This one has been laying in my drawers for ages, and I have to apology with Marco Baldassari, the big man from Sonic Jesus, who took time to answer to our questions back in July.
Now, with Fuzz Club just announcing the release of a new 7″ featuring the tracks “Locomotive” remixed by Sonic Boom and the new one “Never In My Mind“, plus the repressing of their debut album “Neither Virtue Nor Anger” (you can read the ATS review here), it’s definitely the right time to avoid the dust to settle down on this interview, and to have an insight into the dark and thick ground where Sonic Jesus are rooted.
Q – “Neither Virtue Nor Anger” came out as a mammoth double album, grand and epic for being a debut. How was it built? Were the songs written and recorded all at same time or it took longer and different sessions to finish it?
SJ – All the songs in “Neither Virtue Nor Anger” have been written over a two years period, but some tracks, such as “Monkey on my back”, “Underground” and “Lost Reprise” are dated back to 2010. We wanted to include our whole artistic path in this album, a path made of life experiences. We didn’t mean to make a double album in the first place, but the more we were going ahead, the more we realized we had some pretty good material in our hands.
Q – Sonic Jesus’ visual side has several connections with visual art and artists. We’d like to know more about your (Marco’s) work as painter, about the collaboration with Nonni of Dead Skeletons for first EP’s artwork, and about the work and story of Mirco Marcacci, who signed the awesome artwork of the album.
SJ – I have always had a strong passion for painting and art in general. I have been painting for years, but then I started focusing entirely on the Sonic Jesus project ever since it was born.
I have been friend with Mirco for quite a while, on the other hand the collaboration with Jòn started thanks to Fuzz Club.
Mr Casper Dee suggested to ask Nonni to make the artwork, and we were honoured to collaborate with such a sensitive person, a man of depth.
What shall I say about Mirco? I think he’s one of the greatest artists I have ever met. The work he created is simply sublime.
Q – The album cover actually reminds a “Madonna”, in the style of italian churches art. And the name of the band features Jesus himself. Are you fascinated by the imagery of Catholicism and his art? What’s your relationship with religion?
SJ – Actually that on the cover is Saint Teresa’s face, taken from the “Ecstasy of Saint Teresa” by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. Pure ecstasy!
There is no religious meaning about our name. It comes from a series of stories and it just sounds good and it’s easy to remember, although I believe it’s licit thinking that Jesus is Sonic.
Images taken from the catholic tradition have unarguably a strong impact, and many great painters from the past have dealt with them. But we don’t have to linger on their religious meaning only: most of the times the artists conceal behind them much more than we think.
Religion is the diaspora of our thoughts, we’ll be able to go back home, sooner or later.
Q – There are two more bands from Italy in Fuzz Club Roster: New Candys and Throw Down Bones. Is it just a coincidence or could you say that the italian fuzz / reverb scene is actually worth even more attention? Are you in good relationships with other local bands or even planning any collaborations?
SJ – The Italian “psych” scene has grown a lot in the last few years, but to be honest it has always existed. Many have probably just discovered it because our culture usually goes at same pace as our curiosity. Italy is neither UK nor the States: the effort required for emerging in our country is triple, and sometimes there’s so much mediocrity that just repulses the eyes and the ears of those few who come to seek italian artists.
New Candys and Throw Down Bones are great people and amazing artists, and they well deserve to be part of Fuzz Club.
Q – You have been now playing all over Europe to promote the album. Where have you got best fanbase and feedbacks? Is there a country or town you feel particularly connected with?
SJ – We played almost everywhere in Europe. The London, Manchester, Belgrade and Zagreb shows have been outstanding. And so have been all the other European shows. We now have friends and followers everywhere!
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