gig,

will

beyond the shadow of a doubt a

Fact number one: the birth of the

o t h e r s t y le y o u m a y t h i n k o f. We

becomes visible amidst the impres-

c l a s s y, f u l l h e a r t e d a n d i g n i t e d

band

are not conditioned in any way.

sive energy and power delivered in

show to see, feel and smoke a

rather swift process. We’re told by

Also, the aesthetics of the band

striking

cigarette in the end.

David

idea

are way beyond the sound they

believe that, if Henry Rollins and

Already with two published LP’s

completely

produce in the recording studio;

The

- the debut album, a beautifully

their excellence lies within the

mated, the result would probably be

handmade author’s edition called

together and bonded naturally over

power

them. It’s genuine rock.

Ala, and the latest “Mundos &

the main interest they all shared in

strength, in its warmth and oddly

common:

enough, in its kindness.

These are the main reasons why the

can/must be heard in

name (meaning the Bison) resulted

Fact number three: O Bisonte has

presence of the O Bisonte is being

http://www.myspace.com/obison

from somewhat of an obsession with

two different personalities which

regarded

te) - both of which have been

names

strength.

coexist.

David

Porto’s

acknowledged by the critics and

Bisons are majestic creatures and

Gualter

Barros

Guil-

become increasingly visible over the

its peers, O Bisonte promises to

we also found appealing their abil-

herme

and

João

Portuguese music scene. In fact, in

continue to set high standards

ity to cause damage when in large

Carvalho

practice

their

such a short period of time, not only

for the Portuguese music but, as

groups, he smiles.

craft on both sides of the beast,

did they manage to get to the ﬁnals

the band says, without thinking

Fact number two, easily witnessed in

surrendering themselves to their

too much. We do whatever pops

their live shows: O Bisonte is noble

mother language, as seen in their

Worten contest, but they also got to

into our minds, that’s what

in character and it charges in a raw,

lyrics

(and

sometimes

share the stage with Sepultura and

characterizes O Bisonte. That,

straightforward and very particular

from

the

classic

Portuguese

Mastodon

a n d t h e s w e a t y, u n c o m p r o m i s i n g ,

way: we found out that, despite play-

repertoire,

Depois

Bisonte is clearly marking it’s terri-

assertive, ﬁrm and above all,

ing

Adeus” or “A Lenda D’el Rei D.

tory and in every single spot they go,

honest rock. All of it with a kind

this band does not ﬁt the traditional

Sebastião”).

they will indubitably ﬁnd love. In two

smile in the snout.

heavy rock scene, metal, or in any

this darker side of O Bisonte, that

came

Bisonte,

Lobão to

rock

2010,

when

four

people

that

that,

life,

different

the

simply

music.

The

represented

somewhat

was

heavy

got

band

m a n n e r,

its

Lapa

charisma,

Lobão

But

“E

its

(vocals),

(drums),

(bass)

(guitar)

then,

versions

there’s

shows

Pogues

that

were

lead

Portuguese

and

Fundos” from 2012 (which

with

such

plateaus

the

demanding

2012

reverence and

Rock

Rendez

Rio.

years we played gigs in almost any joint you can possibly imagine -

m w

th if

Th RAQUEL PINHEIRO

go to see something they already

know, not something new. And we were always something of a niche band. DM

And despite those difﬁcul-

ties,

what

was

the

reaction

your live shows? TVR

We think live people end up

accepting

b e t t e r.

least

that regard we were able to win

p e o p l e o v e r. T h e r e c o r d i s a m o r e

thought out thing, more worked,

with

ﬂutes,

saxophones,

harps,

overdubs, choruses, etc.Live that

doesn't happen, there's just the ﬁve

www.facebook.com/tvrural

distinct

TV Rural have a strong identity and

explore

style that they have built through

treading new paths. That's part of

exactly the issue of genre. Nowa-

the years. But it's sometimes hard

t h e w a y w e g ro w m u s i c a l ly.

days, since there's a lot of stuff out

to put a ﬁnger on it. And the reason

there, the tendency is to pack the

for

that

probably

their

unre-

other

things.

keep

Is this way of doing things makes

the

style

change

TVR

The difﬁculty that we felt was

bands in small groups, and since we

stricted approach to music. They are

little from song to song?

don't

not afraid to experiment and the way

TVR

nowhere

they explore possibilities is always

d o w i t h w h a t w e w a n t t o c o n v e y.

s e l l m u s i c t h a t w a y, i f y o u l a b e l i t ,

fresh.

And the lyrics end up shaping the

so people can know what to expect.

DM - TV Rural are a band that trav-

songs

Our music is popular music, but it's

els through several styles, and that

important for us is that we are

also

is noticeable in your latest work "A

true

work

But the fact that we don't ﬁt into any

Balada do Coiote". Explain to us how

out

this

don't

speciﬁc movement, makes it a bit

you approached this new record.

plan things to come out a certain

difﬁcult

TVR

w a y. N a t u r a l ly t h i n g s t e n d t o g o

what we do. But we think that's more

in different ways according to the

of a problem with the market than

subject

with people.

When we thought about this

record, more

e n e r g y,

and

usually

our particular case, the people

ﬁve people or two hundred. And in

create

e n e r g y,

the same either we're playing for

’t

dedication on stage is basically

stage,

punk-rock

people react well to that. And our

ties. It's more cohesive, it has a

creates a different set of quali-

the

idea

was

homogeneous

for

than

Ye s , u n d o u b t e d l y. I t h a s t o

lot.

the

ourselves. way

end

Things

because

are

what's

talking

about.

ﬁt

into

any

group

(laughter).

inﬂuenced

for

It's

easier

American

people

go to

rock.

understand

It's hard for the bands

works, and in a way that was a plan

We're not a genre oriented band.

to reach the public. There's not a lot

t h a t f a i l e d c o m p l e t e ly. ( l a u g h t e r ) B u t

For instance David Jacinto, our

of concerts or venues where people

if you listen to our work from ﬁve or

lead

can experience a bit of everything.

ten years ago, you realize that this

write a song, many times instead

And

one

consistent.

of a more melodic view, he goes

promoting the music of the bands,

Although the songs are all different,

more for an almost photographic

and the work they do live.

there

fact

certain

ambiance,

s i n g e r,

when

starts

that's

your latest album. That the work is

the lonely man, walking the night,

the setting, the scenario. So the

different and bold.

thinking

songs end up being very different.

TVR

happen to him and around him. And

And the fact that we started sing-

everything

that

ing in Portuguese also gives us

always an important part of a musi-

thread for the record. We don't ﬁt

cians work. Maybe in twenty years

into any speciﬁc genre. But there is

what we are doing.

ends

about

the

being

things

the

that

common

i d e n t i t y,

about

context

great

you've

obstacle

a p p r o a c h , i n s t e a d o f t h e m e l o d y, thinks

But

common idea behind them, that of

probably

also

reviews to

And maybe that's what ruins (laughter).

record

people will remember the records,

a n e s t a b l i s h e d i d e n t i t y, b e c a u s e t h e

Did you feel a good recep-

not the concerts. When people go

band's been around for twelve years.

tion

out today to see a gig, they usually

The basis is rock, but we want to

people react?

this

record?

How

did

that go to our gigs give themselves

completely

the

show,

and that's fantastic. DM

And from here on forward?

TVR

are

already

thinking

about our next record, and we're trying to solidify TV Rural even more. "A Balada do Coiote" is an heterogeneous work, but it's still a more rounded work than previous records. And the next one will surely be even more. We're trying to solve in the best way possible all of those things that were a little loose. DM

Any ﬁnal message?

TVR- Just wanted to say to everyone

out

there

use

whatever

time they have available to listen to records from beginning to end, a n d n o t j u s t o n e s o n g . To d o i t o l d school, sit in their living room and

listen

whole

albums.

N o w a d a y s t e c h n o l o g y, t h e i n t e r net, allows us to have access to a lot of music and to bands that otherwise But

wouldn't

need

have

listened. a

certain

attitude towards it, not just listen to one song, but to really explore the bands and get to know them.

IVO BELLO

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FREE WHORES ARE THE BEST WHORES Hello all - this time I have decided to let you in on another recurrent misfortune inside the record industry: bad booking / show whoring.

