26.12.12

Set The Controls For A Sky Picnic

    These new psych kids on the block are not ashamed at all of being huge fans of the early Pink Floyd era and they are filling our hearts with smiles from New York.   Chris Sherman( guitar & vocals),Leah Cinnamon( bass guitar & vocals) and Pete Meriwether( drums & percussion)got their name from a door magnet according to an urban legend.Their second full length album is already out and Chris dedicated some time to send his greetings and the band's dreamy vibes.


Which was the point of your life that made you to decide to be a musician?

 
That would have been around age 12 or 13, when I received my first guitar.  My father is a musician as well, so I always grew up with music and instruments around the house, so it was quite a natural thing.  I didn't get serious though until I took up drums in high school and then things progressed from there when I got to college, as far as practicing, writing and basic theory. 

 

Which was the first Pink Floyd track you listened to?And which one was the first album?

I vividly recall "Another Brick In the Wall Pt 2" on the radio as a child, if only for the verse the children sing, which struck a chord with someone around that same age.  I didn't come back to them though until around ten years ago, and "Dark Side" was the obvious gateway.  Interestingly enough, I didn't get into their bigger albums from there, but went on to "Piper" after hearing so much about this crazy Syd fellow.



All of your vinyl releases are through non US labels. Didn’t you send any demos to American labels for a possible collaboration in the past?

 

We sent both albums out to any and every psych and prog label we could find.  It just so happened that for "Farther In This Fairy Tale" the only label willing to take a chance on us was Nasoni in Germany. This time around, we had a few places that were interested throughout the world, but ultimately, we already had the working relationship with Nasoni, so that fell into place nicely again. That said, we are still looking for a US based label to put "Paint Me A Dream" out as well, as it is in our best interest to have it easily available for people here and to gain more popularity stateside.


What is the feedback you get from people who listen to your music?

Of the early reviews we have gotten thus far for "Paint", the response has all been positive.  People seem to dig what we're doing, and that's awesome. Listeners and fans tend to have their own opinion on what aspect they like most of what we do, be it the more spaced out material or the psych-pop style. 

Which way do you work a new song?

For the most part, I'll write a song at home, demo it, then bring it to our rehearsal space, where we'll work on arranging and adding parts.  Usually I'll hear how the final song should sound, which I'll try and express, but Pete and Leah will find a way to take that concept and better my initial vision.  For some of the more spacey and epic stuff, we'll just start jamming until an idea takes shape and work on refining it from there. We are really good self-editors, and by far our harshest critics.

 

 Can you make a short sum of all tracks from your “ Paint Me A Dream” lp?

 
The record is about a dreamer experiencing a sequence of night visions, getting lost in a web of thought and longing for reality, only to find clarity in the beckoning daybreak.  Naturally, the songs all deal with sleep and dreams in some capacity. 
Compared to the "Farther" LP, this was a very collaborative writing process across the board.  I really love that a lot of the pieces weren't just full songs, but came out of jams.  For instance, Freak Out Ethel is two separate ideas fused together.  I had the whispering intro section and the final serene part, but it didn't feel finished.  Next thing I know, Leah and Pete start playing that funky section and it just fit perfectly in the middle of the song. Likewise, Slumber's Gate, is a few ideas put together.  Aurora was actually a much longer jam that I edited down to a manageable length to close out the LP. 

Do you listen to new artists or bands?

Certainly, but not as much as older stuff.  There is a pretty good psych revival going on these days.  I am a ridiculously huge fan of Dungen, along with nearly everything else on the Subliminal Label.  I thankfully caught the Amazing last month at a few gigs.  Blew me away.  Tame Impala is great and I've really started to warm up to the new album.  Stardeath and White Dwarfs.  Black Mountain.  Wolf People.  Primus. Flaming Lips and all the weirdness they bring.  Then of course, there are bands that we have played with over the years that I admire and dig.  


 Do you buy vinyl records or cds?Have you a favourite record store?

I only buy vinyl unless the album is either extremely difficult to find, too costly, or the CD has loads of bonus tracks that aren't available elsewhere.  I cite sound quality is the biggest reason. I consider myself an audiophile, so I want the music replicated as close to how it was meant to be heard, and not with an extra layer of digital sound or some of the harshness that a CD is going to offer.  I prefer the warmth of the analog sound.  You also have the intimacy of the vinyl experience, from flipping the LP at the end of the side to handling the record sleeve with the giant artwork.  That said, LP collecting can get out of control, so I try and exercise restraint these days as my collection was starting to take over my place.
As for record stores, New York City is home to some of the best in the world.  Academy Records in the East Village would probably get top honors though.


