Interviews: The Rock Alchemist

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Rock band The Rock Alchemist from Italy. Check out the interview and follow this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it, or did it just happen that?

Raoul: Condensing the essence of a band into just a few words is always challenging. We wanted something that could represent us both as individuals and as a band. When Aldo suggested the name, it immediately felt like it captured our individual journeys, both musically and personally.

From the very first notes we played together, it felt natural to transform all of that into music — our own… let’s call it gold. Instinct was leading us in that direction. And so, why not call ourselves The Rock Alchemist?

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Beppe: We can say it wasn’t a consciously planned decision — it came to us spontaneously. The listening experiences each of us had throughout our lives certainly played a role. Those influences shape you in some way and, even unconsciously, they find their way into the music you create. You always try to make music you genuinely enjoy, and if you love listening to a certain genre, or to songs with particular emotional, musical, or technical qualities, you inevitably move in a specific sonic direction. Very often, those two things end up converging. Over the years, we also tried experimenting with different paths, sometimes making a deliberate effort to follow market trends. However, each time we realized we were drifting away from who we truly are. And when you’re not being yourself, you can’t fully express your art. So we would always find ourselves going back to where we belong — following our instinct.

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

Raoul: Beppe, Max, and I had already played together in another band, Evil Flower, several years earlier. We had crossed paths with Aldo before as well, but we didn’t know each other very well at the time.

Beppe: As Raoul already mentioned, he, Max, and I had known each other well for quite some time. I was also aware of Aldo, as he used to play in a Led Zeppelin tribute band that was quite well known in Turin, but at that point we weren’t friends yet and had never played together. In the end, it’s easy to cross paths when you hang around the same clubs and rehearsal spaces — musicians tend to know each other, especially in medium-sized cities. Then one day in 2009, about three years after Evil Flower had already disbanded, I asked Aldo if he would like to join a new band and whether he was interested in writing original songs together.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Beppe: That’s a very difficult question! We all listen to a wide range of genres and styles — pretty much everything, as long as it’s well done. That said, I definitely have to mention Ozzy Osbourne, Savatage, Gary Moore, and Megadeth

Raoul: Rush

Aldo: Led Zeppelin

Max: Dream Theater, Rush 

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Beppe: I’ve often wondered that myself :) I honestly couldn’t say. Basically, I start writing music without overthinking the direction it should take. I try to switch my mind off and connect with myself on a deeper level. Then, as a musical structure gradually begins to take shape, I try to give it a name, and that’s when the more rational side steps in to help bring the whole song to completion. In any case, I believe the idea or riff that truly makes the difference comes out when you’re not thinking about what you’re supposed to write or compose. Somehow, by not rationalizing, you manage to connect with something unknown. I couldn’t explain exactly why it happens — it’s one of those mysteries of the universe and of human awareness.

6. Where was your last gig?

Beppe: After the release of Lead Love and Gold about a year ago, I went through several personal and family-related challenges. As a result, our last live show took place in early 2025 in Turin. We are now planning new concerts and looking forward to getting back on stage.

7. Where would you like to act?

Beppe: Anywhere — wherever people are willing to listen to us!

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Beppe: That’s another very difficult question! Considering that many of the true gods of music are no longer with us, it’s hard to choose. But speaking personally, I do have a couple of dream collaborations. One would be writing a song together with Jon Oliva, and another could be Dave Mustaine. I would love to experience their creative vision during the songwriting process — I consider them both absolute geniuses. Of course, we’d also have to see whether they would want to collaborate with us!

9. Whom not?

Raoul: With those who treat music as a product rather than as an art.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

Raoul: Every time you step on stage, there’s always a bit of anxiety. It’s always a new challenge. My advice is to just go for it — for a musician, there’s nothing better than playing live

Beppe: That tension and adrenaline you feel before stepping on stage are part of the magic of playing live. I believe they should always be there, in a healthy way, because they help you get into the right mindset and push you to give more. What I would say to beginners is that even if you make mistakes, nothing tragic happens.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Beppe: I couldn’t say exactly. There are periods in life when you might focus more on listening to one artist rather than another, but over the years, you really end up accumulating so many influences. Personally, I could say from Antonio Vivaldi all the way to Testament.

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

Beppe: After one show, a guy asked us if we had enough fuel to make it back home, because the first gas station was about 70 kilometers away. The funny part is that we had arrived at the club with the car already running on reserve… the rest of the story is better left untold. ah ah ah ah.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Raoul: They are the reason we exist. They give us energy, they challenge us, and at the same time, they keep us grounded.

Beppe: They are people who, for some reason, connect with what we do. In a way, they are in symbiosis with us — they feel the same emotions we feel. And that is one of the most beautiful things music can give to a musician. Knowing that you may have made someone’s day better simply because they listened to one of your songs has more value than selling 10,000 copies.

14. What do you think of our site?

Raoul: You are a platform that still gives real visibility to emerging bands. Our utmost respect.

15. Something to add?

Raoul: Support the music you love: listen to it, share it, buy tickets, and purchase merchandise. That’s how music scenes stay alive.

Beppe: Have fun. Listen to music if you feel like it, but most importantly, take care of yourselves. And through all of this, rock music can definitely help. Greetings to everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read our words.

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