Intervju: Moon Far Away, (Russia)

Moon Far Away, (Russia)

A neo-folk band from Arkhangelsk, which distinctive expression is based on a deep knowledge and connection with the unique ancient heritage of the Russian North. Historically, the North was a free space where human creativity found its expression in rich poetry, music, visual culture and wooden architecture. Unlike in the central Russia, there was no slavery in the North. Even today, one can hear skomorokh songs mocking the authorities which date back to the medieval Russia. In the end of XIX century, researchers discovered bylinas (epic tales) from the times of Novgorod republic and Kiev Rus, which had died out then in the central part for centuries ago. Today, the Russian North preserves the most interesting and unique heritage of ancient Russian culture dating back to its pre-Christian history.

The band was founded as a student project in 1994. by Alexey M. Sheptunov, who we talked to these days..

Official facebook page

1. Why the name Moon Far Away? When and how was came that idea?

Alexey: В русском языке есть пословица: как корабль назовёте, так он и поплывёт. Или – поплывёт в том направлении. В случае МФА, название появилось, кажется, даже раньше самых первых демо-записей. И изначально было чисто ассоциативным, не выражающим какой-то конкретной идеи. Но – если пытаться разобраться с этим на подсознательном уровне, то, я полагаю, можно сказать, что нами сразу было задано направление на мистику, нерациональное познание окружающего мира, изучение Традиции и вообще на тот мир, который находится НАД нашим миром. Этот мир иногда виден, но практически недосягаем – это мир символов, высших ценностей и идеалов. Группа меняла своё звучание, однако название всегда оставалось для нас идеальным. И, не смотря то, что название группы по-аглийски пишется не совсем корректно, мы предпочитаем не переводить его на русский язык. Хотя, иногда журналисты в тех странах, где мы выступаем, используют написание нашего названия на своих национальных языках. И это всегда довольно интересно, так как нам нравятся все эти игры с языками. 

There is a proverb in Russian: as you call a ship, it will sail this way, or - will swim in that direction. In the case of the MOON FAR AWAY, the name appeared, it seems, even earlier than the very first demo records. And initially it was purely associative, not expressing any specific idea. But – if you try to deal with this on a subconscious level, then, I believe, we can say that we immediately set a direction for mysticism, irrational knowledge of the world around us, the study of Tradition, and generally the world that is OVER our world. This world is sometimes visible, but practically inaccessible – it is a world of symbols, highest values and ideals. The group changed its sound, but the name always remained ideal for us. And, despite the fact that the name of the group in English is not spelled correctly, we prefer not to translate it into Russian. Although, sometimes journalists in the countries where we speak use the spelling of our name in their national languages. And this is always quite interesting, since we like all these games with languages.

2. You define your music Russian neo-folk, post-folk, world-music inspired by north russian nature, shamanic rhythms. What is the impact of that?

Alexey: Интерес к древней культуре и традиционной музыке начался у меня во время моей учёбы в университете. Я понял тогда, что в этой музыке очень многое сказано о человеке в целом, и эти вещи гораздо глубже большей части того, что называется «современная культура». Поэтому, на самом деле, не так уж необходимо «изобретать велосипед заново», в наше время. Важно переосмыслить древние тексты, интерпретировать их, и воплотить в современной актуальной форме – сохранив при этом их глубокое содержание. 

Первые опыты MFA вдохновлены творчеством таких групп, как DEAD CAN DANCE, THE MOON LAY HIDDEN BENEATH A CLOUD, ELIJAH’S MANTLE, SOL INVICTUS, etc. Позже мы пришли к работе со старинным традиционным ритуальным фольклором России и Русского Севера, нашего региона. Именно тогда мы поняли своё место на нео-фолк-сцене – а именно приняли на себя миссию вовлечения традиционной музыки нашей земли в мировую музыкальную культуру. Сегодня у меня есть научное звание по фольклористике, и я продолжаю изучать северный эпический фольклор России на этом уровне.

My interest in ancient culture and traditional music began during my studies at the university. I realized then that in this music a lot is said about the person as a whole, and these things are much deeper than most of what is called “modern culture”. Therefore, in fact, it is not so necessary to “reinvent the wheel”, in our time. It is important to rethink the ancient texts, interpret them, and translate them in a modern, relevant form – while preserving their deep content.
The first MOON FAR AWAY’s experiments were inspired by the masterpieces of the bands such as DEAD CAN DANCE, THE MOON LAY HIDDEN BENEATH A CLOUD, ELIJAH’S MANTLE, SOL INVICTUS, etc. Later we came to work with ancient traditional ritual folklore of Russia and the Russian North, our region. It was then that we understood our place on the neo-folk scene – namely, we took upon ourselves the mission of involving the traditional music of our land in world music culture. Today I have a scientific title in folklore, and I continue to study Russia's northern epic folklore at this level.

3. Moon Far Away is?

Alexey: Изначально в проект входило в два человека, однако музыкой, лирикой и процессом записи занимался я. Именно в форме дуэта (хотя состав изменился ровно наполовину) мы делали первые записи, а потом начали играть концерты. Так продолжалось довольно долгое время. Однако сегодня в MFA – четыре персоны, и каждая привносит в музыку что-то своё. Однако я сейчас говорил о живых людях – в музыке MFA часто звучит лирика и цитаты из музыки великих авторов, как древних, так и более близких к нам по времени жизни. Таким образом, они также являются частью MFA, в этих композициях. А если принять во внимание, что мы часто исполняем народную музыку, то круг «соавторов» нашей музыки расширяется максимально. Плюс, на нашем новом альбоме Athanor Eurasia, например, множество гостевых музыкантов – например, Tony Wakeford и Caroline Jago из Sol Invictus. Поэтому, с точки зрения авторских отношений, MFA – это довольно сложное явление. 