Tell me a couple of tracks that you would like to make covers of.(apart from the ones you have made and released).

We have a Hollies song that we just recorded during the "Paint" sessions that will be out in February on Fruits De Mer. "See Emily Play" is part of our live rotation that we do not have a recording of yet. We've discussed doing some early Soft Machine.  And I would love to electrify some Donovan or do a version of Status Quo's "Pictures of Matchstick Men". 


What’s your point of view about the future of music business and which will be internet affection?

I think it is already a dead industry. People have less interest in buying music these days when it's readily available for free.  For the average person, the need to own a collection of music seems like a foreign concept. But, while the internet has led to the demise of music sales, it has at the same time opened doors for the discovery of new bands.  People might be more apt to see a band when they come to town if they dug streaming something on Spotify as opposed to buying, which is still supporting the artist, just in a different way that the old model. The problem is there is so much music available with the click of a button that it is nearly impossible to weed through and consume the good stuff.  Therein lies the challenge of reaching new audiences.

 

Which are your future plans?


Right now,we're gearing up to play as much as we possibly can this winter and spring to support the LP.  We'll keep up with the press and interviews such as this to also spread the word.  I'm always writing so we'll slowly work on new material as well and sprinkle that into sets.  As mentioned before, we'll end up working toward an American release of the LP as well. And really, we'll just take things from there.  It's hard to plan things out too much because things will unfold as they may.


What are you doing for living?



I work in television doing post production.  Leah is a graphic designer.  And Pete works for a non-profit.  So we're all pretty busy when not making music.

Any plans for a european tour?


If we had more money to put toward that, or we could get some support, trust me, we would be there in no time!  We discuss it at times, albeit unrealistically, because it's involved; from the flight, to the itinerary, and the driving between countries, passports, visas... It will happen eventually, but I don't think yet.


 Do you know anything about greek music?
 
Honestly, no.  That is one genre that I have never been exposed to, but if you have any recommendations, don't hesitate to send them my way.



Would you like to add anything else?


I hope I sold the new LP well enough just now to all the readers out there, and that if they take the time to check it out, they dig what they hear.
Thanks for offering us the chance to do this and for sending me these questions.  This was fun.


 (As told to High Fidelity Stories)
contact :www.skypicnicmusic.com

              skypicnic.bandcamp.com

22.12.12

Greece Goes Modern-The Holy Grail Has Landed!




It’s been exactly 45 years since greek discography was enriched with “Greece Goes Modern” by Mimis Plessas & The Orbiters,an album that managed to join the mediterranean shake with jazz improvisations creating a perfect,solid music body and brought a fresh and 
 dynamic sound.The talent and the incredible skills of the musicians gave us a modern project that still offers a delightful listening nowdays.
After tracking down an original vinyl
copy of this rarity, the “Lost Archives” series of B-OtherSide Records”  in collaboration with “Belle Vue” fanzine and the Plan59 vintage record store as well, proceeded to a limited hand numbered reissue of 300 copies (half on black and half on white vinyl).This edition will be accompanied with an insert, providing a personal note from the maestro Mimis Plessas and photos taken from his personal archives.Street date is the 24th of December.Not to be missed!
Enjoy it online and grab a vinyl copy before it is too late! 


16.12.12

Elias Zaikos Plays The Blues For A Silent Night

  It was 1994 when the owners of Mylos Club in Thessaloniki decided to give away a very special Christmas card that would smell...vinyl.The season greetings were accompanied with a 2 track seven inch single,playing an unexpectable blues version of "Silent Night" arranged by Elias Zaikos while the flip side("River Moon Waltz") was an original tune by the famous greek bluesman.EZ talks about blues and Christmas.


 What are your first musical memories growing up in Thessaloniki?

I wasn't playing the guitar until my early 20s, hanging around with friends playing music in rock bands, listening to lot of records, it was different times then,
no internet, no cell phones...
 
                                                               Did you always want to become a musician?

I think always wanted to be a self made man, kind of independent, music never stopped calling and one day i heard it. Since then, i never looked back.

 
 What first attracted you to the blues?

