Ο φίλος μας Χρήστος Δουκάκης και το ξενόγλωσσο online περιοδικό του Last Day Deaf τίμησε το Merlin's δημοσιεύοντας στα αγγλικά συνέντευξη με τους συντελεστές του φανζίν μας, με αφορμή τα δυο live που οργανώνουμε στο ΙΛΙΟΝ plus την Παρασκευή 27 και το Σάββατο 28 Ιανουαρίου. Την παραθέτουμε αυτούσια. Muchas gracias amigo!
(αρχική πηγή: Last Day Deaf)
Last Day Deaf will be present at ILION Plus (Athens) on January 27th & 28th, to cover the two-day triple bill event featuring six promising Greek bands (Birthday Kicks, The Snails, Youth In Outer Space, Craang, Fuel Eater, Golden Nugget). We are really proud to host interviews from all six participating bands, and of course this Q+A with the events’ organizers Merlin’s Music Box.
What is Merlin’s Music Box? What are you doing? In brief, tell us what is all about?
We’ve said it before and keep saying it: Merlin’s Music Box was, is and will always be a fanzine, which simply means that, first and foremost, we are doing it for fun; we enjoy it – and that’s the main thing. We are an ever-expanding team whose purpose is to directly or indirectly highlight musical artists and sociopolitical topics from the past, present, and future.
On 27th & 28th January you are organizing two live events (with six Greek bands) at ILION Plus. What made you choose these six bands for this double bill?
There was no special reason for this particular line-up. We are interested in providing a platform for young creative people to present their work by publicizing it online, setting up gigs or helping bands release their music. Obviously, these are all bands that we like; some people we’ve known for years, others we’ve just met. We appreciate their music, regardless of musical genres, and respect what they do. This time all six bands lean towards a hard rock sound – whatever that means. We support the local scene as a whole – there is room in it for anybody who’s good at what they do. Our goal is to put on good shows where everyone – us, the bands, and the audience – has fun. And I believe that, to a degree, we’ve achieved it.
Why would you tell that fans should come over on 27th & 28th and not miss these two events?
For those unfamiliar with some of these bands, they are six of the best Greek rock bands right now; most have been around for several years but rarely had the chance to play a venue like ILION Plus. Three of them – Craang, Birthday Kicks and Fuel Eater – are not from Athens. Although there are strong regional scenes in Greece, a number of these artists find it difficult to get gigs in Athens, so we decided to book them, knowing full well that they will give it their all. For some bands, these gigs are kind of a crash-test – for Youth In Outer Space this will be only their second show. I assume that the audience should expect some pretty dynamic performances.
Since you have been working and organizing events with bands from the local underground scene, do you believe that the Greek underground scene has blossomed the last ‘crisis’ or if you prefer ‘IMF’ years?
That’s true. New bands with a tireless work ethic are sprouting up everywhere in Greece, and we are often impressed by the quality of their work and their personalities. We are truly glad to work with them on all levels and hope that our collaboration will expand in the future.
What holds the future for Merlin’s Music Box?
Merlin’s most important asset is the people who contribute to this project. From writers to the film crew that’s taping our exclusive in-house live sessions, there is a wide range of people who have earned our respect for what they do, and whose willingness to help has been amazing. Their contribution is the essence of Merlin’s in every possible way; this was how it was back in the days of the magazine. These people are the ones that give MMB its identity. As for what the future holds, we have several plans; we are currently trying to find ways to integrate our present and projected activities under one roof.
Last words belong to you.. Anything else you’d like to add?
It’s only rock ‘n’ roll but we like it!
Ta events:
Παρασκευή 27/1/2017: Birthday Kicks, The Snails, Youth in Outer Space
Σάββατο 28/1/2017: Craang, Fuel Eater, Golden Nugget
