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Hi! How are you?
Everything's fine, thanks.
How would you define Solar Mantra's music? Do you agree with the critics who try to describe your musical genre?
Our music definitely has clear '90s stoner influences, but it also broadens its horizons by incorporating elements of grunge (especially in the vocals), alternative, and, in some cases, metal. Honestly, we don't feel the need to define ourselves, so some critics and reviewers do, sometimes comparing us to Greenleaf and sometimes to Danzig... but that's okay.
What are your five main musical influences?
In general, a lot of '90s music, but also hard rock, doom, punk, and metal. Putting all our influences together, I'd say Kyuss, Black Sabbath, Clutch, Alice in Chains, and Qotsa... but there are many more...
What would you like fans to take away from your music? Is it just a vibe, or are you hoping to convey specific ideas?
There aren't any specific ideas, other than playing good heavy music.
Can you tell us about State of Joyful Lightness?
Our new album is heavier and a little darker than our previous album, "Away." Overall, it's a little less lighthearted, but we had a lot of fun recording it, especially because we recorded it live and there were some funny '70s porn magazines in Danilo Silvestri's studio.
What do you love and hate about the music world?
We love it when you manage to produce good music and play good concerts, but it takes hard work, investment, and it's not always easy... but we try with all our might.
What's the best concert you've ever been to? What do you enjoy most about playing live?
There have been so many fantastic concerts, but if I had to name the first one that comes to mind, involving me (Francesco) and Tommaso, the singer, I'd say the Melvins last summer in Rome, because they were incredible. As for live performances, the best thing is when the music sounds good and the audience is having fun; that makes all the effort worthwhile.
How have you evolved as an artist or band over the past year?
I'd say we're a little more mature, both in our songwriting and performance. Obviously, as I mentioned, we've softened our sound a bit.
If you could meet, play a concert, write a song together, have dinner with, or get drunk with a band or artist (living or dead), who would it be?
There are too many. I'd write a song with King Diamond, have dinner with GG Allin, and get drunk with Frank Sinatra!
What are your future plans?
The album comes out on May 8th, and we'll be having a release party in our city. Then we'll try to organize more dates around the world!
https://www.facebook.com/SolarMantraStoner