Quite often I hear artists comparing themselves to whores, in two distinct situations: when an musician is performing with another artist solely for the sake of earning extra cash; and when an artist is performing for free under the excuse of 'promotional purposes'. As for the first situation, I'll wrap it up shortly by telling you an episode which most certainly broadened my view of things a couple of years ago: I once ran into a musician friend of mine which I hadn't seen for quite some time, and asked him how he was doing, career-wise. 'Well, I just came back from the states, been touring with X' (X being a very cheesy artist whose name is irrelevant to the matter). 'Friend, you are whoring yourself playing with such lousy artists just to make a buck' I said. His reply changed my whole way of looking at things: 'Well, who is the greatest whore? Me, playing music I do not enjoy in order to keep on making a living as a musician, or you - working in an office doing something you hate just to pay for your music? Who is actually whoring himself?' I quit my office

charles sangnoir

j o b a c o u p l e o f m o n t h s l a t e r. Nevertheless, I have friends who do prefer to have a 'typical' job in order to secure their ﬁnancial well being; A great friend of mine, and a very well known persona in the grindcore genre, considers whoring happens when you change/soften/adapt your music just so you can live from it. I can relate to that, but I don´t ﬁnd an absolute truth in any of the above possibilities - what suits you best is your own personal truth. As for the second situation, things tend to get trickier: I have been playing live for nearly 20 years now and I wish I had a dime for every time a promoter or a venue owner asked me to play for free under the excuse of 'promotion': "It is good for you" they say "It will help you s e l l re c o rd s " t h e y s a y ; " o t h e r s h a v e d o n e t h e s a m e " t h e y s a y. Ve r y w e l l : o f c o u r s e I h a v e p l a y e d f o r f re e - s e v e r a l , c o u n t l e s s t i m e s - a n d sometimes it just might be worth it, I may agree. If your friend needs a hand, if that promoter who once held your hand is now through sour times, if there is a charity gig clearly in need of a boost - sure. But other than that - yes, you are being a whore, and a free one. Make no mistake, you are indeed 'promoting' yourself: as the guy who plays anywhere for the sake of anything. I have seen loads of venues, loads of festivals and loads of promoters having a delicious life on the a c c o u n t s o f c a c h e t s t h e y c o u l d b u t d o n o t p a y, a n d m a n y b a n d s b r e a k i n g u p a s a r e s u l t o f f r u s t r a t i o n o r s h e e r e c o n o m i c a l i m p o s s i b i l i t y . When live act pubs came to the conclusion many bands would play for free (or even pay to play as I have witnessed) in the hope of getting k n o w n a n d e s t a b l i s h i n g a c a r e e r, m a n y c o n v i n c e d t h e m s e l v e s t h e y c o u l d k e e p o n p r e s e n t i n g l i v e s h o w s o n a b u d g e t n e x t t o n o t h i n g . W h a t h a p p e n e d ? S u d d e n l y y o u d o n ' t h a v e a b a n d c i r c u i t u n l e s s y o u a r e w i l l i n g t o p a y f o r y o u r o w n t o u r. A n d s u d d e n l y m o s t v e n u e s a r e c r a m m e d w i t h l o w q u a l i t y b a n d s e a g e r f o r a n i l l u s i o n . F o r t u n a t e l y, h o w e v e r, t h e r e a r e s t i l l s o m e e x c e p t i o n s .

Ye s , f r e e w h o r e s a r e t h e b e s t w h o r e s . P e r f o r m i n g i n e x c h a n g e f o r a b e e r a n d a c l u b s a n d w i c h ? I ' l l m a k e m y o w n a t h o m e , t h a n k y o u .

After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music.

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www.facebook.com/meugeneral

he was a fundamental part in the creation of this album, with the production, arrangements and all his help. DeezMag: And the other guest musiciansÖ G: The other guest musicians are Pedro Santos and Francisco Bernardo,

they were members of my old band and friends that somehow help, making me more comfortable. They are people with whom I can share and structure my ideas, people that understand me and are willing to participate. Pedro Martins came to fulfill the need of having an above the average drummer participating in the process. The record was becoming very strong music a l ly, w i t h s t ro n g g u i t a r s a n d n e e d e d a d r u m m e r t h a t c o u l d a d d v a l u e t o the work. Pedro Martins was the right choice, he put this project in a higher level allowing a bolder music production. This is the team that is playing live with me and has proved to be a fundamental and wise choice. DeezMag: What more can you tell us about ìMeu Generalî and the journey so far? G: The name ìMeu Generalî came at a later stage in the project. It was firstly called ìPonto Gî because my name is Gilberto and I love the letter G as my trademark. After a while with that name and having edited a single, we thought maybe it wasn't the right name for the project, it wouldnít fit the music we were recording. Then we decided to try to get another name. I always thought the G should remain as my trademark, many people already called me G. Then talking to ZÈ Pedro, who plays in the projectís single ìVoz Dormenteî, came the idea of the ìGeneralî. After that people started calling me ìMeu Generalî and I adopted it. If I had any doubts, ìMeu Generalî made me leave with no regrets the name ìPonto Gî. DeezMag: How did you choose what songs should be in the album? And could It was in ìStopî, an old mall in Oporto where more than oneudred b a n d s r e h e a r s e , t h a t w e í v e f o u n d G i l b e r t o A n d r È P i n t o t h e s i n g e r, guitar player and composer of ìMeu Generalî who are about to release their debut LP ìPrimeiras Impressıesî. DeezMag: The debut LP of ìMeu Generalî (My General), a project that started in the beginning of 2008 is about to be released and will be called ìPrimeiras Impressıesî (First Impressions). What are these first impressions?

G: The writing process is very complex. I entered the studio with 50 ideasÖ I í m t h e w o r k a h o l i c t y p e o f c o m p o s e r. I í m a l w a y s w r i t i n g , m a k i n g n e w songs and sometimes I need to stop and focus, and to see what I have and where to go. In the end it all came to choosing some ideas, out of my comfort zone, the ideas were developed in the last 5 years. The oldest song is from the time of the ìBlackberryî and at that time didnít seem right, and c u r i o u s ly, t h ro u g h a n e l a b o r a t e d p ro d u c t i o n , g a i n e d a n e w l i f e . O t h e r

Gilberto: These are the impressions Iíve retained since 2008 until now and the impressions from the music that inﬂuenced me and still does, and the ones that Iíve obtained since composing the music on guitar until it was fully grown, giving me impressions on how I could manage the work, how I could direct it, to see which direction was the album going to follow.

you tell us how do you create the songs?

Therefore itís all the impressions that I

hope are recorded in the album and the people who will listen will feel that it was really what I was trying to transmit. DeezMag: This ﬁrst LP, produced by Rodolfo Cardoso (ìWC Noiseî) counts with experienced musicians, ZÈ Pedro (ìXutos & PontapÈsî), Marco Nunes (ìComitÈ Caviarî, ex ìJorge Palmaî, ex ìBlind Zeroî) and Pedro Martins (ìComitÈ Caviarî, ìWC Noiseî, ex ìGNRî). Could you tell us about that choice and its importance? G: I already knew Rodolfo Cardoso from the time of ìWC Noiseî. When I had my band ìîBlackberryî we had the opportunity to be recorded by him for our demo, and I loved the way he worked in the studio with us. When ìBlackberryî ended and I decided ,since I was the

s o n g s w e re w r i t t e n a n d d e v e l o p e d a y e a r, y e a r a n d h a l f a g o , I í m v e r y h a p p y about them, they reached the point that, when I decided to start working on the solo album, I imagined they could be with a good production. Deezmag: Anything youíd like to add? G: The album had the participation of ZÈ Pedro in the song ìVoz Dormenteî, and it was a surprise and a real privilege for me that he accepted the invitation to play in our debut concert in S. Pedro do Sul. He is an idol to me and Iíve been a fan of ìXutos & PontapÈsî for many years. He is the reason I play music. In the album thereís also a brilliant participation of Marco N u n e s . A n d m y o l d f r i e n d To z È S a n t o s f ro m ì P e r f u m e î , t h a t p a r t i c i p a t e d i n ìPonto Gîís ﬁrst song released as a single in 2008, of course had to be in the album. It was a very important feeling that my friends were always warmly asking how the album was going. Itís very good to me that people were caring about the evolution of the work, and many people followed the 5 years of work, always curious to know what will happen when the album is out, how things will develop, and this album is always a bit theirs if not a lot.

composer of many of the songs, to assume it and sing them. Rodolfo was the obvious choice to work in what I knew was going to be a difﬁcult job. I wasnít such a good guitar player and I still donít play it very well, but I wrote a lot of songs, had many ideas, many melodic lines that I wanted to put together and I wanted someone to help me taking the direction I thought the songs should take. Indeed

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"U U

UP-Lifters. What’s behind the name,

2 0 1 3 i s t h e y e a r, w h i c h i s g o i n g t o

usually spelt in "red"?

crucial

for

the

LITHUANIA

"Apart

band.

from grand gigs at the best places A

four-piece

capital

precious

band

from

Lithuania female

Dange,

and

Mantas

and

temporary

Kaunas.

side

muscle Laimis.

Ieva

in our country with the the best

The

rockers out there, we also can’t

and

wait for our UP-coming EP, which

rhythms

This

modern

gonna

m-m-m-m-onster

kill" laughs lead guitarist Mantas.

rock band describe their music as a

"I would like to

tight and innovative experience for a

y o u w i t h a n y f u r t h e r d e t a i l s . Yo u

l i s t e n e r, w h o ’ s i n t e r e s t e d i n m e l o d i c

are deﬁnitely going to be informed

and

via

non-stereotypic

female

vocals

plus, new wave of instrumental djent as

"Our

genre.

rock

our

but cannot share

Facebook

page

and

UP-coming brand new website." The

band’s

goal

achieve

music

sound, that no band in near coun-

ends up in only one genre" says lead

tries has ever reached. "We aim for

guitarist Mantas.

the

lifestyle,

The

near

but

none

past

the

revealed

the

world

best

sounding,

low&melodic,

audiophile typo music" says UP-

some good news. Fresh sounding and

Lifters. Are you saying that there is

"interesting-to-listen" music is still

much

alive. As the musicians community

itself? "Well of course yes. As a

of the world keeps rising, UP-Lifters

guitar player by myself, I’m even

say

their

little paranoid (smiles) about the

secret. "As much as we love every

quality of the record/instruments

single kind of music, we try not to

t i m b re s . I t h i n k t h a t ’s t h e e s s e n c e

cover up our eyes with sentiments

of true music. Of course, you have

for

own

to be a great player as well, but

time, and keep searching for new

knowing how to control your sound

and fresh sounding material in our

is one of the best things to ever

hearts" says the vocalist Ieva. "Our

happen to a musician" says Mantas.