Initially, the project consisted of two people, but I was involved in music, lyrics and the recording process. It was in the form of a duet (although the lineup changed exactly halfway) that we made the first recordings, and then started playing concerts. This went on for quite a long time. However, today there are four people in the MFA, and each of them brings something to the music. However, I am now talking about living people - in the music of the MFA often sounds lyrics and quotes from the music of great authors, both ancient and closer to us at the time of life. Thus, they are also part of the MFA, in these compositions. And if we take into account that we often perform folk music, the circle of "co-authors" of our music expands to the maximum. Plus, on our new Athanor Eurasia album, for example, there are many guest musicians - for example, Tony Wakeford and Caroline Jago from Sol Invictus. Therefore, from the point of view of copyright relations, MFA is a rather complex phenomenon.

4. Last album "Athanor Eurasia" was well received by the audience, which was to be expected. How are you and the band satisfied with him?

Alexey: На самом деле, "Athanor Eurasia" можно назвать неожиданным дитём. До того, как приступить к его записи, мы, хотя это было не очень активно, работали над двумя концептуальными альбомами – “Acou” и “Музыка о полку Игоревом”, вдохновлённом древнерусской эпической поэмой. Однако очень неожиданно идея "Athanor Eurasia" вышла на первый план, и полностью нас захватила. На этом альбоме нам удалось выйти на новый уровень с интерпретацией традиционных народных песен Русского Севера, и продолжить линию, начатую на альбоме «Беловодие», который до сих пор очень популярен и в России, и в мире. 

Сегодня я могу сказать, что приостановка работы над двумя предыдущими альбомами была полностью оправданной (надеюсь, они, как бы то ни было, дождутся своей очереди). "AE" словно сам завоевал себе место под солнцем, и получился очень цельным и концептуальным. Кроме того, этот альбом, как и все предыдущие, был для нас достаточно новаторским в плане звучания – мы, в основном, работали в новой студии, с новым основным звукорежиссёром и множеством приглашенных музыкантов (этого опыта у нашей группы до этого не было), а сам альбом получился почти полностью акустическим. «Живые» инструменты оказались в этот период для меня более интересными, чем электронные – этот период в группе всё ещё продолжается. Ну и, наконец, "Athanor Eurasia" стал квинтэссенцией Формы и Содержания, заложенной в него идеи глубинного единства культур Запада и Востока, неразделённости единой духовной Традиции евразийского континента на внутреннем уровне. 

Это то, что мы подспудно вкладывали в эти песни. Однако если кто-то из слушателей альбома найдёт его просто увлекательным, красивым и мелодичным, не обращая внимание на всяческие концепции и т.д., мы тоже будем этому вполне рады. 

In fact, our «Athanor Eurasia» can be called an unexpected child. Before we started recording it, we, although it was not very active, worked on two concept albums – «Acou» and «Music about Igor's Regiment», inspired by an old Russian epic poem. However, very unexpectedly, the «Athanor Eurasia» idea came to the fore and completely captured us. On this album, we managed to reach a new level with the interpretation of traditional folk songs of the Russian North, and continue the line begun on the album «Belovodie», which is still very popular in Russia and in the world.

Today I can say that the suspension of work on the previous two albums was completely justified (I hope that, anyway, they will wait their turn). «AE» as if he had conquered a place for himself under the sun, and it turned out to be very integral and conceptual. In addition, this album, like all the previous ones, was quite innovative for us in terms of sound - we mainly worked in the new studio, with a new main sound engineer and a lot of invited musicians (our group did not have this experience before), and the album itself turned out to be almost completely acoustic. Acoustic instruments during this period turned out to be more interesting to me than electronic ones – this period in the group is still ongoing. And finally, «Athanor Eurasia» became the quintessence of Form and Content, the idea of the deep unity of the cultures of West and East, the inseparability of a single spiritual Tradition of the Eurasian continent at the internal level.

This is what we implicitly invested in these songs. However, if one of the listeners of the album finds it simply fascinating, beautiful and melodic, not paying attention to all sorts of concepts, etc., we will also be quite happy about this.

5. You often collaborate with other artists (Sol Invictus, Smuta, etc.). What are your experiences of these cooperations? Will You continue to explore music with other musicians and artists that you'll be sharing the listeners?

Alexey: Да, это действительно так. Помимо пяти сольных альбомов, у MOON FAR AWAY есть совместные альбомы с проектами SIX DEAD BULGARIANS, VISHUDHA KALI и ELEVEN. Мы также организовали издание нескольких концептуальных сборников, таких, как международный проект “ENEMIES”, на котором неофолк-музыканты из разных стран играют лирические песни своих народов времён Второй Мировой войны, а также «Colours Of Black», CD-сборник с книгой, посвященный русскому нео-фолку. Также нами собран и издан международный трибьют песен MFA, а также записано огромное количество отдельных треков с множеством других коллективов, которые часто приглашают нас к совместным записям. Это интересный опыт, который позволяет нам реализовывать те идеи, которые мы вряд ли могли осуществить в рамках MFA.

Ещё одно направление нашей активности – организация в нашем городе, Архангельске, неофолк-концертов и фестивалей. Так, нам удалось сделать концерты для SPIRITUAL FRONT, ANDREW KING и ORPLIED/BARDITUS, с которыми мы играли в Архангельске вместе. Надеюсь, наш ARKH-NEOFOLK FEST продолжит свою активность после эпохи коронавируса.

Yes, this is true. In addition to five solo albums, MOON FAR AWAY has joint albums with the projects SIX DEAD BULGARIANS, VISHUDHA KALI and ELEVEN. We also organized the publication of several conceptual collections, such as the international project «ENEMIES», on which neofolk musicians from different countries play lyric songs of their peoples during World War II, as well as “Colors Of Black”, a CD collection with a book dedicated to Russian neo-folk. We have also collected and published an international tribute-album of MFA songs, as well as recorded a huge number of individual tracks with many other bands, which often invite us to joint recordings. This is an interesting experience that allows us to implement those ideas that we could hardly implement within the framework of the MFA.