Raw power, freedom of expression, once this music grabs you, that's it!
 
  
Who’s influenced you the most in your music writing and playing?

Well, most everyone in the classic blues discography...i listen to a lot of music, many different styles, not just blues, there's a bit of everything i know into my songs and playing style. I get inspiration from what i see and hear around me.

 
 Do you remember singing Christmas carols as a kid?

Yes, it was nice, i can't recall any special memory though...

 
 Would you share a story being on the road or on stage at Christmas time?

Not really, i just feel happy to play for celebrating people.

 
Tell us a few things about the recording and release of "Silent Night".

That was done in a very short time, i had this idea to play the melody on the guitar, some friends said "let's do it", went to the studio with a couple of excellent musicians and friends and finished the whole thing in a day or two.
   
Are there any particular songs that you play that have special meaning to you?

Each and everyone. The impact varies, but a meaning remains.
 Do you think that the young people are fond of the blues?

I see a lot of young people coming at our gigs lately, i think that's a good sign.
  
 How do you see the future of blues music?

This is real people's music, i believe it will never die or fade, just like love or man's willing to find a better earth to live in.




What’s your favourite guitar?

If i had to pick just one guitar, that would be a Telecaster.





Who are your favourite blues artists?

Man, that's a long list! We don't have the time!

 
Which are your top 5 blues records of  all time?

Hard to say...five? Come on! 50 would be kind of easier.

 
Which are the future plans for you and Blues Wire?

A new album for 2013 and playing as much as we can!

(As told to High Fidelity Stories)
contact http://www.blueswire.gr/zaikos.htm

3.12.12

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds – We No Who U R




Tree don’t care what a little bird sings
We go down with the due in the morning light
The tree don’t know what the little bird brings
We go down with the due in the morning
And we breathe, in it
There is no need to forgive
Breathe, in it, there is no need to forgive
(again)
The trees will stand like ṗleading hands
We go down with the due in the morning light
The trees all stand like ṗleading hands
We go down with the due in the morning light
And we breathe it in
There is no need to forgive
Breathe it in, there is no need to forgive
(again)

The trees will burn with blackened hands
We return with the light of the evening
The trees will burn blackened hands
Nowhere to rest, with nowhere to land

And we know who you are
And we know where you live
And we know there’s no need to forgive

And we know who you are
And we know where you live
And we know there’s no need to forgive

And we know who you are
And we know where you live
And we know there’s no need to forgive


 Lyrics from http://www.songonlyrics.com/nick-cave-thebadseeds-wenowhour-lyrics 



28.11.12

Blues For An Open Raincoat


"a symphony orchestra.
there is a thunderstorm,
they are playing a Wagner overture
and the people leave their seats under the trees
and run inside to the pavilion
the women giggling, the men pretending calm,
wet cigarettes being thrown away,
Wagner plays on, and then they are all under the 
pavilion. the birds even come in from the trees
and enter the pavilion and then it is the Hungarian 
Rhapsody #2 by Lizst, and it still rains, but look,
one man sits alone in the rain
listening. the audience notices him. they turn
and look. the orchestra goes about its
business. the man sits in the night in the rain, 
listening. there is something wrong with him,
isn't there?
he came to hear the
music."

Charles Bukowski - Rain





17.10.12

Tuber:Smoked Up Chords

 "Tuber grew up in a sunny place, south of Greece, in an island called Crete. They were hiding from the sun, jamming in dark studios and playing their music in rock caves. As they moved north, sounds became lighter, since they started miss hot ground. Balance came as a result of smash, dark embraced light and improvisation turned into an effortless and instinctive process. Tuber moved their interest into new forms, founding themselves experimenting with compositions that combine mixed styles and sounds from different ground. Focus is now on rock aesthetic flirting with psychedelic atmosphere and a touch of romantic mood. At this time Tuber live in Serres, forming their feelings and thoughts into music and words, still learning how to leave with reality and reinventing it with love." 
  
That's how Tuber introduce themselves.Paris, their bass player,kindly answers a bunch of questions. 

Tell us few things about Tuber.When did you start, how did you meet each other? 


Brothers Yannis and Nick where playing together since they where university students in Crete. They have this unique bond as musicians that you get when you play with someone for that long. They've approached me almost three years ago because they wanted to record a demo at my studio in Serres. They didn't have a bass player at the time and all the songs where structured around a 30sec guitar pedal looper in which Yannis could tap dance on it while rolling a cigarette! I agreed to play bass on the demo and after a few rehearsals I got excited with the songs, joined the band and end up recording and producing our first EP at parallel universe studio.

