Svetlanas is happy not being home
Interview Conducted March 01, 2018
By Dan Locke
As of September 2014, the Russian hardcore punk act Svetlanas have been banned in their homeland due to their anti-government stance and political commentary, not to mention their ever growing popularity…not only is the sale or possession of their music unlawful in Russia, they are also now no longer allowed to return to their country and are considered enemies of the state.
Unratedmagazine: Tell me about your backgrounds?
Olga Svetlanas: Every one of us has a different one. The common denominator is a huge love for music, perseverance and determination.
How did you get the band together?
In a dirty bar making promises to ourselves in front of some beers.
Tell me about the development of your musical style?
Everything happens in a natural way, the final result is pretty insane because everyone always put his/her personal touch.
Your music reminds me of a mix of Texas Terri Bomb and The Shocker (Jennifer Finch from L7).
Thank you 🙂
In September of 2014 you were banned from your homeland of Russia for your anti-government stance and political commentary. Can you go more into that and were you in Russia at the time?
Simple, I have been defined not a desirable person and no, I wasn’t in Russia. I live in Milan.
The fact that your music is now officially banned, and you are personally barred from returning to
Svetlanas
Russia do you miss it. And have you found a new country to call home? Or are you a woman with no country? And did this include your band members also?
Italy is my country and Milan is my home, I don’t miss anything. I’m a complete woman and my band is my best family.
Can your music be streamed in Russia? And how much of a fan base do you have in Russia?
I have no idea. It shouldn’t be so complicated haha.
Which country or city has the best music scene? And what your favorite club to play and why is it?
Too many to list BTW two of our favorite venues are the Three Links in Dallas, TX and l’Usine in Genève, CH
How do you describe your music?
Loud, Wild, Fast, Furious.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
From 60’s Soul to Noise, not considering loads of punk hardcore music.
Who influences you and why?
Myself but I don’t know why?!
Have you made the cover of any magazines yet, for either your music?
Last year I was a cover girl for a couple of punk magazines and this year I’m July in Vive Le Rock Magazine’s calendar. Its pretty fun considering that I’m 160cm tall, I’m not blonde and I don’t have tits…
Which bands have you open for?
Are you sure you want me to reply? It will take ages, I pass 😉
Which is the most amazing band you have played with? And did they give you any incites to be a better showman (musician)?
There are lots. We definitely love when we play with The Adolescents and share time with them is always an honor. They’re not just great musicians but they are humans with a brain and a big heart. Not so common uh?!
Do you play any instruments?
Svetlanas in Chicago (credit: Thomas “TJ” Jedres)
Door bell is pretty intense instrument, have you tried? Haha not really.
Since you are a vocalist what is your favorite mic?
SM58
Do you have plans to release another EP or LP in 2018?
We have always plans like this. We are working at the new album but I don’t know when it will be released.
A lot of people don’t know this, but you have former Queens of the Stone Age bassist Nick Oliveri, in your band. How did you find with other?
We did a tour with the Dwarves and we met each other’s. Good vibes are the secret of every good collaboration.
What is you’re feeling about Putin?
“A no feelings a no feelings”
Do you feel that Russian hacked the US election of 2016?
Of course
Are Trump and Putin working together?
They are soul mates
What type of clubs do you like to play in (size)?
I love small clubs, I love when there isn’t stage. But I always find a solution to jump in the crowd.
What music fests would you like to play in?
Wacken?
What is your feeling of Van Warped Tour since 2018, is the last year for it? Since you did the Warped tour back in 2015? Tell me about your experience on the tour?
I remember that when I was an adolescent Vans Warped Tour was a dream. It’s always sad when something ends.
What was your favorite band seeing on that tour?
Svetlanas
Probably Riff Raff.
What was your favorite city?
In Warped Tour? Probably San Diego, where we met Gene Simmons.
Vodka vs. whiskey?
Tell ya. Vodka.
What was your 2017 tour with Barb Wire Dolls like? What were some of the highlights of the tour?
Can you name “highlights” when a band is forced to stop the tour because the other band don’t want take a stand against Nazism.
You did SXSW I think twice. The first time in 2014 and then again in 2015. How was it?
Crazy as fuck! Texas crowd is pretty insane!
Tell me about any endorsements you have and may how do got them?
What you mean how? Playing around. We have Saluda Cymbals, Gibson Guitars and Orange Amps.
How would you explain your live performance?
Intense.
You are married to the drummer (Diste)? How do you keep your relationship fresh being on tour all the time?
Yes I am. Touring keep it fresh, ask him 😉
You did a full month residency at the legendary Whisky a Go Go in Los Angeles. How was that and what people come to see you?
It was great and strange at the same time. We got Sunset Strip crowd and Svets’ fans too. Weird combination but it worked.
If someone was listening to you for the first time, what 3 videos or songs would you tell them to look/listen to and why?
Who is your favorite female singer and why?
There are lots, Ella Fitzgerald is probably the top 1 in this moment.
Who is your favorite guitar player male and female? And why?
Ruyter Suys from Nashville Pussy (credit: Dan Locke)
Ruyter Suys, (lead guitar player of the band Nashville Pussy) cause she got big balls for this reason she’s the “male” favorite too 😉
How do you see your band in the next 5 years?
Call me back in 5 years…
Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?
Pleasure can’t be guilty. I’m sincerely interested in all kind of music.
What is on your bucket list?
Play Station 4
What is on your phone for music now?
Nothing on my phone, I don’t even use the ring tune.
Anything in closing you would like to say?
Of course! If you don’t like SVETLANAS go fuck yourself!
Thank you for interviewing with UnratedMagazine
SVETS
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