Another area of our activity is the organization of neofolk concerts and festivals in our city, Arkhangelsk. So, we managed to make concerts for SPIRITUAL FRONT, ANDREW KING and ORPLIED / BARDITUS, with whom we played in Arkhangelsk. I hope our ARKH-NEOFOLK FEST will continue its activity after the era of coronavirus.

6. What is the music for you? In which way music defines you?

Alexey: Среди участников MFA нет профессиональных музыкантов, поэтому группа для нас – это прежде всего возможность проявления своих способностей, своей творческой свободы. Это своеобразный способ Служения высшим идеалам, возможность преодоления своей собственной смертности. И это действительно очень многое для нас значит. Мы с большой гордостью исполняем собственные версии глубинных народных песен нашего региона, Русского Севера и Архангельской области, на крупнейших фестивалях, чувствуя себя носителями традиционной культуры своего народа. Это очень почётно и радостно. С другой стороны, мы ощущаем себя представителями нео-фолка в России, и проводниками идей этого музыкального течения. Наряду с группой NEUTRAL мы старейший русский неофолк-коллектив. 

There are no professional musicians among the MFA participants, so the group for us is, above all, the opportunity to manifest our abilities, our creative freedom. This is a peculiar way of Serving the higher ideals, an opportunity to overcome one's own mortality. And it really means a lot to us. We are very proud to play our own versions of deep-seated folk songs of our region, the Russian North and the Arkhangelsk region, at major festivals, feeling like carriers of the traditional culture of our people. It is very honorable and joyful. On the other hand, we feel that we are representatives of neo-folk in Russia, and the agents of the ideas of this musical movement. Along with the NEUTRAL project, we are the oldest Russian neo-folk group.

7. Plans for future?

Alexey: Как я уже сказал, у нас есть два альбома «отложенных за завтра», которые ждут своего часа. Первый, который увидит свет – это альбом “Acou”, все песни из которого уже давно готовы, а некоторые из них – уже записаны. Конечно, эта эпидемия сыграла свою роль, наша студия до сих пор официально закрыта, и сроки работы вынужденно были удлинены. Мы верим, что наш лейбл, германский Prophecy Productions, который занимается распространением альбомов MOON FAR AWAY по всему миру, поддержит нас в издании и новых альбомов. Также мы очень надеемся вернуться к концертам и турам так скоро, как только это возможно. Также мы очень любим совместные проекты с другими коллективами – таких опытов в нашей истории было множество. И готовы к новым экспериментам на этом поле, в том числе – к созданию музыки к фильмам. 

As I said before, we have two «delayed tomorrow» albums that are waiting in the wings. The first one to see the light is the album «Acou», all the songs from which have long been ready, and some of them have already been recorded. Of course, this epidemic played a role, our studio is still officially closed, and the working hours were forced to be extended. We believe that our German label Prophecy Productions, which distributes MOON FAR AWAY albums worldwide, will support us in the release of new albums as well. By the way, we are still the first and only group from Russia that has a contract with this label. We also really hope to return to concerts and tours as soon as possible. We also love joint projects with other teams – there have been many such experiences in our history. And we are ready for new experiments in this field, including the creation of music for films.

8. A concert in Serbia, perhaps?

Alexey: О, это было бы великолепно! Наши страны настолько родственны друг другу по своей истории, культуре и ментальности, что для меня очень удивляет, почему сегодня на культурном уровне почти не существует каких-то культурных контактов. Да, возможно, у вас выступают наши поп-звёзды, однако вряд ли это можно назвать подлинной русской культурой. А о современном российском андерграунде, альтернативной современной и индустриальной культуре, думаю, сербская публика знает очень мало – как и русская публика о сербском андерграунде. Меня очень интересует традиционная сербская музыка, одну из песен мы даже записали когда-то для нашего альбома «Minnesang». Поэтому концерт в вашей стране – это мечта, которая, надеюсь, однажды станет реальностью. 

Oh, that would be great! Our countries are so close to each other in their history, culture and mentality that it is very surprising for me why today there are almost no cultural contacts at the cultural level. Yes, you may have our pop stars performing, but this can hardly be called genuine Russian culture. And I think that the Serbian public knows very little about the modern Russian underground and modern folk music, an alternative to modern and industrial culture – like people in Russian knows very little about the Serbian actual underground culture. I am very interested in traditional Serbian music, we even recorded one of the songs once for our album «Minnesang». Therefore, a concert in your country is a dream, which I hope will one day become a reality.

9. And in the end what will you tell readers in Serbia?

Alexey: Надеюсь, что когда мы однажды приедем в Сербию с концертами, мы уже немного выучим сербский язык, и нам не придётся говорить с вами на английском. В любом случае, уверен, что у нас будет много тем для разговоров! И конечно, мы очень хотим хотя бы немного попутешествовать по вашей стране. Поэтому будем рады хорошей команде, в этом.

I hope that when we one day arrive in Serbia with concerts, we will already learn the Serbian language a little and we will not have to speak English with you. In any case, I’m sure that we will have a lot of topics for discussion! And of course, we really want to at least a little travel around your country. Therefore, we will be happy to have a good team in this.

1.      MOON FAR AWAY: 

Bandcamp: https://moon-far-away.bandcamp.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/MoonFarAwayOfficial/

Official site: http://www.moonfaraway.ru/

VKontakte: https://vk.com/moonfaraway

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moon_far_away_official/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/moonfarawayofficial

Buy MFA music at Prophecy Prod. site:
https://en.prophecy.de/artists/moon-far-away/

Made by: Predrag G. 

Intervju: Drusuna, (Portugal)

Drusuna, (Portugal)

Celtiberia is a land of mysticism and tradition of the ancient Gods. Its guardians are still there who keep this tradition through music. Such is the music project of Drusuna..

Official facebook page

1. Why the name Drusuna?  When and how was came that idea?

Drusuna: Drusuna (aka Lady of the Oak) is a Deity from the ancient celts who inhabited Iberian peninsula in the iron age.

