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Rating: One of the most pleasant discoveries of the tricolore indie scene in recent months, and not only for me, has been Soviet Soviet from Pesaro. They leapt from the province and their poster-filled rooms in vintage black and white directly into the international spotlight with “Fate,” released last November, marking their rise.
With the best intentions, this exchange of words was supposed to take place face to face during the setting of their Etnean concert. However, since on that occasion I was forced to leave earlier than I would have liked, I promised myself to make up for this opportunity, and this is the final result. Answering my questions on the other side is the friendly and bearded drummer of Soviet Soviet.
Let's start from the beginning: can you briefly tell us about you and your story?
Alessandro Ferri: we're 3 friends who wanted to play together, that's the basis. In the summer of 2008, Andrea (vocals, bass) and Alessandro (guitar) met to form the group and since they needed a drummer, they decided to call me. We spent almost a year rehearsing, and when we went to record, we had our first EP. Then the story continued with many dates and new works.
In November your first album “Fate” was released: how would you describe it? And how did the meeting with Felte (the New York-based label that published it) happen?
A: it's who we are now, what we've become after hundreds of life and musical experiences. The meeting with Felte happened primarily thanks to the spread of our material on the Internet, then it was also due to the friendship we share with guitarist Chris from Frank Just Frank, who had moved to New York and shared our music with many people: one thing led to another, and Felte contacted us through our manager.
To those who do not know Soviet Soviet, what would you say to encourage them to approach your music?
A: mmm, I would say that like all things, before judging, you have to try. Listening to a different band can lead you to a different musical world, so why not try?
The comparisons with your proposal have been plentiful: Joy Division, Cure, Bauhaus, Placebo, shoegaze, etc... do you find yourselves in all this? What inspired you?
A: we find ourselves in many shades of many groups and genres, and I think it's normal when you play. We have kindred and different tastes: our music is inspired by all this.
I really appreciate the way you play drums, the songs gain a remarkable dynamism on the album and in live performances, an almost punk attitude that many current new-wave bands don't have: what's your musical background? What do you listen to specifically?
A: I grew up with Barry White, Elton John, and my tastes are reflected by bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, and Bloc Party.
The Pesaro scene has been making a strong voice within the peninsula with very deserving proposals like soviet soviet-be forest-brothers in law, much appreciated by both the public and foreign critics... is it more satisfaction or surprise? How do you explain it?
A: All satisfaction (smiles).
Among the three groups.. who are the ones that rock the most?
A: ahahah I can't tell, they're all good and then of different genres.
Despite forming quite recently.. you already have good international experience: USA, Mexico, Eastern Europe, what differences are there between the public and operators in the Italian and foreign sectors?
A: let's say there is more curiosity abroad, people are more intrigued by a live performance and by music in general.
So we are the country of cover bands...
A: (laughs) there are many, yes.
What can you tell us from a lyrical perspective about "Fate"?
A: Andrea wrote and crafted the lyrics; they talk about the group's experiences, life experiences. They are a fundamental part of the song.
What kind of sensations/feelings/images do you think your compositions evoke?
A: I honestly don’t know what mood or feelings our music might evoke. I think it's very subjective, too tied to a personal and intimate dimension that can change from individual to individual. I hope they're positive feelings, anyway.
If you had to bet 10 euros on a promising Italian band, who would you bet on?
A: there would be many, mmm... I can't answer you.
Come on, take a risk!
A: right now I could tell you the lantern who made a nice album.
I imagine you’re talking about mischief...
A: yes (nods).
I wouldn't be surprised to see you playing in a post-hc/screamo band in the future.. but we want Soviet Soviet to keep going!
A: ahahah certainly.
You mentioned the lantern... can you recommend any other album released in recent months, more or less recent?
A: I would suggest the m+a...
Future projects and when will a new album be released?
A: we want to play as much as possible and start writing some new material.
Are you of the opinion that a band should stay true to its origins or do you believe in moving and experimenting with new sounds?
A: I believe a band should do what it feels and when it feels like it: it's the only way to stay "original".
Have you released the Italian album of 2013, how did you manage?
A: ahah (smiles) we are very happy.
I've finished the questions, if there’s something you want to add to finish, go ahead!
A: To follow the group, just follow us on Facebook, the page is constantly updated and monitored.
Thanks for your availability!
A: Thank you! See you soon!
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