Puta Volcano: Heavy Rock from Athens, Greece
Interview conducted on March 3, 2020
by Dan Locke
Amidst the continuous and enjoyable struggle the survivor of an indie rock n’ roll band has become, Puta Volcano are building up their legacy and fanbase, one gig, one album, one song at the time.
Being a significant cog in the acknowledged machine that Greek heavy rock is, they keep pushing forward what was set in motion back in 2012, when their debut EP was released. Athens, Greece had already established its importance as the birthplace of new and exciting sounds and that is exactly what the creation of the debut album The Sun was in the period between 2012 – 2015. A fresh and inspiring offering, from a band that had just started rolling. After a wave of positive reviews and encouraging word-of-mouth feedback, they hit the stages in the summer of 2015. A bunch of rumbling live shows took place, highlighted with a slot in that year’s Rockwave Festival in Athens, alongside The Black Keys, The Black Angels and 1000mods.
PUTA VOLCANO is: Anna Papathanasiou – Vocals Alex Pi – Guitar Steve Stefanidis – Drums Bookies – Bass, Backing Vocals
Dan Locke: How did the band start?
Puta Volcano: The band started by Alex (guitar) and Anna (vocals) who are siblings around 2011.
What was your upbringing?
Thankfully, normal childhoods for all of us.
How did you discover music?
Our mother (Anna and Alex) plays the guitar and used to teach as well. She exposed us to a broad spectrum of music from early on and urged us to get classically trained which we both did, Anna on the piano and me (Alex) on the classical guitar.
Steven and Bookies had been involved with other bands for many years before PV.
In parallel though, rock music started gaining ground in our lives and eventually became a core part of our personalities.
How did you get the band together?
It was a chain of random events. In its first iteration, it was me jamming with some friends, in desperate need of a vocalist. My sister Anna was conveniently close by. That random event solidified the two of us as the founding members. Steven (drums) and Bookies (bass) were more conscious decisions that happened over time and a few lineup changes, but currently, it feels like each of us is a finger, and Mihalis, our manager, is our opposable thumb.
How did you get your name?
A friend of the band came up with it and we liked the sound of it.
Do you remember your first gig? What went right and what went wrong?
Considering the expectations, we had at the time it exceeded all of them. It was a small venue, but it was completely packed and we had a great time.
The third CD came out on March 13. Tell me about it?
We can’t wait for people to give it a listen. We worked a lot of it and want it to reach as many ears as possible.
Why is it entitled AMMA?
AMMA, in the meaning we’ve understood and borrowed from Hindu, is an honorary way of calling one’s mother. It represents the “supermom” who will do anything to protect us and pave the way for us to have a better future. It is our way of honoring our mother’s efforts and the immense strength they show in times of need.
Give me the backstory on your latest video “Black Box”?
Black box talks about the constant struggle to become something more, against all odds, against adversity and how this becomes possible by embracing the fruit of the collective efforts of the countless generations that led to ours. The idea behind the concept is a
What is Greek Stoner Hard Rock?
A scene, maybe? Greece has put out a lot of great bands in the last many years. There were a couple of bands that paved us the way and many others, along with us, which followed. So, it’s a thing.
How is Athens for live music?
In one word, vibrant. There is a plethora of bands active in many different genres. Venues and promoters are upping their game constantly and despite the overabundance of live shows, the fans manage to support all bands. It’s a good time to be musically active in Athens.
How is the drinking there?
Actually, we are an interesting case of a rock band, we drink from just a little to almost nothing. Drinking is good here though; a lot of Greek microbreweries lately came out and it’s an interesting thing to see – and taste.
What is your dream tour?
In one recent interview, Robert Plant said that the thing he hated the most about touring was the “hurry up and wait”. Based on that, I’d have to say, the perfect tour would be that in which our daily life besides the shows would “feel” like home. Having enough time to actually see the places we’d play, being able to follow our daily routines, like working out, eating properly, and hanging out.
What is DesertFest Berlin?
One of the most well-known “underground” European festivals and we’re excited we’ll be part of it this year. We always dreamt of playing there.
What are you reading now?
William Gibson’s latest book, “Agency”.
Any plans to tour this upcoming year?
Our European tour will take place from mid-April to mid-May, we’re playing Desertfest Berlin and a couple of dates with Villagers of Ioannina City. We’re visiting Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Croatia and more.
What band would you like to tour with?
Baroness, Elder or Idles would do just fine, thank you very much.
Any plans to get over to the United States?
Crossing the pond seems like a natural progression for bands on either side. It’s not a plan yet but it’s in our sights for sure.
How do you see yourself in the next five years?
Touring, writing new songs, and continuing our never-ending efforts to evolve as human beings.
Anything in closing you like to say to your fans?
We hope you enjoy our music. If so, tell your friends. If not, keep it for yourself. Cheers!
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