She is related with the forest and protector of the green realm. There are similar deities across entire europe within pagan/heathen cultures, (Aisling, Arduina, Ártemis, etc).

2. Drusuna  music genre is  Ritual Pagan Folk, inspired by the mother nature and history. What is the impact of that?

Drusuna: Yes,  all the concept is based in the ancestral cultural roots of the ancient celts. 

Those societies were connected with nature in a deep level. Every aspect of live was directly related with nature and everything  evolved arround it.  

It was in nature that all the answers to the world's mysteries were sought .

So the impact  of those aspects in Drusuna's music is very  high and that message is what is intended to convey who is listning.

3. Drusuna is?

Drusuna: Ancestry, Mithology and.... green!

4. Last album " Kaytos Kom" was well received by the audience, which was to be expected. How are you satisfied with him?

Drusuna: Well, that was a first aproach for what was intended to do... actually, it was just a“preface“ of a much bigger world, unfortunatelly, there were inumerous setback on new releases  although there are lots of material to be released. But  the ep, it was ok for what it was intended to do.

5. You often collaborate with other artists (Arnica, Urze de Lume, etc). What are your experiences of these cooperations? Will You continue to explore music with other musicians and artists that you'll be sharing the listeners?

Drusuna: Actually, I never collaborated ''artistically speaking“ with those artists despite being myself a fan of their  work and even having a cultural connection to them. We have already played together at events and obviously there is always the possibility of a collaboration, taking into account the geographical, cultural and musical proximity.  

At the moment, Drusuna is a solo project of my own and collaboration is actually what i intend to do with all artists i´m willing to work with... i already started to do this in the next release.  The single that is about to be released through Friendly Folk Records entitled “Spirits of Ancient Trees“ have the collaboration of Rose Avalon from Ritual Duir in voices.

The same will be happening in the upcomming album.

This is the model i want to work and i think this is very interesting way to do things...

6. What experiences do you have from guest appearing on Castlefest?

Drusuna: I started going to castlefest  as visitor, few years ago and from the first moment I entered the event, I quickly felt that it was the perfect place to someday be able to share my music with everyone there. The environment is perfect, people are extremely connected to a world where we can feel the resonance between everyone. 

Being able to step on a stage at the Castlefest, is a unique sensation and experience. 

7. What is the music for you ? In which way music defines you?

Drusuna: As musician, i pursue an alternative world of ancient  valors  and philosophy of life.

I always try to export my visions of this world in form of sounds.

I can say that music as a whole manages to define me as an idealist who seeks more and more distance from the modern world. 

So,  music for me is the vehicle that takes me away and conects me with the ancient ways.

8. Plans for future?

Drusuna: An album is on the plans for the next year. I do not have a release date yet, but as work progresses, i will update it for anyone who might be interested.

9. A concert in Serbia, perhaps?

Drusuna: Hummm, we never know what can happens in the future, but i'm sure if an oportunity appears, i will gladly take it!

10. And in the end what will you tell readers in Serbia?

Drusuna: I have a very good impression of Serbian music, from traditional to metal. Also, that region is very rich in ancient history, so it is natural that so many good music comes through there. Thank you so much for your time!

The old gods are watching....

Made by: Predrag G.

Intervju: THEUSZ, (Europa)

THEUSZ, (Europa)

Theusz is a collective that stands in defense of European art with music. We talked to them a these days..

Official facebook page

1. Why the name Theusz? When and how was came that idea?

Theusz: THEUSZ is a word of a fictitious language meaning: time. We took it from a language used by a French avant-garde music group, MAGMA.

This is actually a mistake on our part, originally we thought the word THEUSZ meant «hate», we had it from a music called «THEUSZ HAMTAAK» and when we realized our mistake the first music had been published on the internet, and we liked the word THEUSZ, we found it highly aesthetic.

2. You define your music as  electro, industrial, inspired by the history of Old Europe & World. What is the impact of that?

Theusz: Our music, of which I am the main producer, has evolved a lot over the years and today we are producing synthwave/ retrowave music but we have actually produced a lot of industrial martial music, dark ambient and even avant-garde music at the beginning of the collective’s existence. Deed we are inspired by European history and world history, especially Eurasia. We wanted to produce music free of any extra-European influence and subsequently of any «globalized» influence which is why we were interested in the ancient peoples. This is still the case even if our music has taken a more «western» turn lately, one of the many phases that the collective goes through.

3. Theusz is?

Theusz: THEUSZ is an artistic collective «counter-cultural» and international founded in 2015 in French Flanders. Initially composed of 4 members, things went rather badly when the first members realized that the project was going to be very difficult to carry out. So I took it back after a little less than a year of existence and became its president, then there were only two of us. I decided to direct the collective towards industrial martial music and make each music in our albums a collaboration. The goal is to gather the most people around this project far from politically correct. We wanted and still want to recover the soil of culture, too much left in the hands of the enemies of the peoples.

Today we have about ten members and countless collaborators. 

4. Last album "Avant Garde" was well received by the audience, which was to be expected. How are you satisfied with him?

Theusz: Avant-garde is our first physical album, its productions were the most advanced we had at the time. We are mostly satisfied with the visual work, a little less of the musical work, especially in the mixing of the titles. But we only got good feedback, so I guess, yeah, the album was good. In hindsight, especially when you are a perfectionist, you always find something to complain about or that you would like to do again. I might even say that I am disappointed, but that would not make much sense.

5. You often collaborate with other artists (Host, etc). What are your experiences of these cooperations? Will You continue to explore music with other musicians and artists that you'll be sharing the listeners?

Theusz: Indeed we collaborate a lot with other musicians or artists, things have always gone well and generally things happen the same way: I leave it to the artists, which can sometimes give surprising or strange results, but I was never disappointed. We will continue in this direction, this is the very goal of our collective, motivated and productive people are welcome, regardless of the gender they practice!

