Interview The Eternals

Vi proponiamo una chiacchierata con gli Eternals, seguita all'uscita del loro nuovo lavoro Rawar Style, album che fa dell'eclettismo la bandiera stilistica e dell'ironia (anche politica) il suo mark-up espressivo. La con/fusione di eclettismo e ironia dovrebbe essere il loro segno distintivo, mediato da esperienze e collaborazioni artistiche illustri (Tortoise, Joan Of Arc, Peter Brontzman, Vandermark 5). L'album è riuscito nello stimolare la nostra curiosità, dato che le radici dello stile Rawar provengono dai territori hip-hop e punk. Per la rinvenibilità dell'album e altre info rimandiamo al sito della casa discografica (la Aesthetics) e del distributore italiano (Goodfellas).

Hi Fellows. How are you? Good, we are getting ready for a west coast tour of the USA this summer.

No many people knows your music in Italy. Could you speak about the birth and the development of The Eternals? Damon and I were in a group called Trenchmouth for years. When that group ended, we started the Eternals. We had a strong idea about making a very bass and drum focused band. Even though we have gone through many members we have been able to keep the vibe intact. We have been lucky to have played with many talented people. In the begining the music was a bit more stripped down. The newest music has more layers but is still sparse. Even though we have always had three members we were always able to make quite a bit of noise.

What about your background and tastes? Damon and I both came of age on the east coast of the USA. I grew up in New York, Damon grew up in the Washington DC area. We both were into the american punk of the time, and as we got to know each other, realised we both dug the same english punk from the 70s and early 80s. The freedom of the music at that time was great. There was lots of change. Even the groups changed a lot between albums.

Rawar Style. Does the title of your 2nd album to Rawa, the association of afghan "feministist" movement? (check it here if unknown www.rawa.org) No. It is a made up word. It refers to a way of interacting with the world. Doing something "Rawar Style" is doing it your own way, regardless of the conventional way of doing things. It could be writing a book, making a movie, walking down the street, being a politician, building a building.

Recently, Tortoise spoke about you during an interview published from an Italian journal saying you propose thier preferred live-act. What about your collaboration with them? Are you planning any collaboration? We are touring with them in may and june 2004. They are good friends, we have played with them a lot. John Herndon (Tortoise drummer) was in the Eternals for a while, and Jeff parker and Doug McCombs have played with us live and on records.

What are you preparing for the tour planned for this summer? Are you goin to visit Italy? We have two records coming out this summer. An EP on Antifaz record (Puerto Rico) called "Out oF Proportion" A full lenth LP on Aesthetics (USA) "Rawar Style" We will be touring this summer in the USA and are very excited to play in Puerto Rico in august. We would love to come over to Italy and play. I love being there. I feel like it's a home away from home, my family is from Italy.

What are your favourite readings? Wayne: Any books by Haruki Murakami Damon: the Intuitionist by Colson Whitehead

Chicago has always been an interesting artistic melting-pot. There's even a "detached" Chicago house scene. Your project is surely one of the most interesting result. In your opinion, are there any other projects/band to follow among its inhabitants? Chicago has a very rich artistic history. So much great music has come out of chicago. It seems that spirit is still here. We play with all different kinds of musicians/bands. It seems to be accepted here more than in other cities.

You're Bush supporters. :) Aren't you? Have you already picked a promo-copy up to him for reviewing? No. No Bush supporting going on in the Eternals.

Are there corrupt files lurking inside your PC ready to cause harmful destruction? Have you ever asked yourself similar questions? Yes, I am always doing my best to keep those nasty bugs out of my business. They are sneaky.

How's the future you're dreamin? I don't know, Just trying to make it through the day. The world today is a bit crazy.

Did you get bored while answering? No way! Thanks for asking.