What did your first songs sound like and who were your main influences?


All three of us come from different musical backgrounds and that is what brings a nice contrast to our music. Our first songs are actually the four tracks on our first release of the EP.

How did you get your name?


Out of an English dictionary!
Are there any other groups that sound similar to you in your area?


I wouldn't say so, there are some great Greek bands in similar genres though.

How would you describe your music?


"It's like a beef stew cooked with rock ingredients and seasoned with heavy guitar riffs" as a reviewer once wrote. I don't know, I guess we prefer playing it rather than talking about it, we'll let the listeners describe it in their heads!

How did you get the decision to release your first project in a foreign label and not in a greek one??Have you sent any demos to a  label before you release it?




No we didn't went after any labels at all. We've just released it as a free download through bandcamp and two years later Krauted Mind Records contacted us over the Internet with a vinyl re release offer which was too good to turn down.

Tell me a few words about all 5 tracks of the ep.How did you choose titles etc….


Nick, our drummer came up with most of them. I think he tried to describe the feelings he got from listening to the songs.

Do you think of adding vocals in the future?


Not having vocals in our songs is what got as where we are today. I mean, instrumental music is international and it's much more easily conceived to people around the world than having weird English accent and funny lyrics. Obviously there are a lot of non native English speaking bands who have achieved international recognition but they fall in a different category and they are the exception to the rule.

What are you doing for living?


I run a provisions company and a recording studio. The brothers have an accounting office.

Describe the atmosphere in your concerts. How people react in your music? 


We've only had a few shows so far but the audience keeps growing and that is a very good thing for a new band.

What is the feedback you get from people who listen to your music?


Lot's of kind words and that's what keeps us going!




Through the years a lot of groups are mainly known via internet and not from the their cd or vinyl releases. What is your opinion about this?


The Internet is this new giant source of information. Intermediaries have been cut out and you can release your music with a few clicks, that's the easy part. The difficult part for a band is to find the right channels to do so and for the listener to distinguish good music from all the trash that's been released out there every second. Various blogs have helped us to spread our music all over the world and we are much obliged and thankful for their support! 





Which are your future plans?


We are currently working on new songs and we'll begin recording during summer. Also a European tour is in our plans for the winter. Plus we have a new member in the band, a second guitarist. The plan is to relief Yannis from all the live guitar looping which to tell you the truth was a nightmare both sound wise and for Yannis as a performer. So we'll be touring as a 4 piece from now on.





 

(As told to High Fidelity Stories)
contact:www.tuber.bandcamp.com



7.7.12

Piero Morgan-Nata di Marzo- A Top Rare Jazz Soundtrack



  No doubt,one of the holy grails of the italian soundtracks pressed on vinyl.This ultra rare ep(Fox records,EPF 110) on seven inches release of the 1958 'Nata di Marzo'(March's Child) comedy film directed by Antonio Petrangeli is one of the very first ever italian jazz soundtracks (according to sources, probably the second after the legendary "'I Solliti Ignoti"). Music is by Piero Piccioni under his Piero Morgan alias (his mother's surname).
Piero Piccioni himself plays the piano with italian modern jazz duo legend Gianni Basso (tenor sax) and Oscar Valdambrini (trumpet). Orchestra has been conducted by Franco Ferrara.Fortunately,the score was released many years later on a cd compilation together with two more Piccioni's scores from the late 50's/early 60's era("Guendalina" &"La Parmigiana").
 The vinyl version rarely shows up on lists for sale or on various auctions and usually demands a three figure amount to change hands.Enjoy a great jazz document form our beloved maestro.

          

28.6.12

Missing Vinyl Records "Like Making History"





 Missing Vinyl Records is a label focusing in sixties and seventies music productions that remain long out of print and are absent from the market for a long time.With a strict vinyl direction, the label takes care for exact reissues and deluxe editions,dealing also with new artists and groups from the wide area of the psychedelic,folk and progressive contemporary scene.Founder Nick Voukoutis opens the diary.




What motivated you to start a label?

 Actually it was not supposed to become a label… it was supposed to be the "Truth:  Of Them and Other Tales" pressing only.I wanted to own Truth on vinyl, since I first heard it on cd, but none of the existing labels had plans to reissue it, so I decided to have it pressed myself.

