Interviews: Spinofonia

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Metal/Rock band Spinofonia from Poland. Check out the interview and follow the band on their INSTAGRAM PROFILE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name? Did you plan it or did it come out just like that?

David (Drums, piano and management): It’s a synthesis of my old nickname, 'Spin,' and the concept of sound-specifically as 'fonia`, so we have 'spin' and 'fonia.' 

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

David: We appreciate a wide range of genres, so we have no qualms about blending them. This broadens the horizons of both musicians and listeners.

Arek (Rhythm and melodic guitar): Over the years, we've played different styles of music, mostly heavier guitar-driven genres. Our sound has evolved along with our musical and life experience. The more we've lived through, the broader our perspective on both the world and music has become.

Michael (Lead and solo guitar): I'm a guitarist; more space for melodies and solos is always tempting ;) 

Thomas (Rhythm and tremolo guitar): Personally, I prefer music from other genres—specifically thrash metal, black metal, and punk rock. David invited me to join this project, and I was very curious to see what would come of it.

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

David: Most of us knew each other before Spinofonia was formed in 2012. Many of us had played together in various bands, even though each represents a different type of music. Btw, next year we will mark our 15th anniversary.

Arek: Yes. Everyone in the band already knew our frontman, David-Spin. Each of us had played music with him in one project or another before Spinofonia came together.

Thomas: Yes, David, Arek, and I knew each other from the first band we played in together. The band was called Suspectus.

4. Each band member's favourite band?

Michael: Hard to say, but if I have to pick one, let's make it Dream Theater

Arek: Back in the day it was bands like Therion and Kat. These days we're more into what people call dark country.

Thomas: That’s a very broad question; I have many favorite bands. But if I had to single one out, it would be our homegrown band, KAT. They’re a legend in our country. They formed during the communist era, and things weren't easy for them given the type of music they played back then.

David: For example: Trivium, Novelists, Vader, Soilwork, ill Nino, Lacuna Coil, Tarja, Parkway Drive, Machine Head, Acid Drinkers, Virgin Snatch…

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

David: In terms of sound: I’m energized by film scores and all kinds of rock music and the sound of the piano. As for themes—everyday life.

Arek: Our creative process keeps evolving. Our third album was written entirely by David, while everyone in the band contributed to the music on the fourth. Our biggest inspiration is life itself, along with melody and the emotional impact that music can have on the listener.

Thomas: Hmmm. For instance, I’ll be playing guitar, and melodies and riffs just sort of come together in my head. I have many sources of inspiration—not necessarily musical ones.

Michael: It might sound weird, but it's gear... Just seeing my guitars standing on display makes me want to pick one up and play. I also tinker a lot with guitar software on my computer. Checking out new amp profiles and tinkering with tone frequently spawns new ideas

6. Where was your last gig?

Michal: Kraków

David: Let me gently gloss over that. It happened too long ago…

Arek: We don't play live at the moment. Spinofonia is currently a studio-only project, but…

David: Yes, however, with the release of our last two albums, we are gearing up for a stage comeback in 2027.

Thomas: We are working on it now!

7. Where would you like to act?

David: Spanish `Resurrection Fest,` of course, yeah!

Arek: Personally, I'd love to hear Spinofonia's music featured in one of Polish film director Wojciech Smarzowski's films. He's currently working on a movie about the Slavs.

Michael: When I was younger, I thought it would be fun to play some metal at my own wedding... It didn't happen, so maybe on my children's ones.

Thomas: Definitely one where people would actually show up to listen to us.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

David: Trivium, Novelists….The list could be as long as a boa snake.

Arek: John Petrucci or Eric Clapton.

Michael: I don't know, I've never wondered about it.

9. Whom not? 

Michael: We don't dislike anyone that much to make such a statement

David: Exactly

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright?

David: Stage fright is a natural part of performing. Sometimes it motivates and energizes, sometimes it hinders, but it's valid because it lets us know we're taking the subject seriously. Any tips for beginners on how to beat that? Simply show up and just play.

Arek: Of course. Everyone gets nervous. The most important thing is not to panic if something goes wrong, because something always does. Just enjoy yourself. And maybe have a beer or two before the show.

Thomas: Yes, I did struggle with stage fright. That was back when I was in the punk band. I was terribly worried about how we’d come across. I drank a few beers—something I wouldn't recommend to anyone. And it actually made me even more stressed. The nerves only went away once I saw how energetically the audience was reacting to our performance

Michael: Don't procrastinate gigging. Don't plan to play everything perfectly. Learn some tricks you could throw in when you forget what comes next, like divebombs, squeals, pick scratches, etc. Practice improvisation.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Arek: That's a difficult one, because our influences are constantly changing. We've drawn inspiration from many artists over the years, and we're always discovering new music.

Thomas: Oh boy, so many bands have inspired me and continue to do so. As I mentioned, my favorite is KAT, plus Emperor, Deicide, Dissection, Immortal, Mayhem, Acidez, The Casualties, Toxic Holocaust... I could go on, but I'll stop there.

Michael: 80s heavy metal bands: Van Halen, Dokken, Whitesnake... and one I learned most songs of, but is not technically from the 80's - Steel Panther

David: Rock/metal, jazz/fusion, funky, film soundtracks, theater music, prog rock/metal. And right now, I really enjoy listening last time to Soilwork and Tarja. 

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

David: At one point, someone asked if we could treat him to some soup.

Michael: Where's the toilet?

13. What do you think of your fans?

David: They are wonderful because, firstly, they actually listen to us - and our music demands attention and disciplined focus from the listener - and secondly, I think they are understanding, especially given that today’s world is all about instant online dopamine in a clamorous, overstimulating form.

Arek: They're great. They appreciate something different from what the mainstream usually offers. Our music isn't background music—it asks you to slow down and really listen, which is surprisingly difficult in today's world. We still remember the days of cassette tapes, when you'd sit down and listen to an entire album from start to finish. Nowadays, people tend to listen selectively, one track at a time.

Michael: I'm just grateful and glad they like our music

Thomas: I’m glad people are listening to our current release. I’m also happy that this kind of instrumental music resonates with them.

14. What do you think of our site?

David: Great stuff, lots of world heavy music information.

Thomas: A very interesting site where everyone can find something for themselves.

Michael: I think it's a great place to discover bands from all over the world

Arek: It's cool. Keep up the good work!

15. Something to add?

Arek: Live long and prosper. May Spinofonia be with you.

Michael: Thank you, and keep up the good work

Thomas: Thank you for the interview and the invitation. Best regards to your entire editorial team.

David: Thanks for the conversation and your time. Good luck with everything! Stay safe and take care. Respect life values. We also invite you to the sounds of Spinofonia. ¡Un cordial saludo desde Polonia!

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