Nil Durden
Interview
Thursday 21st of May 2009
You've been in quite a few bands, so what inspired you to go solo?
I guess I just wanted to get more direct. A song really works when you can sing it on your acoustic guitar. You see, when you work in a band sometimes you throw out so many ideas, you forget about the song itself. I love being in a band, but it's hard to get everyone going in the same direction and understanding what the song really needs. So I decided to start all over again, just me and my acoustic guitar.
Where did you find the backing musicians for Heads or Tails?
Originally, the EP was meant to be completely acoustic. But I could picture the stronger impact those songs would have, if I only found the right guys to play with. And that's when Mirko, sound engineer at Itaca Recording Studios, introduced me to Hobo. I met the band at one of their shows, they were playing some Hendrix. A raw rock n' roll trio with a ripping guitar and a no-frills rhythm section. Just perfect.
Did you already have the songs - and if so, how did the musicians change them?
Yes, music and lyrics were all ready by the time I started working with Hobo. Of course, we had to make some slight changes, such as adding an extra chorus or cutting out an intro. We added a guitar solo on 'Just To Kiss You Goodnight', for example, and that sweet percussion on 'Dreams and Dimes'. But basically all songs stayed pretty much the same. What really made a difference was the live approach we had in the studio. And Mirko has done a great job capturing the mood of the moment.
You're from Italy, but you'd never guess that by listening to the record. What music were you brought up on that led to your sound today?
I never really listened to Italian music, and I don't think Italian fits rock very well. I've always been far more fascinated by British and American bands maybe because I always knew my English so well! I grew up on classic rock - Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Free, some bands from the nineties, like Soundgarden and Stone Temple Pilots. Later on, I got more into songwriters like early Dylan and Drake. The Black Crowes have been another major influence, that's where I got my open tunings!
Heads or Tails is going to be a great success, what will you do next?
I don't think I'd get very far without some good management. I believe any artist needs proper promotion and distribution. So I hope this EP will draw the attention of some US or UK label. I'd love to come out with a complete album, I've got new songs ready and I can't wait to start touring! So, is there anybody out there who's ready to bet on Nil Durden?
Author: Steve
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