When and how did it start?

 

 After I had arranged for rights, master tapes etc. for Truth, I realized, that I would be sitting for ages on the 1000 copies I intended to press, if I did not have a package to sell. So, we had a brainstorming session and decided that Kenny & the Kasuals and Armando Piazza's Suan would be very good to accompany TRUTH, in one batch.In late 2008, it was just a batch of three titles but not a label yet.
 
  A vague idea was there, but I had no clue of what to issue next. I did not even know, if I am going to issue anything at all.Then, I accidentally ran into the website of the Kuckuck label….We gave it a try and were very surprised to see the legendary Eckart Rahn granting us rights for historical albums like Out Of Focus, Armaggedon, Deuter Murphy Blend etc. I am grateful to him for entrusting us with his youth’s work, and for giving us the chance to prove we can do it well.With the second and third batch of Kuckcuck reissues, Missing Vinyl Records became a label and got some awareness with collectors.
 


Is it sometimes a financial struggle?


We only issue new albums, when the previous ones have covered their cost, so there is no financial struggle associated with the label itself. We have tied some starting capital to the first issues, which is being slowly recovered. One can certainly not make a living out of label of our kind, but it’s also not a losing business.


What other labels influenced you?

I am a collector since I remember myself– I have seen several nice releases on various labels through the years – it would be unfair not to mention some, and too long to list all of them.



Who are your competitors?

  There is no competition in the conventional sense.It’s not like: “if a customer buys the other brand’s yoghurt, he will not buy mine”. On the contrary we form the market together, and the more releases there are, the more interest is being created for our kind of music, so the more each one of us sells.World In Sound, Guerssen, Garden Of Delights and several more labels are no competitors, they are partners in arms and we enjoy receiving and selling each other’s releases and exchanging information about several issues.OK, admittedly, when one of them comes up with a once-in-a-lifetime record, I may get a bit jealous (how on earth did he manage to locate the band to get rights?.... why did I not think of this album? etc….), but down the line, I am happy, that I may include this record to my wholesale catalogue… and also keep one copy for my private collection.
There is a very bad competition though: bootleggers and pirates. There are so many great albums out there, which have been reissued by pirates. Rights holders get no money and are being deprived from getting some royalties from us or other official labels. Pirated LPs are usually medium-to-bad quality pressings, they are cheaper than ours due to lower manufacturing cost and/or due to the fact that they pay no royalties, and they result in killing a good record’s market potential.

 



How did you choose the name?

 A wordplay with the word “missing” before “vinyl”.In 2008, when we came up with the name, people were missing vinyl for longer than a decade – the vinyl resurgence was yet to come.It also reflects our fundamental choice, to be issuing albums, that were missing, i.e. unavailable for ages. 



 
Whatʼs your guiding principle?

 Long unavailable on vinyl, or –better- never before issued or reissued, quality psychedelic and/or progressive music. Never reissue a record, which I would not choose to have in my collection. Always official reissues.
 

Can you sum up your labelʼs outpout ?

Three first ever issues of great albums: Dino Valenti’s lost recordings, Truth and the english version of Ihre Kinder / Leere Haende (Empty Hands).The first ever Kuckuck label reissues, among them the three Out Of Focus LPs, Armaggedon, Murphy Blend, CWT, Hanuman, the Ihre Kinder's Jeanscover and Deuter: D.Our South African first-ever reissues, two McCully Workshop and Canamii – great music!

 And John Bassman group, a great record, for which it took ages and serious detective work to locate members to get rights.Ciccada (voted 8th best album of 2010 at progarchives.com) and Allison, two great contemporary Greek bands and the two Manticore’s Breath records (this is Will-o-the Wisp in their new heavier style) and Crystal Thoughts.Carolyn Hester - two albums, Crash Coffin and the two great American first-ever on vinyl reissues Oxfords and Sandstone (what a record!) – the three first Nektar albums, made double to accommodate several never before on vinyl bonus tracks, and the 2 Gurnemanz LPs – great female vocals here!.Last but not least, the three Aphrodite’s Child LPs due in next week. 




How important is the look and packaging of your records?

