A small talk with Motorama

“Mε το πρώτο τους άλμπουμ Alps οι Motorama κατάφεραν αν γίνουν γνωστοί ανά την υφήλιο και να κάνουν ευρέως γνωστή την άγνωστη μέχρι τότε,και άκρως ενδιαφέρουσα,Ρωσική post-punk σκηνή. Το 2012 βρήκε τους Motorama κάτω από τηνς τέγη της Γαλλικής Talitres,μέσω της οποίας κυκλοφόρησαν ένα ακόμη εξαιρετικό άλμπουμ με το τίτλο Calendar. Με την ευκαιρία αυτής ης κυκλοφορίας και με αφορμή την επερχόμενη περιοδεία τους στην Ευρώπη στις αρχές του 2013 η φωνή των Motorama,o Vlad Parshin,μιλάει στο Music Velocity. Για να δούμε τι μας είπε»

-The band is back with a new album. What's the feedback that you receive so far from Calendar?

For me it’s a little bit annoying to share or discuss such things like feedbacks inside the band or with somebody else. We read some reviews in several Russian magazines, they said that «Calendar» is very close to our first album. I can understand this opinion. For us there was no aim to play trumpet or sing in german.

-Once again your sound seems very fresh but there are certain shades of 80's post-punk in your music. Do you have any major influences?

We are in love with 80’s music. At the same time I do love Leonard Cohen, Antony Hegarty, Jarvis Cocker and Nick Cave.

-Are there any specific things that have inspired you on this album?

Mix of different things: changing weather, memories, summertime sadness, Lee Hazlewood songs, Claude Chabrol movies, Oscar Wilde novels.

-You are the man behind the band's visuals. How important is for you the connection between music and video?

Today it’s important, but I don’t know what will be tomorrow. It’s interesting to experiment with these things.

-Your songs seem to be perfect for mind travelling in dreamy landscapes. What kind of landscapes come on your mind when you are composing music?

Hard to remember… Maybe something surrealistic.

-Your new album has been released under the label of Talitres. Was that a significant change from your first self-financed release? How the things change when you are on a label?

We need some time to understand, but we are already happy with our new friend from France.

-The Russian indie scene seems to keep on growing. Are there any other Russian bands that people should check?

I really like «Palms on Fire», «Manicure» and «Pompeya» who are singing in English and some bands who sing in Russian like «Spring on Karl Uhan Street».

-Does your music provide you all the necessary things for living or you have to work as well?

No, we have to work in offices 5 days a week. That’s why we are trying to play less and only on weekends.

-How do you spend your spare time and does that affects your music?

I know that Irene likes to cook and she’s very into discovering things in the internet. Old music, clothes, animal pics etc etc. Max and Alex love food and beer. They are true foodies. Roman likes Sonic Youth, Pixies and vodka with tabasco. And I’m very into drawing, photo shooting and sleeping.

-Have you ever considered of covering a song? If yes which song would it be?

We did some covers. I can remember «Race for the Prize» by The Flaming Lips. It will be great to cover  4’33 by John Cage. 

-Shall we expect a European tour (or a tour in general) for promoting "Calendar"?

We are going to have our second European tour in feb-march 2013.

-Is there anything else that you want to share with your fans?

If you feel bored and sad, try this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Fo8sB_oVxg

Best,

Vlad