name realizes itself when you come

As a band, UP-Lifters confront a lot

see

that

the

it’s

time

music

live

reveal

which

had

says

its

Mantas,-

behind

misunderstood

the

record

situations

and

deﬁnitely drop a bass (laughs) and a

difﬁculties. "As you might notice,

bomb

with

we’re not labeled yet, and every

our essence of sound. The guitarists

tiny bit of our musical life is pow-

(Mantas

ered by our personal life. We mean

tuned

UP-lifting

and

material

Dange)

invoked

seven-stringed

basses,

while

low-

guitars

Laimis

and

grooves

www.facebook.com/upliftersband

our

records

ourselves,

are

being

our

made

living

rehearsals being made in vet acad-

and other odd-time signatured and

emy

constructed beats. "I just love how

concerts

the human is created to feel the

way we expect, but we still manage

g ro o v e . I t ’s j u s t c r a z y w h e n y o u r

to drop our bomb no matter what.

body can feel the 4/4 ﬂow and your

Our belief is our chef, and we are

endings can do the magic, can liter-

not

ally kick you out of the bounce".

says

"Usually

making

are

going

Mantas.

and not

let "As

very

By : S U N N Y AG GA RVA L

rooms,

various types of alternative, metal

(laughs)

UP-LIFTERS

often

happening

the

that

run

away"

yet,

we’re

collaborations

without precedent in our country and getting ready to tour some abroad

UP-Lifters on their chest etc." Says

with some well known rap artists

countries in spring and visit every summer festival in our native land

Mantas.

in Lithuania, preparing records

(or maybe some in Europe as well)" says the vocalist Ieva.

people

write

down

rap-rock

B : T h a t ’s a n e s s e n t i a l a s p e c t . B a l ã o d e Fe r ro d i d n ’ t h a p p e n b y c h a n c e . I t ’s a well thought, premeditated band. The fact we had 3 bands in common made us

www.facebook.com/balaodeferro

have a stricter criteria over having new bands. The criteria we used on Balão de Ferro was precisely the search for a vintage sound, a power trio that has as references Jimi Hendrix, Cream, Led Zeppelin and all their contemporary bands, like Deep Purple. In a classic rock record the music is true to itself, with very few overdubs or preferably none. The sound is pure, vintage and low-ﬁ and not a highly produced sound, with rock sounding guitars, bass, drums and vocals. Nico: The drums are big, and recorded in a large room. B: Is not just the music composition and arrangements that are important in the band’s aesthetics but also the sound.

DeezMag: When we listen to your music we notice the simple and straight to the point lyrics. What’s the importance of the lyrics construction in your music? B : I t ’s q u i t e i m p o r t a n t . I t ’s t h e ﬁ r s t t i m e I h a v e a p ro j e c t w h e re I s i n g i n P o r t u g u e s e . I t ’s a b i g c h a l le n g e . T h e w h o le i d e a i s t h a t t h e ly r i c s c a n s t a t e a message that is clear to the listeners, they should be straight to the point and without any pseudo-intellectualism, and try to accomplish their artistic function, and not a couple of foolish rhymes.

DeezMag: Só me arrependo do que não ﬁz (I only regret what I didn't do) and Melhores dias virão (Better days will come) are the titles of two of your songs. For Balão de Ferro those days will be B:Melhores dias virão is about the way I think. I’m not a nostalgic person, I feel I’m exactly the opposite, and I always end up thinking I could always do b e t t e r a n d t h e re f o r I f e e l t h e b e s t i s y e t t o c o m e , t h a t ’s m y w a y o f f a c i n g things. Balão de Ferro is about to start. Our record will be released in the beginning of 2013 and well go on the road. N: Well be working outside the studio environment, work on the band s promotion, growing on stage live with an audience.

DeezMag: Is there anything else you think our public should know about Balão

BALÃO DE FERRO

de Ferro?

I n a s u n s h i n y d a y, o v e r l u n c h , w i t h a f a n t a s t i c v i e w o v e r t h e D o u r o

t o h e a r. A c l a s s i c ro c k b a n d m o s t ly i n ﬂ u e n c e d b y E n g l i s h b a n d s . I n P o r t u g a l

River and Oporto, we met three excellent musicians, Budda Guedes

we have been more gothic and very naïf, or very sad in our music and I think

( l e a d v o c a l s a n d g u i t a r ) , Tó B a r b o t ( b a s s ) a n d N i c o G u e d e s ( d r u m s ) ,

w e n e e d a b a n d w i t h i ro n b a l l s a n d a ro c k a t t i t u d e i n P o r t u g u e s e . T h a t ’s t h e

the members of a straight forward classic rock power trio from Braga,

purpose of Balão de Ferro. Is something that we, not as musicians but as spec-

Balão de Ferro (Iron Balloon). They’re about to release their homony-

tators, think was missing in the musical scene. A raw band would make sense.

mous debut album.

Zen (a Portuguese band) did it although singing in English, this changes a

In a brief talk about Balão de Ferro, they started by introducing this

l i t t le o f t h e b a n d ’s l o g i c . O u r f o c u s i s i n m a k i n g a d i f f e re n c e s i n g i n g i n P o r t u -

new project

g u e s e . M a y b e i t ’s a l i t t le p re t e n t i o u s s a y i n g t h a t i t h a s n e v e r b e e n d o n e , b u t

B u d d a : N i c o , Tó a n d I h a v e b e e n p l a y i n g t o g e t h e r s i n c e 2 0 0 4 i n t h e

to my knowledge this kind of music is not common, very bluesy or inﬂuenced

band Budda Power Blues. We’ve taken the chemistry and the syner-

by the blues or blues rock.

gies that existed between us in BPB and adapt it into a song format,

The British blues, the one from Cream, is very different from the Mississippi

in an old fashioned power trio. That makes Balão de Ferro very

Delta Blues, this fusion of blues with rock that goes from Led Zeppelil to Deep

rational and premeditated in the sense that we thought we had

Purple and Black Sabbath or even the American Jimi Hendrix that had a British

something embryonic

that we could easily transform into a song,

band. That rawer and dirtier British version, less polite than the American

s u n g i n P o r t u g u e s e a n d a l o n g w i t h i t re c o v e r t h e 6 0 ’s a n d 7 0 ’s

one, always pleased me and always was an inﬂuence to us. The whole idea was

spirit, that for us is the only truthful way to make music.

to put it in a conventional song format but with the blues as beginning, middle

B : B a l ã o d e Fe r ro d o e s n ’ t w a n t t o b e t h e w o r l d ’s m o s t o r i g i n a l t h i n g o r t o b e the inventor of the wheel. Our goal is to do something that we think should have been done in Portugal, and that I, as a member of the audience would like

and end of all the themes. DeezMag: As a classic rock power trio what’s the importance of choice of sound and strength of each instrument in your music?

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Born in April 2012 and established in Oporto (Portugal), CherryJourney is a specialized company in graphic design, programming, web development and video editing.

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facebook.com/lovebarcas

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THE FISHTAILS

should have a deﬁned concept, a

door

predeﬁned idea for it. But basically

passionate about the Mod scene,

it won't stray to much from what

the parties they organize and the

we've been doing until now. Right

bands. Over here we do what we

now we already have 10 songs that

can to bring more young people

are part of our live act, so if we

into this movement. It's still in

wanted

It's

our blood to organize parties, to

more than enough. In the 90's there

have a band like we're still in

was

this

fashion,

high school, which we aren't. But

with

the

growth

record

could.

that of

coincided

the

CD,

that

plus

are

very

and

meet

the

guys

and

because

rehearse. Nowadays bands seem to rehearse less and less, they

there. Now it's more the opposite,

just

if you make a record longer than

songs. We're in this to bring new

30/40 minutes nobody will listen to

people in, to help the movement

it.

grow, but mainly for the music.

think

that's

they

they couldn't ﬁt anything else in

and

Spain

i n a w a y t h a t ' s s t i l l t h e s p i r i t . To

people would make records with 60 minutes

shorter

record

get

together

make

the

preferable. It's better to have 8, 9,

DZ ñ Right now you're probably

10 good songs, interesting songs

busy playing live and promoting

that the band likes, than to have 40

t h i s l a t e s t E P.

j u s t a s ﬁ l le r. I t d o e s n ' t m a k e s e n s e

F T ñ Ye s , t h i s i s a l i v e b a n d n o

for us. And we rather test the songs

doubt, a concert band. A band

ﬁrst, see which one's go better with

only really exists if it's playing

our audience, and then move to the

l i v e . Yo u c a n h a v e a g a r a g e b a n d ,

album with those.

rehearse, record albums and all that,

How

about

gigs?

but

the

band

doesn't

show up... For instance, we are

How

have

made

that

that phase that you stop for a

m a n y, b u t t h e y w e re p a c k e d , s o m e -

while, the band sort of vanishes.

thing

and

Because there's no news, no one

it's

talks about the band. No matter

in other bands and when there's

those been going? FT

haven't

weren't

that

bands of the Portuguese Mod scene.

rode

been positive. And apart from the

how

And they're dedicated to making it

ﬁshtail like cut on the back.

people that live the Mod universe

seem, if you play a lot people

grow as much as they can. But in the

D Z - Yo u r ﬁ r s t w o r k w a s r e l e a s e d

end it's all about the music.

in Vinyl. Why vinyl straight up?

able

their

bikes.

