Interview to THENUFFVILLE (Italy)

1. Let´s talk about your beginning as a musician. Can you tell us about some of the early bands that captivated you and then provided the impetus to pick up an instrument and play?

The first musical piece that really hit me was hearing Carl Orff's opera Carmina Burana. I was around 5 years old, I remember how dark it was while being super epic and powerful. That was way before I heard metal music. Then in mid school, I was lucky enough to find Black Metal. Marduk, Dissection, Burzum, Darkthrone were the biggest influences to pick up an instrument.

2. How did you end up deciding to make a one-man project instead a full line-up band?

I started playing in bands when I was 12. For about 6 years I went on playing with others but then I started moving a lot, changing cities, countries. Being a multi instrumentalist and having studied audio engineering helped me to continue on my own. Throughout the time, it became an habit. For '' the Nuffville '' playing and writing alone is the most fitting formation I have considering that it's a very personal and introvert project.

3. Your first release as a band was a three-song EP entitled “The Second Floor”. Tell us about the recording sessions ? Any specific challenges, surprises, or obstacles to get through?

The main challenge is finding the time and the right mind-set to sit down and record. Everything else comes together naturally. I sense it earlier when I am about the come up with a new song.

4. One of the most impressive things about “The Second Floor” how well you’ve paced the EP, meaning there is a good balance between the raw black, and dark, melodic gothic passages. Was this done on purpose?

Thank you, very kind of you. There is a good balance between the raw black, dark and gothic in my heart and soul. It reflects on my sound.

5. What are the most challenging aspects when writing a song and how do you go about the approach?

I don't jam or spend time with instruments trying to come up with riffs and ideas. I usually hear in my mind when a new song is about to be born. At that point, I start writing everything in my head and when I am ready, I try to reserve a couple of days in my home studio to lay down all the parts in recording. I start with the drums which are in MIDI, once I program and finish them, I record the guitars, then the bass. It's followed by a mixdown ready to for the vocal sessions. I tend to wait a little while before recording the vocals while I keep listening to what I have done. When the time comes I record the vocals, wrap up the mix and there we go, we have a song.

6. The lyrics seem quite important for the band and your expression, how do you look upon the importance of the lyrics?

What made black metal black metal was mostly the lyrics and the philosophy, in the beginning. At least this is how I see it. I try to pass on a message or simply share what I have been through, how I felt... with the hopes of reaching others, making them know that the suffering is not exclusive. However, the words are never enough, this is why I am a musician , not a poet.

7. As a musician, how mandatory is the process of coming up with new ideas or incorporating new influences?

Incorporating new influences is inevitable if you like music. Coming up with new ideas is a part of progressing forward in life.

8. What do you attempt to capture, express or communicate through your music? Or… is this even the goal of music? Is music communication or decoration? What is the goal of your art?

With '' the Nuffville '' I am sharing my life story in an enigmatic, cryptic way. No-one asked for it but I'm doing it the same. It's a celebration of survivalism and criticism of humanity.

9. Where did you record your EP and how did you achieve the sound you did? Was it to your satisfaction? Would you do anything differently next time?

In my very minimal home studio. I just did what it felt right to my ears and what felt true to the story. Honestly, it's never to my satisfaction but you gotta know when to let go and move forward. The next time, I am not sure, it depends on what will come next.

10. Everyone has their own ideas on what black metal means so I was interested in your opinion what does black metal stand for?

In my opinion, out of all genres of music, Black metal is the most profound and the most expressive one. When it's on, It cuts thru you and reaches into the foundation of your being. In my life, It's been the constant that helped me to find my way home and remember who I am, no matter how turbulent my life has come to be at past.

11. Do you find anything valuable in human society? What about individual humans?

Human creativity and a million ways to express it.. the compassion and empathy that the human can potentially have... the intensity of love and hatred we can bare... the problem is that we are now too many in this planet.. the population is extremely high and it is not sustainable. So many are misguided, so many are in a daily fight to survive with basic needs that leaves little or no room to have compassion, empathy or love.. The struggle is real.

12. What would it really take for human beings to change or do you think we are incapable of such?

We are able to change because I think it's coded in our DNA. However, it order to change, based on the history of mankind, it always requires a major catastrophe whether it's natural or human made.

13. What are your experiences with promoting TheNuffville so far in today’s digital environment?

I have none. I am not good at promoting my music, actually I don't promote it at all. I put it up there and usually don't even share it, I'm not on social media either.

14. What have you been listening to lately? Any new and upcoming bands that might have caught your attention?

I listen to many different genres. I can't limit myself to a narrow spectrum, music is universal. Whether I am at work or home or driving, there is always music on. Lately I like new acts like ' Minenwerfer ' , ' Blood Abscission' ... I also find " Kanonenfieber " very solid and interesting.

15. And now we have finally come to the end of this interview, do you have some important words for our readers?

Stay strong and carry on. It is what it is.

https://thenuffville.bandcamp.com/