DOP magazin pop & off kulture

Uskoro u Zagrebu još jedna američka inide folk skupina zbog čije glazbe studentice filozofskog fakulteta vrlo uvjerljivo šmrcaju. Andy Cabic i ekipa (kad nema Devandra Banhearta) ugodno spajaju nježne melodije i ulaze u vaša domaćinstva tiho, kao vrlo pristojni gosti. Donosimo Vam ekskluzivni interview s Andyjem uoči gostovanja u Hrvatskoj...

1. Why Vetiver?

I chose the name Vetiver because it is a scent I love; heady, warm, earthy and dynamic, which i thought suited the music I wanted to make. It's a wonderful plant...look it up.

2. Are you satisfied with the way that your music career is moving forward, album by album?

I think I work hard, at a pace that feels appropriate, and seems sustainable, keeping an eye on new opportunities to collaborate and work with people who's work I admire, and trying to have my music reach ears worldwide, as possible as that may be.

3. After few ones one small and local indie labels suddenly with the latest one Sub Pop must be meaning higher expectations regarding distribution and the interest for the band?

I certainly had higher expectations, but I'm not entirely disappointed with the reception of Tight Knit and am happy with the people I get to work with at Sub Pop and Bella Union. There's always things to be mindful of and eager to achieve, but I have hopes they will come with time.

4. How bout Devanda? Can he still catch some times to join you on the tours or recordings considering his solo career and the spotlight on him?

We hang out whenever we can. He's busy working on his own albums and touring to support them, but I'm sure there will be a time when we'll work on music together again.

5. Indie folk sceen and acoustic acts are numberous there days on the music scene - could you pick few of the ones you like the most.

Gillian Welch & David Rawlings, Voice Of The Seven Woods, Meg Baird, Alasdair Roberts, Trembling Bells.

6. And please, who was the major influence on you before starting the band - if counting your record collection?

Well influences change all the time, and like most peoples, my record collection is fairly diverse. I have been inspired by many groups whose qualities may not be recognizable in my own music...The Velvet Underground, Buffalo Springfield, Love, Skeeter Davis, Slapp Happy, The Rain Parade, The Feelies.

7. Is there any obvious or important difference between the Vetiver from 2004. and nowdays - from the time of recording the 1st album till this tour?

Well, a few different line-up changes, to be sure. More electric instrumentation, more rhythm, stronger singing.

8. Do you like Monsters of Folk and that "all star" dimensions and gatherings?

I haven't heard that project yet. I don't have an opinion one way or the other about ''all star'' gatherings.

9. This will be the first gig in Croatia. Do you know anything about this country, or music in it?

I've read some of Rebecca West's "Black Lamb & Grey Falcon", but admittedly, that depicts Croatia generations ago. I'm excited to visit the country and take in something new and different.

10. Few words for the Croatian fans and expectations they might have from the Vetiver gig.

Should be a great time...hope to see you there!