They

had

very

expecting,

70's over their suits when they

The Fishtails are one of the leading

was

still

good.

yes

insigniﬁcant

the

concerts

we've

also

been

will know. Some people know you

people

that

don't

went here, others know you went

FT - It's the concept of the band.

share this way of life so much but

there. It works. And we love to

And our idea is to stick to vinyl,

that are beginning to become inter-

started?

ested

always

FT - Mainly because we wanted to

releases,

that is very gratifying.

people are judging your work. We can set things up in the studio, but the real moment is on stage.

How

did

the

Fishtails

get

least

and

then

more make

i n t e n s e ly,

So,

attract

this

musical

style.

And

do it. We all had other bands, and

a l b u m , t o g e t i t a l l t o g e t h e r. A n d

DZ ñ In your personal experience is

roughly

maybe

the Mod movement growing in Portu-

around

October

2011,

then

release

together with the record, but to

gal?

keep releasing in vinyl.

FT ñ The taste for British things,

and start working some ideas. We

DZ ñ What themes do you try to

namely the clothing style, the pres-

started

rehearsing

cover when you write?

entation if you will, is more and

Pedro's

studio,

created

FT ñ As lyrics are concerned, The

m o r e f a s h i o n a b l e . Yo u g o t o a s t o r e ,

some songs. It wasn't a very seri-

Fishtails music is based more on

even

ous thing at the beginning, but we

personal

have t-shirts with the Union Jack,

thought the project had some legs

ences

and

or the red, white and blue target,

to stand on, and that we needed

with which we can all identify

that was made popular by The Who.

other people.

ourselves through the lyrics. But

But that doesn't necessarily reﬂect

DZ - Why Fishtails?

FT ñ It has to do with the military

thinking

parkas that the Mods wore in the

plete record, then maybe we

(Pedro

Banister)

and

Pedro

Te m p o r „ o , d e c i d e d t o g e t t o g e t h e r

and

together we

experiences.

that

the

we've

future, about

all

when making

Experihad,

department

stores,

doesn't

and

mean

you

start

anything,

people

com-

are aware of what they are wearing or consuming, it's origins. We don't think it's going to stick. Just next

stage, a

bit

although nervous

you're because

IVO BELLO

S I BY L VA N E

LITHUANIA

SIBYL VANE straightforward indie rock from the Baltics. The Estonian

try blog NRGM was ranking fresh Estonian bands and marked Sibyl Vane as

alternative rock trio released their album "Love, Holy Water and TV"

the

i n t h e e n d o f 2 0 1 2 u n d e r t h e l i c e n s e o f I L o v e Yo u R e c o r d s f r o m L a t v i a .

because right after releasing their top list, Sibyl Vane was signed to a

The 11 track album got positive reviews from Estonia to Belgium. Filip

L a t v i a n i n d i e l a b e l I L o v e Yo u R e c o r d s w h o s e s u c c e s s s t a r t e d w i t h r e l e a s i n g

van Muylem, a critic from Beek-A-Boo music website wrote: "Good

Ewert and the Two Dragons. Soon after that they were asked to perform at

musicians and a female singer who can really sing and knows how to

the main summer music festivals in the Baltic region Positivus and Summer

handle a microphone. I'd label this music as straightforward indie

Sound. These performances were soon followed by their ﬁrst tour in the

rock which can match with the greatest. It's hard to ﬁnd something

Baltics, the release of their album "Love, Holy Water and TV", released in

n e g a t i v e t o s a y, e v e n i f I ' d w a n t e d t o . I n s t e a d , I h e a r o n e n i c e s o n g

Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, and supporting Garbage on their show in Riga

a f t e r t h e o t h e r. " T h e t r i o n a m e d a f t e r O s c a r W i l d e ’ s h e r o w i t h a t r a g i c

and an even bigger tour in the Baltics. Sibyl Vane is a harmonious

end started their journey in spring 2010. Sibyl Vane was created by

not only on stage. They share their dedication to music and it is noticeable

local

and

at their performances. Straightforwardness of their music and performances

Helena Randlaht, who were just trying to play shows for which their

has gained their popularity and that is not the only reason for their success

o t h e r b a n d w a s n ’ t a v a i l a b l e f o r. T h e y a s k e d M a r k K o s t r o v t o j o i n t h e m

in the Baltic region. Check them out and you won’t be disappointed! In 2013

behind the drums. After releasing their ﬁrst single "What s My Name"

Sibyl Vane is touring Europe, check out their dates and information on their

in spring 2011, there wasn’t any satisfying results and public interest

ofﬁcial Facebook site:www.facebook.com/sibylvaneband

in the band was lacking. They were almost about to break up but

Listen to them in SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/sibylvaneband

decided to make one last try in the Estonian youth band’s contest

Buy their album "Love, Holy Water and TV":

Noortebänd. The band was awarded with the grand prix and many

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/love-holy-water-and-tv/id574347106

alternative

rock/punk

band

guitarists

Heiko

Leesment

most

potential

for

international

breakthrough.

not

surprising

trio and

other important prizes. That was a huge breakthrough for the band a n d n o t o n ly i n t h e i r o w n c o u n t r y. I n s p r i n g 2 0 1 2 F i n n i s h m u s i c i n d u s -

SUNNY AGGARVAL

ng a

ng at

he in

nd le

eir

Site www.easy.pt

E-mail info@easy.pt

www.artcrimesband.com wwwwww.facebook.com/theartcrimesband

un 7.

