What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I don’t think there is one thing. I have been playing music since I was 6 years old. It seems to have always been part of my life.
Introduce us to all to the members and your musical history.
Hilary Binder (vocals) is an American musician who developed her musical life mainly as a drummer and then a singer. She took her first steps into the ’80s mythical punk scene in her hometown of Washington, DC, and then moved on to the equally effervescent scene in San Francisco where, for 10 years, she had various projects, SABOT (the historic math/punk duo) being the main one. With SABOT, she moved to Europe in ’93 and continued the active touring that led her to play all over the world and record many records. She is also a member of the female vocal group she founded, KAČKALA, with whom she records and tours, as well as the drummer in the improvisation trio RIOT.
Giulio Marino (bass / backing vocals) is an Italian musician who has worked as a musician in different genres from punk / new wave to jazz, rock, and experimental. He has participated in several projects (Materiale Resistente, Disorchestra) and played with musicians of various backgrounds. He currently also plays in the improvisation trio RIOT.
Vincenzo Vik Di Santo (drums / backing vocals) is an Italian multi-instrumentalist who combines his activity as a musician to that of a drum teacher. He is a member of several groups with whom he records and tours (Suricates, Aforisma, TWIK). He currently also performs as a session musician in various pop, blues, rock, and funk projects.
Zilvio (guitar/synth/backing vocals) is an Italian musician who makes sound research his distinctive trait. He has played and recorded with several bands (Lady Malferma, Crazy Children, WHITE RUSSIA) and developed solo sound experimentation projects.
What was life like for you before music?
I guess that of most six-year-olds😊
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Hey Jude
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
fiercely independent
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?
I know it’s a cliché, but “the show must go on.”
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I studied music.
I studied drumming.
I studied singing.
If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?
Those venues would take more chances on presenting original bands.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
Sure, but the creative process is very subjective. One can only control what one says, not how it is received. I think the debate is healthy and it is sad that few engage in dialogue, instead choosing to lob un- or under-informed accusations
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories? If not why not?
Absolutely not. Life is weird enough without spicing it up with imagination.
What was the worst experience on stage?
Having the sound man play a board recording of my worst-played concert while I was packing up the gear on stage.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about?
I once had a Zildjian endorsement.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I am sure the most interesting thing about polemica is the seamless mix of different genres and cultures that we use to create our music.
I hear you have new music, what can you tell us about it.
“…and now… is a musical reflection of both hope and despair. With pulsing grooves,
sonic reflections and force of presence, the music cuts out the incessant social noise and helps pave the way for independent thinking. Support independent music. Get this disc. Play loud.
The artwork of Paul Brennan and Dionne Swift, both British artists, is pop, symbolic, and powerful in its play on the band and the album. 10 energetic tracks, in which we have stimulated our different musical personalities. Punk, funk, noise: …and now… is our thinkrock. “
What was the recording process like?
We recorded this record ourselves, each individually. It was challenging for me because I really prefer to play live.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
I think the only “curve” in writing new music is staying true to the collaborative effort inherent in the group process. In essence, LISTEN!
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
As always, there are moments on the recording that aren’t exactly right, but I have learned that these things make us human, and relatable, and keep us humble😊
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
#stayindie
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