Interview with Comaneci

Our story with Comaneci is one of deep affection and admiration that we never tire of telling. We love their delicate elegance, which never fails to enchant us. While we wait to have them play with us again on 9 June 2018, we asked them to tell us a bit about themselves and, as always, they bewitched us.

1. Your music always takes me back to a moment suspended in time, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy merge and form a parallel dimension in which to get lost and let go. Can you tell us what lies behind it?
We would like to remind people how beautiful it is to get lost in order to find new things. To let go, so as not to allow the hardships of life to harden our spirits and our vitality. Behind our music, I'd say there's just us, with our magical and human potential, which we believe everyone has; you just have to remember to sharpen your senses.

2. The feeling is that your music in particular is meant for an attentive audience rather than pure entertainment. In so many years of playing live, have you noticed a change in audiences in relation to music in general? What would you like your ideal audience to be like?
The ideal audience is one that listens, that doesn't leave room only for the eyes, that doesn't choose out of fame but because they are truly engaged with what they hear. We consider ourselves very lucky because those who decide to listen to Comaneci don't expect pure entertainment, but feel a responsibility to listen. Over the years we've seen our audience grow without any forcing. We feel an intimate warmth coming to us from people, and that is already a wonderful achievement!

3. Although so far you've used only guitar and voice, your sound has always come across as "complete". What made you want to bring in the drums, and what will change from now on? (By the way, Magical Thoughts is a beautiful piece)
We wanted to explore other potentials. When you constantly meet musicians, you feel a strong desire to play with other people. Being able to orchestrate the sound with more elements is very stimulating, and we needed something new while staying close to our origins. Beyond the stylistic choice, I think it was also a need to share.

4. Which 3 albums (by other artists) can you not do without?
Three is too few! I'll try to choose...
Aldous Harding - Party
Nicolas Jaar – Sirens
Steve Lehman – Sélébéyone

5. Your concert at Cascina Bellaria last year was one of the most enchanting moments of a truly lovely summer. What can we expect from the new line-up?
Coming to play at Cascina Bellaria is always wonderful and surprising for us. We love playing at your place so much, and we're happy to be able to share this pleasure. From the new line-up you can expect anything! There will be one more visionary mind and a fuller ensemble, intense songs and a fertile melancholy.