Very important! Collectors nowadays are far more demanding, than 30 years ago.We make 180g vinyl, 350g covers – the best European technology can offer at a feasible price.We had some great help for making our reissues exactly as the originals were. Mr. Willie Oertel, the renowned German vinyl collector, has trusted us and sent us expensive original covers of several records from his own collection, for us to use for scans in order to achieve perfectly exact reissues.


 


Of which release are you the most proud?

  I am proud of all releases.TRUTH has a special position in my heart, having been our first issue. And then I am definitely proud of the three Out Of Focus LPs, that made a label out of Missing Vinyl. I believe a breakthrough will come now with the three Aphrodite’s Child albums, that address a larger audience, not only the psych and prog collectors.

  

What are your future plans for expanding the label?
 
 Several UNIVERSAL releases, long missing.Hopefully a new Ciccada and Will-O-The Wisp album.


 How do you survive through the years?

  Through wholesale – the label would not be enough (far not) to make our living, but it helps and it gives me this great feeling, every time I see a new batch arriving from Germany – it’s like making history, it’s productive, it’s fun.
 



How do you find new acts?

Books, internet, customers’ ideas, my friend Jimi “Psychoson’s” ideas….etc.etc.

(As told to High Fidelity Stories)
contact :www.veamusic.com)

26.6.12

Venus In Furs "Dead Europe"

 


  For a long period of time, Venus In Furs was believed to be the lost binding bond between post-punk and new wave music of Greece. Despite however, their exceptional appearances and their three demos, recorded from summer 1985 until their final split in 1993, their only musical inheritance was the extremely rare album “New Horizon”, in 10 copies!! The limited number of copies resulted due to numerous technical sound problems that lead to the discontinuance of the album’s production. Almost twenty years after this first edition, B-otherside records represented in 2011 this masterly missing album that incorporates gothic sound, post-punk and new wave with harmony and aptitude. The sound mix and the elaboration of songs were prepared by the two founding members of the group, an attempt that indicates their reformation. The 250 numbered copies of the vinyl lp contain a two-page colored inset along with the band’s photographs of period 1985-1989, as well as a full biography and a two-page black and white inset with lyrics and the six original hand made posters. Furthermore, the package includes a numbered reprint in A4 size of one of these posters.

 
 This year the legendary ‘80’s post-punk group, returns in full ecstatic blast with a new album under the title  “Dead Europe” , a record pulsing with the reverberations of the global metamorphosis. Their naturally “distorted” sound based on dark wave with psychedelic and roots influences , forms the subversive rock music of the near future. The lp is released in a limited run of 300  hand numbered copies,150 of them are in violet coloured wax and the rest 150 in classical black vinyl, containing an inner sleeve with lyrics and informations.The band offered for download the full album including the artwork here.


20.6.12

Andreikelos "Euryphaessa": Cinematic Soundscapes Through Neo Psych Passages


     A well known producer and engineer in Greece, Andreikelos may still be the best kept secret from the global leftfield electronica genre. Having created his own style with his significant drum pattern and synthesizers use this EP is adventurous as it is
deep.The title track, “Euryphaessa”, stands at the barrier between instrumental alt-rock and moody electronica. Named after the ancient Greek Titan-Goddess, Theia Euryphaessa,it is a perfect blend of heavy drum patterns, crunchy beats and distorted synth lines.Second comes “Under Pressure”, this instrumental hip-hop track is a hybrid ofsynths and samples enhanced by a heavy drumbeat blended with rock-ish cymbals and beautiful violin sounds for the finale.The following track, “Deserted”, is dark and cinematic. A blend of acoustic and electronic instruments alongside heavy drum sounds, creating a deeply emotional and atmospheric track that grabs the listener right from the word go. The whole arrangement of these sounds is so elegantly put, that it continuously drags the listener’s emotions from left to right, dark to light and back again, making this perfect soundtrack music.The final track is a remix of “Euryphaessa” by Greek producer Starflyer. His version enhances the electronic nature of the original with orchestral textures, smoothly blended onto a down-tempo beat pattern making this trip-like tune a perfect catalyst to fuel the overall sound.



 Additionally, on the digital version of the release you can find another remix of the title track by Geste from France – a more experimental take on the track, a neo-psych approach that pulls the listener’s attentioninto the unique sound of Geste. Andreikelos has probably outdone himself with this EP. The music is deep, building,dark yet melancholic and profoundly beautiful. Being Part 3 in the “Black On Black” vinyl series the “Euryphaessa EP” is released as a very limited (100 hand numbered copies) vinyl 12” alongside a poster. Furthermore, 25 cassettes will be given away to the firstcustomers that buy directly from the Equinox Online Store. They include 3 tracks of the EP mixed together in two 10 minute sets plus an exclusive bonus track called “Sawlead Rock”.