ba Ti

th al

THE ART CRIMES

1. What/where is your hometown? Do the people back home support What/where is your hometown? Do the people back home support you? ou? Tim: Most of us are from Cork except for Gary who's from some other im: Most of us are from Cork except for Gary who's from some other far off place (America!) ar off place (America!) 2. How does it feel to be a professional musician/in a professional How does it feel to be a professional musician/in a professional G a r y : C o l le c t i v e ly o u r h o b b i e s a re a s d i v e r s e a s E g y p t o l o g y, S o c i a l R e v o l u band? G a r y : C o l le c t i v e ly o u r h o b b i e s a re a s d i v e r s e a s E g y p t o l o g y, S o c i a l R e v o l u and? o r y, C a m p a n o l o g y, Av i a t i o n , P h o t o g r a p h y, a n d Q u a i l - b re e d i n g . G r a c e : B e i n g a p r o f e s s i o n a l m u s i c i a n , h a s i t s u p s a n d d o w n s l i k e tainoyn a r y tHi oi sntaorryy ,HCi satm p a n o l o g y, Av i a t i o n , P h o t o g r a p h y, a n d Q u a i l - b re e d i n g . race: Being a professional musician, has its ups and downs like any 5 . D e s c r i b e Y ur Sound... j o b . B u t i t s d o i n g s o m e t h i n g y o u l o v e e v e r y d a y a n d c r e a t i n g 5a. r D t e s c r i b e Yo u r S o u o n d... ob. But its doing something you love everyday and creating art Grace: It's hard to define, but with all our different backgrounds from tradit h a t ' s m e a n i n g f u l a n d i n s p i r a t i o n a l . P e r f o r m i n g i n v e n u e s y o uG' vr e ace: It's hard to define, but with all our different backgrounds from tradihat's meaningful and inspirational. Performing in venues you've ional, folk, blues, jazz, soul ,funk, r'n'b, even metal, I believe we have a a l w a y s d r e a m e d o f a n d s e e i n g h o w p e o p l e e n j o y t h e g i g s . I t ' s wt ei ol ln a l , tf o lk, blues, jazz, soul ,funk, r'n'b, even metal, I believe we have a lways dreamed of and seeing how people enjoy the gigs. It's well i a l a n d u n i q u e s o u n d . Fo r a s i n g e r, I ' m s o l u c k y t o g e t t h e c h a n c e t o w o r t h a l l t h e p r a c t i c e , w h a t y o u p u t i n t o i t y o u g e t o u t , I s u p p o s ve e. r y s p ev ceirayl sapnedc u n i q u e s o u n d . Fo r a s i n g e r, I ' m s o l u c k y t o g e t t h e c h a n c e t o orth all the practice, what you put into it you get out, I suppose. b e a b l e t o perform with a band of this quality and uniqueness! 3. Who inspired you and why? b e a b l e t o p e r f o r m with a band of this quality and uniqueness! Who inspired you and why? e're all from different musical backgrounds [stylistically] which is G r a c e : A l l a r t i s t s o f t h e p a s t ! B u t m a n y o f t h e j a z z g r e a t s f o r m e lNi ki ae l l : WNei'arlel : a W ll from different musical backgrounds [stylistically] which is race: All artists of the past! But many of the jazz greats for me like e've created such a unique sound, yet we've all got common B i l l i e a n d S a r a h . W i t h t h e b a n d w e a r e a l l i n s p i r e d b y e a c h o t h ew r ,h Iy I t hwihnyk Iw teh' vi ne k c w reated such a unique sound, yet we've all got common i l l i e a n d S a r a h . W i t h t h e b a n d w e a re a l l i n s p i re d b y e a c h o t h e r, I nd with our love of Jazz, Blues & traditional ethnic music from around h a v e b e e n i n t r o d u c e d t o t y p e s o f m u s i c I w o u l d n ' t h a v e l i s t e n e dg rt oo u n d gwriot u h our love of Jazz, Blues & traditional ethnic music from around ave been introduced to types of music I wouldn't have listened to t h e w orld. So the band is like a melting pot of all these different styles. In and I hope I can inspire the band also. the world. So the band is like a melting pot of all these different styles. In nd I hope I can inspire the band also. t h e o r y w e s h o u l d n ' t b e a b le t o w o r k t o g e t h e r, b u t s o m e h o w w e d o . N i a l l : T h e A r t C r i m e s B a n d w a s o r i g i n a l l y a s s e m b l e d t o p l a y & c ot m h e-o r y w e s h o u l d n ' t b e a b l e t o w o r k t o g e t h e r , b u t s o m e h o w w e d o . iall: The Art Crimes Band was originally assembled to play & comSo tell me how do you create your songs? Do you arrange everything? What p o s e m u s i c f o r a B e l l y d a n c e s h o w i n a t h e a t r e i n C o r k C i t y b a c k6 .i nS o t e 6l l. m e how do you create your songs? Do you arrange everything? What ose music for a Bellydance show in a theatre in Cork City back in as your first arrangement? When and how did you come up with it? Was it writN o v e m b e r 2 0 1 0 . T o t h i s d a y w e s t i l l w o r k w i t h a g r o u p c a l l e d S uw a da -s y o u w r first arrangement? When and how did you come up with it? Was it writo v e m b e r 2 0 1 0 . To t h i s d a y w e s t i l l w o r k w i t h a g ro u p c a l l e d S u a d e l a B e l l y d a n c e f o r o u r t h e a t r e p r o d u c t i o n s . B e l l y d a n c e & w otrelnd f o r pt ei ann foo ro rp iwahnioc ho ri nwsht ri cuhm iennstt?r u m e n t ? la Bellydance for our theatre productions. Bellydance & world he beginning how it would usually work is Bill would call over to m u s i c w a s o u r i n s p i r a t i o n f o r m a k i n g m u s i c t o g e t h e r. O n e o f N o ui ar l l : I nN itahlel : bIeng ti n ning how it would usually work is Bill would call over to u s i c w a s o u r i n s p i r a t i o n f o r m a k i n g m u s i c t o g e t h e r. O n e o f o u r t h e s t u d i o ith a chord progression & some different ideas. I'd sit down with a i m s w a s t o c o m p o s e e v e r y s o n g i n a d i f f e r e n t g e n r e / s t y l e . S u a dtehlea s t u d i o w i t h a cw h ord progression & some different ideas. I'd sit down with ims was to compose every song in a different genre/style. Suadela ith pen & paper and we'd arrange it into parts & put those parts B e l l y d a n c e p e r f o r m a s t y l e o f d a n c e c a l l e d T r i b a l F u s i o n B e lhliym - w i thhi mp ew n & paper and we'd arrange it into parts & put those parts ellydance perform a style of dance called Tribal Fusion Bellyt o g e t h r & d r u m s , t h e n re c o rd . T h e n To m & G a r y w o u l d c o m e i n d a n c e , t h e y m i x m a n y d i f f e r e n t s t y l e s s u c h F l a m e n c o , T r a d i t i otnoagle t h e r , j u s t egru, ijtuasrt &g udirt ua m s , t h e n re c o rd . T h e n To m & G a r y w o u l d c o m e i n ance, they mix many different styles such Flamenco, Traditional lines / melodies & add those. So everyone would come in & add I r i s h , S a l s a & T a n g o w i t h B e l l y d a n c e . S o e v e r y t h i n g w e d o i s a btoou tw r i t et oh owrrni tlei nheosr n / melodies & add those. So everyone would come in & add i s h , S a l s a & Ta n g o w i t h B e l ly d a n c e . S o e v e r y t h i n g w e d o i s a b o u t to the tune at different stages. I'd be producing the track so it was amazing Fusion. t o t h e t u n e a t d i f f e r ent stages. I'd be producing the track so it was amazing usion. m e s t o w a t c h t h e s e s o n g s g r o w a s t h e d a y s & w e e k s w e n t b y . Yo u c o u l d 4 . D o y o u h a v e a n y o t h e r h o b b i e s b e s i d e s , o b v i o u s l y, m a k i n g m u s i ca ?t t i m e sa tt ot i w a t c h t h e s e s o n g s g r o w a s t h e d a y s & w e e k s w e n t b y . Yo u c o u l d D o y o u h a v e a n y o t h e r h o b b i e s b e s i d e s , o b v i o u s l y, m a k i n g m u s i c ?