6. What is the music for you ? In which way music defines  you?

Theusz: I am a pragmatic and detached person, I could give 10 different answers to this question... In the context of the collective I consider music as a means of propaganda, useful to bring people together, to regain the ground of culture, to experiment and to make evolve the contemporary European culture.

In a more personal way, music, with architecture, is the art form that touches me most, some music literally pierce my soul from side to side. It’s something that’s been an integral part of my life and my personality, forever.The music I play is not something to separate from what I am, I can sometimes play the same chords for hours, simply because they perfectly reflect what I feel or am.

7. I also saw that you were engaged in events in Greece. Can you tell readers more about this?

Theusz: About four years ago I left the political movements and parties in which I campaigned, the results were not there and I started to campaign and launch initiatives alone, defining myself as an «alternative right» and refuting the classic cleavages. I have since had very good results, I have brought many people towards identity ideas and I have made myself known, even at a national level in France, for some of my actions. I use this little notoriety to promote the counter-culture that I believe is necessary for the victory of European ideas. I was recently in Greece to do freelance journalism and create a link with patriotic movements there. I was recently in Greece to do freelance journalism and create a link with patriotic movements there. I wanted to bring back pictures, videos, interviews of events taking place at the Greek-Turkish border, the border of Europe. Unfortunately we were not able to bring much back, our attempt was only a semi-success and we spent more time in prison than working... The Greek intelligence services have done everything to send us back to France. Campaigning autonomously and without funding is very hard but I have at heart to defend Europe and our homelands, which I also do in music!

8. Plans for future?

Theusz: At the moment we are producing electronic music, more in the retro/ synthwave vein and we have released a mix called #ISTANDWITHGREECEMIX in support of our Greek comrades. We publish mostly on Bitchute since we are censored on Youtube.. We continue the collaborations and I am also working on a new album, which will be eclectic in terms of the styles addressed. I also have to find a new senior graphic designer, I had to exclude from the collective the previous graphic designer who got lost in endless intellectual reflections that prevented him from acting...

We also have a lot of projects in mind, including a live film, a video and many other things, but the lack of resources and volunteers slows down our production rate!

9. A concert in Serbia, perhaps?

Theusz: It would be my pleasure! We already have trouble organizing them in France, the musicians of the collective being very far from each other, sometimes by an ocean! But in the future this will undoubtedly happen! 

10. And in the end what will you tell readers in Serbia?

Theusz: Thank you for this opportunity and for your attention. Continue listening to underground music groups, free and original bands. Do not be afraid to assume your ideas, even if they are different from what the masses think. I also want to say that no dichotomy must be absolute, it is not because you are not left or extreme left that you must be a neo-Nazi or a fascist. These shortcuts are imposed by the system that tries to ridicule us and keep us in the shadows. You can quite be an identitary, an anarchist, a lover of freedom and Europe, these things are not antinomics!

Long live the patria of Europe, long live Art and stay free!

Made by: Predrag G.

Intervju: Madvro, (Serbia)

Madvro, (Serbia)

Stoner/Doom, kao muzički žanr sam uvek voleo, a posebno kada dolazi sa naših prostora. Tako je i sa bendom, Madvro, iz susednog nam Smedera. Njih sam prvi put čuo pre nekoliko godina, (mislim da je bilo 2015. u leto), ako me sećanje dobro služi u sada već kultnom Underground klubu, Drum Bar-u. Posebno su me tada zaintrigirali svojim nastupom. Godine su prolazile, bend je napredovao i stasao u jedan ozbiljan takmac naše muzičke scene. 

Oficijalna fejsbuk stranica

1. Zašto ime Madvro?  Kada je uopšte rođena ta ideja?

 Madvro: Madvro kao  reč, koliko je makar nama poznato, nema nikakvo značenje ni na jednom jeziku, tako da je slušaocu ostavljeno da odabere šta je Madvro za njega. Madvro je istvoremeno i sve i ništa.

          2. Madvro deklariše svoj muzički pravac kao Stoner/Doom/Metal. Šta je uticalo na to?

Madvro: U vreme kada smo počinjali kao Madvro, dosta smo slušali bendove poput Sleep, Electric Wizard, Kyuss, zajedno sa starom Doom metal školom i bendovima poput Candlemass, Solitude Aeturnus, My Dying Bride i slično. Svi ti bendovi, kao i uopšteno metal kao pokret, uticalo je na nas da izgradimo naš stil, koji se najbolje uklopio pod Stoner doom podžanr. Madvro je pre svega underground metal bend, ostalo je manje bitno.

          3. Madvro je?

Madvro: Madvro su četiri Dragonauta koji jašu zmajeve ka grimiznom oku. 😊

 

        4. Poslednji album „Invocation of High Wizard“, izašao je pod etiketom Librarion Records-a i  dobro je prihvaćen kod publike. Kako ste vi zadovoljni saradnjom sa Librarionom i samim albumom uopšte?

Madvro: Da, album je stvarno dobro prihvaćen od publike, što u Srbiji a pogotovu vani. Saradnjom sa Librarionom smo prezadovoljni. Daniel je čovek sa kojim se sve možeš dogovoriti. Čovek je pun neverovatnih ideja i sve što radi za underground, radi sa neviđenim entuzijazmom. Povezao nas je sa Klintom sa SMOD YouTube kanala i mislim da smo prvi srpski bend koji je predstavljen na najvećem kanalu što se Stoner/Doom pravca tiče. Sve do onog „nesrećnog“ slučaja, kada je kanal ugašen, imali smo popriličan broj pregleda i dosta pozitivnih komentara. Svaka preporuka bendovima za saradnju sa Librarionom. Početak njegovih tragova u undergroundu je tako daleko da se i ne vidi.

      5. Pored uticaja stare škole stoner/doom-a, u pesmi Kikimora, prisutan je i uticaj slovenske mitologije, sto mene posebno raduje. Možemo li očekivati nastavak muzičkog istraživanja u tom pravcu?

