Interviews: Metropolitics

In this new occasion we have had the opportunity to interview the Alternative Rock/Post-Hardcore band Metropolitics, from Italy. Check out this band and give them a like on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that? 

Well, basically we decided to make up a name that could sound some kind of modern and futuristic, so we started brainstorming heavily and it took almost six months to come up with Metropolitics. It actually has a meaning rooted in the greek etymology of the word and, of course, is as well a word game with “metropolis”: “metro” stands for mother, and “polis” means “city”. All of our lyrics have some degree of impersonation with somebody unknown, living his or her life, in his or her city, and each song has the mission of getting that story heard, even if it’s completely made up. 

2. Why did you want to play this genre? 

As I am the main songwriter, it’s more like I was chosen by this music: I’ve been writing songs very close to this style since I was 17. It’s just the music that comes up, I don’t really think that it is a choice. Of course many people chooses to play a genre instead of others, maybe chasing music trends or charts or whatever, but I don’t think that it’s the way to leave something meaningful behind you. 

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed? 

Not really: me and Marco were old school friends, but with everybody else we’ve pretty much been knowing each other the most inside this project. 

4. Each band member favourite band? 

We have a lot of different tastes and influences: Depeche Mode, the Police, Marilyn Manson, Muse, Dream Theater. 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Unheard stories of people is what inspires me the most: of course my very own personal experiences play a huge role in which stories I can relate the best. 

6. Where was your last gig? 

Our last gig was in our city (Imola) during a very crowded music festival: actually, it was an experimental “number zero” gig with our new band members, Lorenzo (bass) and Nicola (guitar). 

7. Where would you like to act? 

Well, we would love to rock the stage at the Wembley Arena! 

8. Whom would you like to feature with? 

Definitely, there’s this guy called Matthew Bellamy for which we have a lot of esteem. Hello Matthew if you’re reading! 

9. Whom not?  

With some noticeable exceptions (read: Subsonica), we are just not really fans of other Italian acts, especially the Italian-speaking ones. 

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that? 

We would answer: not really. But of course I personally think that a tip of stage fright is normal before every performance: especially if you have to sing, I would suggest you not to drink, or smoke. Just do that after the show. Make a few burpees instead to get some oxygen to the brain. Elia (drummer), for example, has a different approach and prefers to have a drink to feel relaxed before the gig. 

11. What bands have inspired you the most? 

Some bands that definitely played a huge role in defining our sound: Muse, Linkin Park, Imagine Dragons and 30 Seconds to Mars, they were definitely the biggest influences. 

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for? 

Lorenzo has a nice story we want to tell, even though the guy wasn’t really a fan, I guess. During a show an obese truck driver asked to let him sing a Ligabue’s song. And they did let him! After his super untuned performance, he puked his guts out behind the stage. I laugh a lot when he tells this story... I mean, I would never let somebody sing a Ligabue’s song at my show. 

13. What do you think of your fans? 

Ladies and gentlemen you are awesome, but please don’t be obese truck drivers. Kidding, we love truck drivers. Just don’t listen to Ligabue. 

14. What do you think of our site? 

It’s really valuable that there’s people like you and your staff giving a voice to emerging acts. Thank you very much for this interview! 

15. Something to add? 

Of course, a link to our first single “Let Me Fall”: bit.ly/LetMeFall And follow us on FB ;) fb.com/metropolitics