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e a c h o t h e r u s i n g s m o k e m a c h i n e s t o d i s t r a c t e a c h o t h e r. e a c h o t h e r u s i n g s m o k e m a c h i n e s t o d i s t r a c t e a c h o t h e r. To m : We h a d a g i g a c o u p l e o f w e e k s a g o , a n d a s t h e d a n c e r s To m : We h a d a g i g a c o u p l e o f w e e k s a g o , a n d a s t h e d a n c e r s [Suadela Bellydance] were walking to the stage in line, some guy [Suadela Bellydance] were walking to the stage in line, some guy at the back of the bar yelled out "I'll take the third one!!" at the back of the bar yelled out "I'll take the third one!!" 9. Can you survive on music alone or do you have other work? 9. Can you survive on music alone or do you have other work? Gary: We're lucky here in Ireland that there's such a demand for Gary: We're lucky here in Ireland that there's such a demand for live music and we've so many nice venues to play it in so you can live music and we've so many nice venues to play it in so you can just about survive on music if you play in a few different bands. I just about survive on music if you play in a few different bands. I a l s o DJ b i g b a n d s w i n g j a z z o c c a s i o n a l ly, w h i c h i s g re a t f u n . a l s o DJ b i g b a n d s w i n g j a z z o c c a s i o n a l ly, w h i c h i s g re a t f u n . To m : T h a n k f u l ly, I a m a b l e t o s u p p o r t m y s e l f j u s t o n m u s i c . T h e re To m : T h a n k f u l ly, I a m a b l e t o s u p p o r t m y s e l f j u s t o n m u s i c . T h e re aren't a whole lot of other sax players in Cork, so more work for aren't a whole lot of other sax players in Cork, so more work for me! me! Grace: I have a part-time job, but the way gigs are going ill be Grace: I have a part-time job, but the way gigs are going ill be going pro! going pro! 10. Does the music industry in Ireland support what you do, as in, 10. Does the music industry in Ireland support what you do, as in, your work and music venues throughout Ireland? your work and music venues throughout Ireland? Niall: We've been really lucky with the response to our work in Niall: We've been really lucky with the response to our work in Cork especially that with Suadela Bellydance. Every venue we Cork especially that with Suadela Bellydance. Every venue we bring our productions to have been very positive, everywhere from bring our productions to have been very positive, everywhere from bars, theatres, The Cork Jazz Festival, to Balcony TV and not to bars, theatres, The Cork Jazz Festival, to Balcony TV and not to mention the support from the people who come see our shows, the mention the support from the people who come see our shows, the numbers seem to keep growing! The response from venues & the numbers seem to keep growing! The response from venues & the public has been overwhelming, humbling & encouraging. We're public has been overwhelming, humbling & encouraging. We're thankful to everyone & anyone who had a role to play. n e v e r t e l l h o w i t w a s g o i n g t o t u r n o u t . N o w - a - d a y s w e ' r e a l l i n t h e o n teh a n k f u l t o e v e r y o n e & a n y o n e w h o h a d a r o l e t o p l a y . never tell how it was going to turn out. Now-a-days we're all in the one Grace: Music venues love us, think we are such a unique show that ro o m j a m m i n g o u t i d e a s t o g e t h e r a s o p p o s e d t o c o m p o s i n g s e p a r a t e ly iG nrace: Music venues love us, think we are such a unique show that room jamming out ideas together as opposed to composing separately in people really don't know how to make us out. The music industry in people really don't know how to make us out. The music industry in u n i t s . I t ' s a m u c h h e a l t h i e r a n d re w a rd i n g w a y o f c o m p o s i n g t o g e t h e r. u n i t s . I t ' s a m u c h h e a l t h i e r a n d re w a rd i n g w a y o f c o m p o s i n g t o g e t h e r. Ireland can be a very clicky group! 7 . W h e n y o u c o m p o s e a n e w s o n g , i s i t e a s y t o b r i n g i t a l l t o g e t h e r w i t h y o uIrr e l a n d c a n b e a v e r y c l i c k y g r o u p ! 7. When you compose a new song, is it easy to bring it all together with your 11. What do you think about sharing music on the internet? 11. What do you think about sharing music on the internet? band and be satisfied? band and be satisfied? Niall: The only people to make any major money from record sales T i m : I t h i n k a f t e r w e h a m m e r o u t t h e o r i g i n a l s t r u c t u r e e v e r y o n e a d dN s iall: The only people to make any major money from record sales Tim: I think after we hammer out the original structure everyone adds w e re re c o rd e x e c u t i v e s & m a j o r a r t i s t s o n m a j o r l a b e l s . To d a y t h e i r o w n s t a m p t o i t . I t m i g h t t a k e a d a y o r m a y b e e v e n w e e k s u n t i l w e a rw e e re re c o rd e x e c u t i v e s & m a j o r a r t i s t s o n m a j o r l a b e l s . To d a y their own stamp to it. It might take a day or maybe even weeks until we are unless you're any of those there's no point even trying to make it a l l h a p p y w i t h i t b u t i t a l l c o m e s t o g e t h e r i n t h e e n d . I t ' s w h a t y o u c o u lu dn le s s y o u ' re a n y o f t h o s e t h e re ' s n o p o i n t e v e n t r y i n g t o m a k e i t all happy with it but it all comes together in the end. It's what you could solely from music sales. Even the biggest names still out there solely from music sales. Even the biggest names still out there call a slow refinement process. call a slow refinement process. today know the money is in live performances & merchandising. So G r a c e : S o m e t i m e s i t ' s e a s y a n d a l l t h e p i e c e s fi t t o g e t h e r , t h e b a n d h a s tao d a y k n o w t h e m o n e y i s i n l i v e p e r f o r m a n c e s & m e r c h a n d i s i n g . S o G r a c e : S o m e t i m e s i t ' s e a s y a n d a l l t h e p i e c e s fi t t o g e t h e r, t h e b a n d h a s a for a self-produced unsigned group like us & others, internet g r e a t w e l c o m i n g a t t i t u d e t o c o m p o s i n g . W e a r e a l l a l l o w e d t o b r i n g o ufro r a s e l f - p r o d u c e d u n s i g n e d g r o u p l i k e u s & o t h e r s , i n t e r n e t great welcoming attitude to composing. We are all allowed to bring our sharing is a dream come true. It gives you the ability & chance to own ideas to the table. We want to make music that we would listen to. sharing is a dream come true. It gives you the ability & chance to own ideas to the table. We want to make music that we would listen to. have your music heard the way you want it to be heard & share it have your music heard the way you want it to be heard & share it 8. What was your funniest and most embarrassing gig experience? 8. What was your funniest and most embarrassing gig experience? with the world. It cuts out the middle man. Bandcamp & IndietorB i l l : A p a r t f ro m p l a y i n g a w e e k ly re s i d e n c y g i g fo r o n e y e a r i n a C z e cw h ith the world. It cuts out the middle man. Bandcamp & IndietorBill: Apart from playing a weekly residency gig for one year in a Czech rent are the future of the record industry. There's no interference f u r n i t u r e s t o r e , o r p l a y i n g i n a b l u e s b a n d o n - b o a r d a c r u i s e s h i p w i t h rae n t a r e t h e f u t u r e o f t h e r e c o r d i n d u s t r y . T h e r e ' s n o i n t e r f e r e n c e furniture store, or playing in a blues band on-board a cruise ship with a from people who know nothing about the art of making music. U k r a i n i a n f u n k b a s s i s t w i t h e x t r e m e l y l i m i t e d E n g l i s h w h o c o u l d n ' t p l a y 1 f2r o m p e o p l e w h o k n o w n o t h i n g a b o u t t h e a r t o f m a k i n g m u s i c . Ukrainian funk bassist with extremely limited English who couldn't play 12 12. What do you think yourself about the music scene locally nation12. What do you think yourself about the music scene locally nationbar blues, the funniest story (and also the most embarrassing) comes from bar blues, the funniest story (and also the most embarrassing) comes from ally and internationally? t h e t i m e I p l a y e d a 3 0 n i g h t l y r e s i d e n c y i n a R u s s i a n o w n e d s a l s a b aar l l y a n d i n t e r n a t i o n a l l y ? the time I played a 30 nightly residency in a Russian owned salsa bar Grace: There is some great music coming from the Nordic countries d u r i n g t h e s u m m e r o f 2 0 0 1 . T h e o w n e r c o u l d n ' t l i s t e n t o s a l s a m u s i Gc r a c e : T h e r e i s s o m e g r e a t m u s i c c o m i n g f r o m t h e N o r d i c c o u n t r i e s during the summer of 2001.The owner couldn't listen to salsa music with some great ideas. I like musicians to be different and not do a n y m o r e s o w e w e r e h i r e d t o l i v e n t h i n g s u p . O n e o f t h e m u s i c i a n s i n t h awt i t h s o m e g r e a t i d e a s . I l i k e m u s i c i a n s t o b e d i f f e r e n t a n d n o t d o anymore so we were hired to liven things up. One of the musicians in that what's popular at the time. g r o u p ( w h o i s , b y t h e w a y , a c u r r e n t m e m b e r o f t h e A r t C r i m e s B a n d ) w aw s hat's popular at the time. g ro u p ( w h o i s , b y t h e w a y, a c u r re n t m e m b e r o f t h e A r t C r i m e s B a n d ) w a s 13. Have you taken your music abroad yet? If yes, what was the feede n j o y i n g l i f e t o t h e f u l l a n d e n j o y i n g t h e c o m p a n y o f s e v e r a l b e a u t i f u1l 3 . H a v e y o u t a k e n y o u r m u s i c a b r o a d y e t ? I f y e s , w h a t w a s t h e f e e d enjoying life to the full and enjoying the company of several beautiful back? y o u n g w o m e n a s i s o n l y r i g h t a n d p r o p e r f o r a n y u p - a n d - c o m i n g m u s i c i a nb. a c k ? young women as is only right and proper for any up-and-coming musician. Niall: We've been offered to come play in Germany next Spring. H o w e v e r t h e v a r i o u s g i r l s h e w a s s o m e h o w s i m u l t a n e o u s l y d a t i n g e v e n t uN - iall: We've been offered to come play in Germany next Spring. However the various girls he was somehow simultaneously dating eventuWe're still working on the details but we can't wait. We'll go a l l y b e c a m e a w a r e t h a t t h e y w e r e n o t t h e s o l e r e c i p i e n t o f h i s a f f e c t i o n sW . e're still working on the details but we can't wait. We'll go ally became aware that they were not the sole recipient of his affections. anywhere that people will have us! O n e e v e n i n g j u s t b e f o r e w e w e r e t o t a k e t o t h e s t a g e t o a r e a s o n a b lay n y w h e r e t h a t p e o p l e w i l l h a v e u s ! One evening just before we were to take to the stage to a reasonably 14. What are your hopes for the near future? p a c k e d h o u s e o n e o f t h e g i r l s s t o r m e d i n t h e d o o r a n d b i t c h - s l a p p e d t h 1e 4 . W h a t a r e y o u r h o p e s f o r t h e n e a r f u t u r e ? packed house one of the girls stormed in the door and bitch-slapped the Niall: We're currently working on expanding our shows with Suadp o o r g u y r e a l l y h a r d ( n e a r l y k n o c k i n g h i m o f f h i s s e a t ) . " T h a t ' s f o r c h e a tN - iall: We're currently working on expanding our shows with Suadpoor guy really hard (nearly knocking him off his seat). "That's for cheatela Bellydance & hope to take our shows outside of Ireland. We i n g o n m e " s h e c a l m l y r e m a r k e d a s s h e b e l t e d h i m a n d s t r o l l e d w i t h h eer l a B e l l y d a n c e & h o p e t o t a k e o u r s h o w s o u t s i d e o f I r e l a n d . W e ing on me" she calmly remarked as she belted him and strolled with her also plan to write & record more music. We'll be releasing a new h e a d h e l d h i g h o u t t h e d o o r . T h e e n t i r e p u b w e n t v e r y v e r y q u i e t a n d o uar l s o p l a n t o w r i t e & r e c o r d m o r e m u s i c . W e ' l l b e r e l e a s i n g a n e w h e a d h e l d h i g h o u t t h e d o o r. T h e e n t i re p u b w e n t v e r y v e r y q u i e t a n d o u r live recording every month on the day of a full moon that will be p o o r C a s a n o v a l o o k e d a s i f h e w a s a b o u t t o b u r s t i n t o t e a r s w h e n t h u n d e rl-i v e r e c o r d i n g e v e r y m o n t h o n t h e d a y o f a f u l l m o o n t h a t w i l l b e poor Casanova looked as if he was about to burst into tears when thunderfree to download from our website starting January 2013. free to download from our website starting January 2013. ous applause broke out from the assembled audience. Two guys from ous applause broke out from the assembled audience. Two guys from G a r y : To c o n t i n u e w r i t i n g o r i g i n a l m a t e r i a l t h a t t a p s i n t o d i f f e r N o r t h e r n I r e l a n d w h o h a p p e n e d t o b e v i s i t i n g p a i d f o r t h e b a n d s d r i n kG s a r y : To c o n t i n u e w r i t i n g o r i g i n a l m a t e r i a l t h a t t a p s i n t o d i f f e r Northern Ireland who happened to be visiting paid for the bands drinks ent genres of music from around the world and then to take it t h a t n i g h t . " N o w t h a t ' s h o w y o u k n o w t h e s e g u y s a r e a p r o p e r r o c k ' n ' r o lel n t g e n r e s o f m u s i c f r o m a r o u n d t h e w o r l d a n d t h e n t o t a k e i t that night. "Now that's how you know these guys are a proper rock'n'roll round the world. b a n d " t h e y r e m a r k e d t o o n e a n o t h e r " i f b e f o r e t h e g i g w o m e n a r e c o m i n rgo u n d t h e w o r l d . band" they remarked to one another "if before the gig women are coming in the door and slapping the musicians in the face". in the door and slapping the musicians in the face". Joanne Collins & John Hough Joanne Collins & John Hough Grace: All gigs are fun even rehearsals the lads end up playing jokes on Grace: All gigs are fun even rehearsals the lads end up playing jokes on

a o s n d n

at o h s n d g d

VV Without a doubt. And I can't tell exactly how they inﬂuence my sound, but they must have had an inﬂu-

www.facebook.com/vitorinovoador

ence,

because

listened

they're

through

and

one

those

through.