Madvro: Mi smo oduvek bili inspirisani slovenskom mitologijom, što sad kao Madvro, što i ranije u našim prethodnim bendovima (Dark Dream, Iskon, The Preaching Abyss) i uvek smo rado te teme provlačili kroz tekstove. Kikimora je nastala posle mog (Ivan) iskustva sa paralizom sna i kada sam stvarno video i čuo to „stvorenje“. Jezivo, ali jako inspirativno iskustvo. U budućnosti će svakako biti tekstova povezanih ili sa slovenskom mitologijom ili sa lokalnim folklorom. Zapravo, pesma inspirisana lokalnim pričama iz okoline Smedereva je završena i premijerno smo je izveli na „Doom all over Kragujevac vol. 2“ festivalu. Pesmu smo nazvali „Jezava“, po reci Jezavi čiji ostaci danas „protiču“ kroz Smederevo, a za koju se vezani mnogi lokalni mitovi.

     6. Šta muzika predstavlja za vas? Na koji način vas ona definiše?

Madvro: Mi smo svi opsednuti muzikom od malena i slušali smo skoro sve moguće alternativne pravce. To traje i dan danas, samo što je danas do muzike mnogo lakše doći, bilo to dobro ili ne. Mislimo da je bilo bolje dok muzika nije postala ovako dostupna i da se svaki album preslušavao sa mnogo više pažnje. Takođe, svirali smo razne instrumente, pa to, u kombinaciji sa muzikom koja nam se provlači kroz živote od kad znamo za sebe čini tu jaku konekciju ka njoj.

    7. Singlom „We Worship“, došlo je do pojačanja na mestu vokala. Šta je uticalo na to? 

Madvro: Pošto nas je jedan od gitarista napustio, rešili smo da probamo da radimo sa dva vokala. Milica je uvek bila sa nama, i nekako je bilo logično da nam se pridruži na mestu glavnog vokala. To se pokazalo kao pun pogodak.

       8. Planovi za budućnost?

Madvro: Da završimo drugi album i da ponovo imamo svirke i probe kad sva ova glupost prođe.

       9. I na kraju, šta biste poručili čitaocima CSWS?

Madvro: SLAVA RODU! Stay Underground and DOOM ON!

Made by: Predrag G.

Intervju: Daniel Tikvicki

Intervju: Daniel Tikvicki

Svi sedimo, okrenuti sami sebi u ovom rutavom korona vremenu. Ali jedna stvar ne miruje. To je Underground u kome uvek možete uživati. Ovih dana malo smo prozborili koju sa našim saborcem, magom, koji stoji iza Librarion Records & Fanzines, a to je Daniel Tikvicki.

1. Zdravo Daniele, kako živi Underground u doba Korone?

Daniel: Andergraund živi bez obzira na okolnosti dok postoje entuzijasti koji će da se rade i trude. Međutim, iako su svi možda bili iznenađeni odlukama države, čini mi se da smo svi ostali zatečeni i samim tim što pošta baš i nije funkcionisala, sve je stalo na trenutak. Od ove celokupne situacije, izolacije, društvenog otuđenja, očekujem da će se ljudi uželeti koncerata i produkata malih izdavača i da će to barem malo oživeti - ostaje da vidimo. 

2. Postao si u podzemnim vodama poznat po svom Librarion-u, koji je od fanzina prerastao u izdavačku kuću, ne malog kvaliteta, možemo slobodno reći. Šta nam o tome možeš reći? Kada i kako je sve počelo? 

Daniel: Hvala ti na lepim rečima, mada, ja sam uvek bio skroman čovek. Malo ću da skratim istorijat, jer je više faktora uticalo na sam koncept. Sve je počelo kao zamisao još 2012. godine, kada sam počeo da se zasićujem literarnim konkursima i produkcijom koja je obećavali presipavanje iz šupljeg u prazno, umesto afirmacije književnog stvaralaštva. Fanzin Librarion, a potom i istoimena izdavačka kuća, bez nekih većih pretenzija je potekao 2014. godine i smatram da sam barem sebi dokazao da mi sav taj ostareli, akademski opterećen svet pesnika i pesnikinja (čast izuzecima) nije potreban da se izrazim i da ću uvek imati svežije i isplativije ideje, na koncu svega. Ne znam koliko je pesnika i grafičara/kolažista, bendova i projekata prodefilovalo mojom etiketom, ali posle 8 brojeva Librariona, 27 brojeva metal fanzina Nekrst (sa omladincem Andrejem Romićem, mojim sugrađaninom), još nekolicinu literarno-vizuelnih projekata i preko 50 albuma, mislim da sam u izvesnom smislu postigao to da imam poznanstva na sve strane u regionu, nekolicinu dobrih drugara koju sam imao čast da upoznam koji se bave istim stvarima kao i ja, dospeo sam do kultnog ljubljanskog Radio Študenta - svakako očekujem da to bude i bolje nego što je sad i omladinu koja će nastaviti sve ovo.

3.  DIY izdavaštvo ima li svoju cenu?

Daniel: Sve ima svoju cenu, materijalnu i nematerijalnu, iako ja dajem prednost ovoj drugoj. Međutim, kompromis i nagon da se odustane od DIY / Uradi-sam principa me ne privlače, stoga je za mene lično to zona komfora, gde ne odgovaram ikome ili bilo čemu, bez ograničavanja i uslovljavanja. Do sada se niko nije usudio da me ubedi u suprotno, jer naposletku, DIY je samo nova verzija hobija, koja se (ponekad) može i naplatiti, sve dok postoji međusobni dogovor između izdavača i naručioca, da tako postavim stvari. 