17.6.12

"The Whirlings": Mountain Stoners Are Here!

  A new name that is willing to spread the electric psychedelic sound from the Apennine mountains and the Mediterranean area to the globe.Combining the intension of the heavy rock through a seventies prism with some dreamy post overview,the Whirlings( Andrea Lolli,guitar,Mattia Lolli,guitar,Diego La Chioma, bass guitar and Giulio Corona,drums) seem that they want to redefine the stoner idiom their own way.Andrea,bandleader of the Italian combo is here to tell the story.

Tell us few things about the Whirlings.When did you start, how did you meet each other?

 We started to play together about 2008.I knew the other members separately; Mattia is my cousin and with him we used play  acoustic guitar and then, when in NYC, I bought my first guitar and we decided to play what we feel. Then in L’Aquila, I called Diego, one of my best friends, and Giulio one of the best drummers in town.Then, after a long pause caused by the earthquake in our town, and when we were ready we started again.


 
How did you first get into playing and writing music?


 At first we played into an underground rehearsal room for hours jamming an trying some different riffs. I don’t know much, almost anything, about notes so we had to play necessarily our music. Then we gave to our tracks a structure(very hard for who, like me, played for the first time in a band) and the game was done! Only Giulio and Mattia played in another band before the Whirlings.All of our tracks are composed mainly by our instinct and feelings, each one of us put something in the tracks, riffs, sounds etc.

 
What did your first songs sound like and who were your main influences?
 
 We’re influenced by classics as Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath etc. but also by contemporary bands like Colour Haze, Dead Meadow, Mogwai etc.

How did you get your name?

 The band’s name was originated both by the Dead Meadow song and also by the psychedelic and symbolic concept of the spiral!
 
 Are there any other groups that sound similar to you in Italy?

 Fortunately in Italy there aren’t so much psychedelic instrumental bands so we have enough opportunities to play!

  
How would you describe your music?

 Our music is a mix of classic psychedelia, progressive, desert stoner and post-rock. We live in a mountainside so we can say than we play mountain-stoner instead desert-stoner rock.

How did you get the decision to self released your first project?Have you sent any demos to a  label before you release it?

  We decided to avoid at first place to have a label deal because we need our space to create our music without any kind of interferences and some contract dead line time for releasing recordings. Without a label, on the other side we face some difficulties for the physical distribution of our work.

Tell me a few words about all 5 tracks of the ep.How did you choose titles etc….My favourite is Calcutta’s Sewers,what’s the story behind?

  We put the titles after the final version of each track, there isn’t a particular way of choosing it, the tracks inspiring  us the titles not the opposite. Calcutta’s Sewers is one of our first track composed, we worked on it a lot, than on day, after a long rehearsal room session playing it Mattia told us: “we must call this track Calcutta’s Sewers!!!”. We laughed a lot and the title was given!!!


 
Do you think of adding vocals in the future?

 Only if we’ll meet a really good vocalist (Maynard from Tool???) we could think about a singer in our band, since that day we’ll continue with the original vocation of the music… the universal instrumental language! 

What are you doing for living?

 Unfortunately we can’t living only by playing music, or better, we’re living for playing, so we have to work, when it is possible.
 
Describe the atmosphere in your concerts. How people react in your music?

 During our lives we project some psychedelic clips and visuals made by Diego, a little help for the audience to travel into our trips!



What is the feedback you get from people who listen to your music?

 We’ve a lot of positive feedback by our audience, during our lives but also by the web.

 Through the years a lot of groups are mainly known via internet and not from the their cd or vinyl releases. What is your opinion about this?

 Internet is quite useful for us because is the only free broadcasting we had and a lot of people listen our tracks on youtube, myspace, reverbnation, etc. and buy our music on cd or mp3.

Which are your future plans?

  Now we’re going to record our next work, an  full album this time with 7 new tracks, influenced by a more structured heavy psych and post-rock as well.

(As told to High Fidelity Stories)
Contact : thewhirlings1.bandcamp.com/album/the-whirlings-ep
               facebook.com/TheWhirlings