But

bands I've

I've

always

listened to a lot of different things, so I have a lot of different inﬂuences. I also admire Bernardo Sasseti a lot because he was one of the people that opened my eyes to music, and made me realize that music can take a lot of different directions. And Brad Mehldau, that is considered one of the great jazz piano playe r s , b u t f o r m e h e ' s j u s t a g re a t p i a n o p l a y e r, p e r i o d . D M W h e n y o u c o m p o s e , w h i c h d o y o u p r e f e r, t h e p i a n o

don't

have

very

stable

way

writing

(laughter). Sometimes I get home and I seat at the p i a n o o r I p i c k u p t h e g u i t a r, a n d I m a k e m u s i c . O t h e r

VITORINO VOADOR

times I compose without a single instrument in front of me. It's something I do almost without thinking. I'm seating here talking to you, and I've had 2 or 3

not worry to much about his writing

mances. Sometimes it's just you, other times you have

process, or where his music takes

other musicians, the audience is never really sure

him. But he does seem to worry a bit

what they're going to ﬁnd. How does that work out?

that

VV - This project has just been born. People still ﬁnd

Halen

might

sue

him

In a way that seeps through into your live perfor-

because of his album art.

it a little strange. I want to take it to a point where

D M Yo u ' v e b e e n i n t h e m u s i c w o r l d f o r

people understand it, and they won't be surprised

anymore.

while.

Yo u ' v e

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with

Fero-

When

started

Vitorino

Voador

really

m o n a s , Yo u C a n ' t W i n C h a r l i e B r o w n ,

wanted to be able to play live, it's the thing I enjoy

Diabo na Cruz. And now you started

the most. The record has a lot of instruments. Live,

this solo project.

things tend to be more limited. So I thought it out so

V V Ye s . W h a t h a p p e n e d w a s t h a t I

I could present it in different formats. First, one that

was writing a lot, but couldn't get

allows me to play alone. The songs are reduced to a

those

was

more compact form. Just guitar or piano, and voice.

playing with, because it didn't make

T h e o t h e r, t h a t I ' m d o i n g w i t h Z é C a s t ro , i s t h e o n e

sense. In Diabo na Cruz for instance,

that gets me closer to the more electronic side of the

the lyrics I write are very different

record. Zé uses a Kaoss Pad for rhythm and effects,

f r o m w h a t J o r g e w r i t e s , a n d i n Yo u

and he also uses effects on my voice. The last one,

Can't

not

that I'm still preparing, is a true band with 5 or 6

even the same language. It didn't

musicians. This 3 formats allow me to play more

work.

them

often, because I have no limitations. If I get the

this

chance to play at a venue for 30 people, with a stage

because I had the need to show what

that can barely ﬁt two, I can do that. If something

I was doing.

turns up in a space for 500 or 600 people, with a

DM In an interview awhile ago you

proper stage that can support a band, I can do that

said that one of the bands that inﬂu-

to. And I think it's going to be interesting for people,

ences you are Radiohead, which don't

because they will be able to listen to the same songs

seem to ﬁt into the sound you are

in different ways.

doing.

DM The way you are doing things right now, it's more

songs

Win

though.

into

Charlie

still I

the

think

bands

Brown

compose I

had

it's

for to

to do what I tell them. Like I said to Zé when we started playing together "just do what you want, I don't care. Just go up there and do your thing". There is a general plan, we have our songs, but he has freedom. Sometimes I think we take things a bit to far (laughter). I'm not a guy with an incredible voice, I'm not ashamed to admit that, I can't project my voice a lot, that's the way I sing. And sometimes there's so many effects that I struggle to make myself heard. But I'm the one who gave him "Carte Blanche", so I have to keep up. But it's a process I enjoy.

of a solo work right?

Is there anyone that inspired you vocally?

VV No, not really. I like a lot of voices and a lot of distinct ways of singing. I know I don't have a great voice, but a lot of the singers I've heard and loved, don't h a v e g re a t v o i c e s e i t h e r. B u t a f u n n y t h i n g h a p p e n e d when I started recording the songs. I sent the ﬁrst song o f m y E P " O d o m " ( T h e G i f t ) , t o L u í s C o s t a , f r o m Yo u C a n ' t Win Charlie Brown, because I respect his opinion a lot.

melodies going through my head.

Vitorino Voador A.K.A. João Gil, does

Van

But in my head I've always that idea that I wanted to

have more musicians. And not musicians that just come

or the guitar? VV

He tells me he really liked it, but had no idea I was an E l l i o t t S m i t h f a n . To w h i c h I a n s w e r " T h a n k y o u m a n , b u t I

have

idea

who

Elliott

Smith

is"

(laughter).

thought I was pulling his leg, but when I insisted he sent me one of his songs "Between the Bars" and I was blown away. It was one of most beautiful songs I had ever heard. It lead me to the rest of his work, and I did see things in common with my own work. DM

And your EP "Vitorioso Voo", did you have a plan for

it, or things just turned out this way? VV

It's

something

that

evolved.

There

were

songs,

namely the more electronic ones, that started with just a guitar and ended up in instrumental chaos. I don't feel that anything was lost in that process. It's the way I write things, be it lyrics or music. I try not force things too much, otherwise it won't be genuine. It's not like I get home and just write things on the ﬂy. I like to experiment with things. And the lyrics have to do with stories I've lived, or I wish I'd lived, my opinion about what I see around me, our country's situation, the things I feel. DM What about the road ahead? VV Well, this was the best thing that happened to me. I'm going to keep working on my other projects, I will have other bands, keep doing new things. But Vitorino Voador is something that is mine, that depends only on me. It w o n ' t e n d . I t d o e s n ' t m e a n I ' l l m a k e a re c o rd e v e r y y e a r. But one thing is certain: it will always be there, as long a s I m a k e m u s i c t h e re w i l l a l w a y s b e a V i t o r i n o Vo a d o r. IVO BELLO

ed to

come

arted

care.

neral imes

not a

admit

sing. le to

Carte

enjoy.

ot of

great

don't ened song

Can't

a lot.

as an , but .

sent lown ever

d see

n for

ongs,

ust a feel

way I

hings ike I

peri-

ories I see

. I'm have

u o y on

Media Report Music Promotion

ador

me. It

y e a r. long

d o r.

ELLO

www.eyesonyou.pt

Right now I am a full time musician.

Itís

very early days for us but what I can say is that it seems the amount of support you

D c c T

receive across the board is relative to the quality

your

songs,

your

live

perfor-

mance and your level of commitment.

7 - What do you think about sharing music on the internet? I think that for all itís conveniences it has really hurt the industry. That said, things are the way they are and what we need to do as a band is ﬁnd a path that will get us to where

TOY SOLDIER

musician/in a professional band?

be satisﬁed?

professional

musician

really.

and bassline, others I start with lyrics, much of the

I c a n re m e m b e r.

I have always either

time a song starts with me humming a melody into

consciously or unconsciously pursued

my phone and saving it. The songs are more or less

this and count myself lucky to be in a

arranged before they make it to the practice room.

band with two people who share my

Sometimes

passion.

recording process. Composing a song that the band

2 - Who inspired you and why?

and I are satisﬁed with usually requires a lot of

have

been

successful band my whole life.

I grew

arrangements

hard work.

can

change

during

the

Every now and again though a song

comes along and it pretty much writes itself. Those are always the best ones.

they do and I guess it sowed the seed

Itís a great feeling to hear it all come to life when

for my own pursuits.I taught myself

we jam a song for the ﬁrst time in the practice

guitar and began taking song-writing

room.

seriously after hearing Oasis for the

g o d s e n d f o r a n y s o n g w r i t e r.

ﬁrst time.

5 - What was your funniest and most embarrassing

Fergalís

groove

and

Ciaraís

vocal

are

gig experience?

3 - If you were to describe yourself as

My funniest moment would probably be a gig we did

a band, what would you say?

in Newmarket On Fergus during the summer where

We like to describe our sound as Elec-

we realised during our pre gig vocal warm ups that

tronic

our dressing room was actually a funeral home!!!

The

music

melody

based with a clubby feel.

Very unusual.

Iíve felt embarrassed on stage. 4 - So tell me how do you create your songs? When you compose a new song,

6 - Can you survive on music alone or do you have other work?

any favours.

are

re s

like;

Motion

I think that all those bands have

Time

bands a

that

Thief,

Slow

Itís

great to see Irish bands like 2 Door Cinema Club do so well on an international scale. I think

s there

Heroes.

international

level

there

deﬁnitely room for an era deﬁning rock band

E c a o s

to emerge but itís hard to say if it is possi-

ble on a grand scale given how the music

industry and media have evolved.

9 - Yo u a r e w o r k i n g o n y o u r ﬁ r s t a l b u m a t t h e

moment, how is that coming along? Our ﬁrst album is done. Itís called ëCalling Up the Duskî and is currently available on We are very proud of it.

in e Y T

10 - Have you taken your music abroad yet? If

yes, what was the feedback?

ﬁ

We have taken our music abroad from the

minute we were roadworthy.

We have twice

been across the Atlantic and many times to the UK.

I canít really think of a time where

moralities of ﬁle sharing is not going do us

iTunes.

been an inspiration to me.

Rock.

business.

tionally?

Sometimes I begin a song with a drum beat

up always being very proud of what

Noel Gallagher has always

this

music scene locally nationally and interna-

IRELAND

parents

national and international potential.

dreamt about since almost as young as

8 - What do you think yourself about the

The song-writing process differs from song to song

professional band is something I have

Well

Versives, is it easy to bring it all together with your band and

want

Spending too much time thinking about the

Locally 1 - How does it feel to be a professional

I think our music has an interna-

tional appeal.