4. Ti imaš i svoje muzičke projekte? Upoznaj naše čitaoce nešto više o tome?

Daniel: Imam dva za sad, doduše, neaktivna: bend Atär i moj synthnoise projekat Протонеурозис. Njihova budućnost je neizvesna, pre svega zbog nedostatka slobodnog vremena, ali o tom potom. Najviše bih voleo da reaktiviram bend, što ne zahteva mnogo stvari, ćale mi je bubnjar, prijatelj basista, žena ima pevačke sposobnosti - najveći problem sam ja, iz razloga što sam spori kompozitor. :)

5. Sa kim ti je bilo najlakše, a sa kim najteže za saradnju? 

Daniel: Sve dok neko poštuje moje vreme, strpljenje i ima razumevanja za rokove, koje uvek probijam, dotle saradnja i druženje mogu da teku neometano. Imao sam problema sa izvesnom osobom iz određenog benda, ali mu opraštam, jer je mlad, ne mogu ja da pratim taj tempo hiperprodukcije, niti želim. 

6. U današnje vreme, verujem da podrška porodice i najbližih znači puno, zar ne?

Daniel: Iako imam podršku u svemu što radim, malo sam se zaneo sa celim konceptom, jer sam smatrao da mogu da ispratim i dešavanja u undergroundu, odgovorim na njih, i da se bavim porodicom. Međutim, već duže vreme "kaskam" i sa jednim i sa drugim, stoga sam odlučio da se više posvetim deci i supruzi, naročito iz razloga što mi prvenac ima izvesne razvojne smetnje, oko kojih se borimo svakodnevno. O tome ne govorim nikad, ali sada osećam potrebu i nadam se da ovo neće niko shvatiti kao razlog za žaljenje, to je život, borba - porodica jeste najvažnija. 

7. Šta muzika predstavlja za tebe? Na koji način te definiše?

Daniel: Muzika, pored toga što je volim od detinjstva, kao granu umetnosti i životnu potrebu, ona me je bezbroj puta spasila od loših misli, ljudi i događaja, rame uz rame sa poezijom. Muzika me podseća na moju suprugu, koja takođe ima dara za istu. Kao recenzent sam imao priliku da se susretnem sa raznim bendovima, projektima, sa mnogo njih sarađujem, ali i utičem, nenamerno, kao neki alternativni "influenser". :)

8. E, sada hajde podrobnije objasni šta je to u muzičkom smislu te reči, „nojz“? 

Daniel: Noise je fizički gledano, nabacani skup frekvencija koji se očituje kao buka, šum koje čovek registruje kao neartikulisani, šišteći zvuk. Međutim, kao žanr pripada eksperimentalnoj i ambijentalnoj muzici. Uz nekoliko podžanrova, noise je beskompromisna muzika, koja ne trpi niti pati od trendova. Međusobno se nazivamo "nojzerima" od milošte, što bi rekli, ali svakako postoji međusobno poštovanje. Takođe, uvreženo mišljenje je da su nojzeri ograničeni samo na jedan ili dva mikrožanra, ali je istina da ljudi u nojz svetu koje sam imao prilike da upoznam imaju poprilično eklektički ukus, kakav imam i ja - sve dok mi pričinjava zadovoljstvo, žanr mi je apsolutno nebitan, bio mejnstrim ili teški andergraund. Ipak, urođeni hermetizam žanra ne dozvoljava praktični upliv bilo kog (neeksperimentalnog) žanra, ali je zato noise bitan deo rock/metal kulture (noise rock, noiseore, grindcore, noise black metal...).  

9. A, nešto o planovima za budućnost?

Daniel: Ne želim više išta pompezno da najavljujem, u skladu sa mogućnostima, radiću pritajeno i kada zaista imam vremena.
Poslednja dva izdanja koja sam uradio jesu projekti mojih drugara, koji cene moj rad ali i ja njihov, a oba albuma su samo za entuzijaste:

https://librarion.bandcamp.com/album/turbo-kitan-predstavlja-turbofolk-nije-mtav

https://librarion.bandcamp.com/album/quest-ce-quil-se-passe-ici-2020 

Librarion se neće nikada ugasiti, ali će trenutno preći u gerilu - kad izađe nešto, izašlo je, ukoliko izađe na portalima, izaćiće, fizičkih izdanja neće biti neko vreme. 

10. I na kraju, šta bi poručio našim čitaocima? 

Daniel: Smatram da u ovom trenutku bi trebalo svi da sačuvamo zdravu pamet i strpljivo sačekamo da se situacija na svim poljima poboljša. Čuvajte sebe i druge. Podržite umetničke napore malih izdavača, bendova, umetnika, bilo kupovinom, bilo menjažom - ne može da škodi.

Intervju: Sebastian (H.ø.s.t)

Sebastian (H.ø.s.t) 

History, dark ambient music colored by the admixtures of martial industry. It is all packed into a H.ø.s.t project from Poland. We talked to Sebastian these days, so we are sharing this interview with you..

1. Why the name H.ø.s.t? When and how was came that idea?

Sebastian: I chose Høst as my first ideas were inspired by the black metal scene.
The idea for the project came to me around 2012. The first pieces were heavily post-apocalyptic, surrounded by vibes of war and totalitarianism. They was inspired by some black metal bands. Later, I became more fascinated with the martial industrial scene.  


2. You define your music as  Dark Military ambient, inspired by the war and history. What is the impact of that?

Sebastian: I wanted to translate my interest in history and war into musical taste, which is based on dark sounds.
 

3. H.ø.s.t is?

Sebastian: In Norwegian it means autumn. As I said, the first idea was inspired by black metal and dark ambient.


4. Last album "Desecration of peace" was well received by the audience, which was to be expected. How are you satisfied with him?

Sebastian: I am very pleased with it. I promised to produce material together with Mr.Wolf a few years ago and we managed to implement this idea. With the THEUSZ project, we managed to create a joint song that was placed on the CD. Other projects also contributed to this material.


5. You often collaborate with other artists (Jowisz, etc). What are your experiences of these cooperations? Will You continue to explore music with other musicians and artists that you'll be sharing the listeners?

