Lolita Terrorist Sounds
From the heart of Berlin, Lolita Terrorist Sounds is a band that defies conventions and expectations. Led by the visionary Maurizio Vitale, who has collaborated with band members of Einstürzende Neubauten, Swans, Iggy Pop, Thåström, PJ Harvey, and Faust, the band creates a sound that is both daring and captivating.
Their debut album “St. Lola” is a masterpiece of avant-garde music, featuring the legendary talents of Kristof Hahn and Bob Rutman. With their lap-steel guitar and steel cello, they add a touch of wonder to an album that is already a sonic adventure. “St. Lola” is the album that the world has been waiting for, and Lolita Terrorist Sounds is the band that will change the way you listen to music.
How did you develop your musical style and identity as Lolita Terrorist Sounds? What are the main influences that shaped your sound?
The development of our musical style and identity as Lolita Terrorist Sounds has been a journey founded on the idea of creating an avant-garde act that fuses musical concepts with interdisciplinary collaborations across various art forms.
Our sound has been significantly shaped by a fusion of modern music genres, including Post-Punk, no-wave, rock, and the pioneering works of proto-punk bands like The Velvet Underground and The Stooges. These influences lay the foundation for our edgy and experimental approach. However, we've taken it a step further by drawing inspiration from traditional music from various countries.
This eclectic blend includes the rhythms and sounds of Afro music, the Senegalese Sabar drumming tradition, Moroccan Gnawa music, Yoruba Cuban ceremonial music, South Italian folk music, and East European folk music. This unique synthesis of modern and traditional elements has played a pivotal role in shaping our distinct musical identity.
The track “Mind the Gap” is a captivating song from your upcoming album “St. Lola”. What inspired you to write this song and what does it mean to you?
The inspiration for this song struck me during a ride on the Northern Line train to Camden Town in London. It encapsulates the transformative essence of travel, whether it's an imaginary journey or a real one, with lyrics that evoke the idea of "Jump on a train and forget yourself.” The initial demo of the song was a more simplified version, recorded using a drum machine and a Farfisa keyboard. However, as we refined it, the final version evolved into a more intricate and orchestrated composition. One of the highlights of the track is the lap-steel work, expertly contributed by guitar legend Kristof Hahn, known for his work with Swans and Pere Ubu. Roderick Miller's piano performance also plays a crucial role in conveying the ambiance of an old train, enriching the song's character.
How would you summarize the album for our readers? What are the main themes and emotions that you explore in your songs?
"St. Lola" is an avant-garde odyssey that delves into the lives of marginalized characters and modern saints. Throughout the album, we explore a range of themes and emotions, often centering around individuals affected by power dynamics or facing the consequences of fame, wealth, and love.
The journey begins with "Shaved Girl," a powerful LGBTQ+ liberation anthem released during Pride Month. This song delves into the profound aspects of self-discovery and the courage required to fully embrace one's identity.
"Prison Song" takes us on an epistolary love story set in romantic Paris, depicting the challenges of two lovers separated by a jail sentence. "Red Carpet" presents a subtle satire, interweaving lines from the ancient Greek tragedy "The Oresteia." It provocatively challenges societal ideals of success while shedding light on the side effects of fame.
"Curse," inspired by the concept of a prosperity magic spell, delves into the influence of money. The exotic allure of "One Thousand and One Nights" tales can be seen in the song, particularly in the video clip.
The album's namesake track, "St. Lola," unfolds against the backdrop of a desolate Berlin bridge on a somber, grey day. It narrates a unique love story, marked by a heart-wrenching farewell between two souls deeply entwined.
Can we expect to see you perform live anytime soon?
Absolutely, we have some exciting live performances on the horizon. To kick things off, our release party is scheduled for November 2nd in Berlin at the renowned 8mm Bar, a venue I have a deep affinity for, and it also hosts the annual Synästhesie Festival. Additionally, we're in the process of finalizing plans for more shows across Europe, and we'll be announcing those dates soon. Stay tuned for updates.
If you could choose any place in the world to play a gig, where would it be and why?
There are countless enchanting places around the world, and one that holds a special allure for me is Istanbul, Turkey. This city carries a unique significance in my life, as my mother journeyed there when she was seven months pregnant with me. This personal connection has deepened my affection for Turkish traditional music, and performing in Istanbul would be a way to complete a meaningful circle, bridging my love for the city with my passion for its musical heritage. It's a dream gig location for me, one that would hold both personal and artistic significance.
What are some of the difficulties that you encounter as a musician in the current music industry?
In the current music industry, there are several challenges that musicians face. One of the most significant difficulties is the need for consistent effort and sacrifice to create, release, and promote high-quality music while juggling the demands of both artistic and business aspects. It's a delicate balance that requires careful attention. Touring can be both exciting and exhausting. It often involves long hours with minimal sleep and strict schedules that must be adhered to.
Finding a healthy balance between work and personal life is crucial, and this necessitates a considerable amount of self-discipline. Overall, the challenges musicians encounter in today's music industry revolve around the dual demands of artistic creativity and the practical aspects of managing a music career. Balancing these elements while navigating the industry's complexities is a continuous and often demanding endeavor.
If you could have a conversation with any musician, alive or dead, who would it be and what would you talk about?
Jim Morrison and we would end up talking about poetry.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Our aspirations for the future are to continue creating inspired and high-quality music, and to share our work with audiences around the world through extensive touring. Currently, we're in the process of working on our second album, all while actively promoting "St. Lola," our most recent release.