The audience reactions have

been very encouraging.

hope

download

th k

11 - What are your hopes for the near future? To n i g h t

our

album

illegally online ;) Joanne Collins & John Hough

DeezMag talked to the The Kafkas, an indie-rock band that wants to create a revolution in the Portuguese musical scene. The band is composed by four music lovers that, in complete agreement state: The sky is the limit.

Who are The Kafkas? Where did this project come from? Well if we go way back, digging a little... It all started with me (João Garcia) and with Daniel. As time went by we started to composeÖ terrible songs (laughter). Meanwhile we convinced Fábio to learn to play the drums so he could play with us. At that time I got tired of b e i n g a b a s s p l a y e r a n d a s k e d J o ã o P e r e i r a , t h a t p l a y e d g u i t a r, i f h e felt he was a good enough bass player to join our project (laughter). And that's how the current lineup for The Kafkas came to be. In early 2012 you released your ﬁrst demo. Ye s . I n t h e b e g i n n i n g w e e s s e n t i a l l y p l a y e d c o v e r s . B u t s i n c e w h a t w e really liked to do was write songs, in 2011 we scrounged up some change, and we went to a studio in Porto to record with Pedro Lobo. The demo was very well received, mainly because of facebook. It r e a c h e d a l o t o f p e o p l e , e v e n o u t o f t h e c o u n t r y, a n d t h i n g s j u s t s t a r t e d p o p p i n g u p . M e a n w h i l e , a r a d i o b a s e d i n N e w Yo r k d i d a special show about music in Lisbon, and included us on it together w i t h D e a d C o m b o , Yo u C a n ' t W i n C h a r l i e B r o w n a n d C a p i t ã o F a u s t o , which was very positive for us. Above all our objective is to succeed both here and abroad. That's one of the main reasons we sing in English.

doesn't

mean

don't

our

language,

quite

THE KAFKAS www.facebook.com/thekafkasmusic

the

c o n t r a r y, b u t w e ' v e h a d t h i s o b j e c t i v e s i n c e w e w e r e l i t t l e b r a t s : T o g o

About your music, what you produce Ö what are your main inﬂuences and

abroad and give it our all. It's a big dream. We are now in the process

inspirations, what is it that leads you to a ﬁnal result?

of recording our ﬁrst videoclip and we've just released our new

Our main inﬂuences are the Artic Monkeys, The Strokes, Franz Ferdinand,

single, ìBlue Jungle Lightsî.

a n d , l a t e l y, Q u e e n s o f t h e S t o n e A g e h a v e b e e n a b a n d w i t h g r e a t m e a n i n g t o

And regarding live performances, where have The Kafkas been?

us, but in which we try not to fall upon to much because we believe in matur-

Mainly local bars, in Cascais. Several times in Rock and Shot. Our

ing as musicians and we believe that it's the time to do a more juvenile

biggest gig was in September in the New Music Festival, alongside

sound, hoping that one day we can go into that more alternative, stoner

bands like Capit„o Fausto and Pontos Negros. We were the opening

wave.

band in the Antena 3 stage. We also played at Rock in Amadora, and

How do you deﬁne your sound, what sets it apart?

in this past few months we've been trying to promote the band. We are

It's hard but I guess we can deﬁne ourselves as an indie-rock band. It's the

in that stage of making the CD's to start sending to radios, bars,

s o u n d w e r e a l l y l i k e t o h e a r, t h a t i s d i f f e r e n t , a n d t h a t w h e n w e p l a y, g i v e s

everywhere.

us a feeling of being apart from everything. We are indie but we have a rock

Yo u ' r e p r o b a b l y t i r e d o f h e a r i n g t h i s b u t , w h y T h e K a f k a s ?

matrix. We want a guitar with distortion, but we also want basses with

Tired of hearing it but still haven't come up with a good answer

Groove and danceable drums, to shake the head and the hips, we want to be

(laughter). The Kafkas from the get go have a sound that we thought

set apart.

ﬁtted within rock. But lately we've been developing a bigger maturity

With this metamorphosis, where do The Kafkas want to go?

in our lyrics and sounds, and we think our songs can be considered

We don't want to cling to the cliches... but the sky is the limit. We want to

heterougeneous, so we can ﬁnd a sort of metamorphosis behind the

be that band that was born in Portugal but that made it abroad. We want to

s o n g s , w h i c h t a k e s u s t o t h e w r i t e r. I t w a s a t r a n s f o r m a t i o n w e w e n t

be a rock band. And above all, in the beginning we think it's important to

through from youngmen to adults that made us realize how big was

have a side that makes it easier to pull people in, to have songs that are

the difference between what it was like to write music as a group of

c a t c h y. We c a n ' t g o y e t i n t o t h a t t h i n g t h a t o f t e n c o m e s u p d u r i n g re h e a r s -

k i d s a n d w h a t i t ' s l i k e t o w r i t e t o d a y, t h a t w e k n o w m o r e a b o u t t h e

als, more personal, more ours. It has to be more accessible, more commer-

world and about life.

cial, it's essential for a project to grow an to evolve. So that people can understand us, they have to know how to listen to us ﬁrst, and for that we h a v e t o c r e a t e a c e r t a i n e m p a t h y, t o e a r n t h e t r u s t o f t h e a u d i e n c e a n d f r o m t h e re y e s , w e c a n e x p re s s o u r s e lv e s i n a m o re a l t e r n a t i v e w a y. Fo r n o w , t h i s is how we think.

Inês

G a lv ã o Te l e s

and improved a lot and we decided to change our band`s name and five years ago we did our first concert as ìLe Skeleton Bandî. Since then we have been all over Europe presenting our music. And so far it is working really well. How do you define your music? We play rock music. Almost Rock and roll with inspiration from traditional music, blues, cabaret, folk and

some

Latin and Cuban.

We are not trying to

do some new kind of music. We just want to tell stories. And for that we got to choose which color and flavor we want to put in the music to make it sound right so the people who are going to listen to our music can understand and follow the stories we are singing. What are your influences? We have all different influences. When we were young we all listen to different t h i n g s . A n d e v e n t o d a y w e h a v e d i f f e re n t t a s t e s , b u t w e a l l a d m i re To m Wa i t s . We also like very much some albums of Calexico and recently we started to listen to The Dead Roses and their music influenced us very much in the construction of ìBella Mascaradeî. We feel that we are at the same state of mind as The Dead Roses. It is very interesting to listen to a band and feel they are doing what we had already in mind. In stage you look like ìpuppetsî, why is that? T h a t i s o u r w a y t o t a l k w i t h t h e a u d i e n c e . To c a p t u re t h e i r a t t e n t i o n . To s a y ìhello we are here. We are telling storiesî. It is not easy to do it. It requires concentration and control of our body but it is also very funny. The result is what we expected. We just let our body do those movements naturally. ìBella Mascaradeî, your new album, what's it about? ìBella Mascaradeî is about being a rumbling man. A bum. Is about people who want to try to be adventurers. They wanted to be someone but they failed. It is about the courage of doing something out of the mainstream. It is like the heart of our music which is a mix of dark and joke. It is also ìburlesqueî. What are the differences between the first and this new album? When we were recording the first one, we didnít knew that it was going to be our first record. We had the second one in mind a while ago before the recording session. In ìBella Mascaradeî, the all album is in the same atmosphere, the same spirit.

LE SKELETON

Cabaret is always in your songs, why is that? Cabaret is part of our culture and of course it is in our music. Cabaret is a p l a c e w h e re i t ' s a l l o w e d t o b e u g ly, t o b e a c o w a rd , t o h a v e m e n t a l i s s u e s .

www.leskeletonband.com

Cabaret is all about burlesque. And we love to tell stories about people who

Alex Jacob, B Jacob e Salsky are ìLe Skeleton Bandî. During the

go against the rules deﬁned by society.

promoting tour of ìBella Mascaradeî, their new album, they passed

Yo u h a v e a s o n g t h a t s a y s î l i f e i s b a n k r u p t î . W h a t d o y o u m e a n b y t h a t ?

through Portugal, for several Showcases, and DeezMag had the pleas-

All our songs tell stories. That song tells the story of a drunk men. In the song

ure to interview them.

the drunk men says something that we all agree but as he is drunk we donít know if he is telling the truth or if he is joking about it. It is also about a

So, this is your ﬁrst time in Portugal?

conﬂict. It is like your life is ok but at any moment you can lose everything.

No. It is our third time. We were here for the ﬁrst time in 2009

Everything can fall like a castle of cards. It is about life being so uncertain.

presenting our ﬁrst album ìPreacher Bluesî. It was a really nice

What are your plans and expectations for the future?

experience

well

We are happy with what we have. We do what we want 24 hours a day. We want

received here. We had excellent experiences in the concerts we

to keep on doing it. This new album is being well received and we couldn`t be

performed in Leiria, Coimbra and Vale de Cambra.

h a p p i e r. D u r i n g 2 0 1 3 , w e h o p e t o re c o rd a n e w a l b u m , c re a t e a s h o w w i t h c h i l -

How long have you been together?

dren, and tour a lot . Until then people can listen to our music in youtube,

We are friends since we were very young. We grew up together

myspace and follow us in our facebook page.

.We

love

Portugal.

have

always

been

very

listening music and one day we decide that we wanted to be in a rock band. But we didnít know anything about music. None of us had ever

Bonne chance Ö.

played an instrument. It was a challenge. Each one of us, alone,

SOFIA GUERRA

started to play a different instrument. It wasnít easy but we did it and here we are. And after six months we did our ﬁrst concert in Montpellier and it was really bad. After that we worked really hard

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