Sebastian: Once, I was able to play with the Grave of Love project as a live drummer. It was great cooperation. In 2019, the project performed as a support band before Rome in Poland, which is a great honor. I hope that the project will develop even more and will be successful.

 6. What is the music for you ? In which way music defines  you?

Sebastian: Music has expanded my knowledge of historical, philosophical and cultural topics, and has shaped my worldview for the course of the modern world, as well as political and religious doctrines. This attitude can easily be called a countercultural, internal opposition to human behavior and contemporary reality.


7. I also saw that you were engaged in photography. Can you tell readers more about this?

Sebastian: I deal with urban exploration and photography of abandoned places and industrial plants. You can safely call it urban archeology, because in the process we manage to find interesting documents and things related to how a given place used to function, and photograph them. If anyone is interested, I invite you to my page and to the page managed by my friend with whom I cooperate.

 Sebastian Black Silesia: www.facebook.com/sebastianblacksilesia 
 Sassy Silesian: www.facebook.com/SassySilesian/

8. Plans for future?

Sebastian: I try to learn to play keyboard to improve my skills and be able to create something new. Time will tell...  


9. A concert in Serbia, perhaps? 

Sebastian: Unfortunately, I don't plan any more concerts. 


10. And in the end what will you tell readers in Serbia?

Sebastian: Greetings to all people associated with the martial industrial, neofolk and black metal scene in Serbia. Don't be mindless sheep of the modern world. Let's stay in the Opposition! Let's create counterculture! 

 

Intervju: Mr. Wolf (Jowisz)

Mr. Wolf (Jowisz)

Mr. Wolf, the man who makes history with his Jowisz project talked to us about his plans, music, history..

1. Why the name Jowisz? When and how was came that idea?

Mr. Wolf: Jowisz in Polish language means Jupiter, a name of the central god from Roman pantheon. It is a universal symbol of war, power, leaders and strenght, hence it reflects well the military character of my project. I decided to use the Polish form because I wanted to emphasize the Polish origin of my creation. Here, the martial music scene is small, it is a great honor to represent it.
My project appeared in 2013, initiated during a conversation with the artist from H.o.s.t. I had the idea of creating something of my own and it was the igniter of this decision. I was inspired also by the music of Arditi, Triarii and several other, greater than me. 

2. You define your music as  Martial Dark Ambient / Experimental, inspired by the WWI. What is the impact of that?

Mr. Wolf: Natural evolution and looking for a way for my child. Jowisz was initially a project focused on the late Middle Ages, but this direction was soon abandoned. The impact was made through the split material with another Polish project Rtęć. We created common work about the Great War. There are not many voices telling about the trenches from 1914-1918, so I concluded that it would be an interesting and unexplored niche, especially in Poland. And so the cult of rats and trenches was born.

3. Jowisz is? 

Mr. Wolf: Dark visions from the no man's land, depths of trenches and the life of its citziens. The essence of horror and hopelessness of the First World War with a pinch of mysticism and mystery. A history telling  through atmosphere and background, with a minimal amount of other stimuli like words, lyrics etc.

4. Last album "The Rat Carnival" was well received by the audience, which was to be expected. How are you satisfied with him?

Mr. Wolf: The Rat Carnival was my attempt to approach the topic in a slightly different way than on the main materials such as Trench Rat's Banquet dilogy, while maintaining the style of Jowisz. I'm fully satisfied like every time when I manage to create and publish something new. Expand the project with another release. 
By the way, currently, this is the material I have listen to the most from row of my compositions.

5. You often collaborate with other artists (H.O.S.T, etc). What are your experiences of these cooperations? Will You continue to explore music with other musicians and artists that you'll be sharing the listeners?

Mr. Wolf: I like collaborative materials but only when it has a deeper meaning. Rtęć and H.o.s.t are two friendly projects,  closely related to the story of my own. It's always an interesting experience to listen to such material combined from two (or more) smaller ones and treat it as one - the whole thing looks like a step into the unknown and brings a completely different reception of music.
Of course, I'm open to other common materials, but mainly focused on collaborations with other martial projects. I can't imagine Jowisz in a split material, for example with a space ambient project or a completely foreign genre. The whole must make sense.  

6. You are a member of EAA. What you think about it and what it means for you and your project? 

Mr. Wolf: I share some of Aleksandr Dugin's views, while others I consider to be wrong. He is certainly an interesting figure and his publications are worth reading even for someone who is not interested in such ideas. A large proportion of very valuable projects and people  are associated with EAA. It is an honor to accompany them. Also, I like the vision of such an international group of musicians, writers and activits of industrial, neofolk, martial and related genres.

7. What is the music for you ? In which way music defines  you?

Mr. Wolf: Music is an important part of me and accompanies me all the time. It is a step above objective reality. Wandering anywhere without making the slightest move. It can recall the past and predict the future. Summon something that does not exist.
However, I feel respect only for this music, which has content and spirit, derived from the underground. I respect honesty and true creators who add their stone to the scene and make this journey possible. I hate artificiality, turning art into a cash machine, banging on popularity to collect applause from the masses and then, create at the request of the masses.
How does music define me - I can't answer. You can't express it, you feel it and you are it.

8. Mr. Wolf Propaganda?

Mr. Wolf: My lonely fortress on the global network dedicated to Jowisz, mini-label Spatha Production and myself personally, especially rural life and personal thoughts about music, society, memories, history and more. Such a little loneliness to share with other maniacs like me.

9. Plans for future?

Mr. Wolf: At this moment, after The Rat Carnival I don't have any plans for Jowisz. This project resulted in more materials than I'd ever expected. This obviously doesn't have to mean the end, time will tell what comes next. Currently, I burn my thoughts and ideas in a different form of creativity - I write a book, also inspired by the World War One.  

10. A concert in Serbia, perhaps?

Mr. Wolf: Not. Jowisz is only a studio project. 

11. And in the end what will you tell readers in Serbia?

Mr. Wolf: Regards for all  good people. Kosovo je Srbija!