Chain D.L.K.: Hello Andy, please tell us how you started in music, your first musical memories, what instruments did you start with and what do you generally use now.
Andy (Bluvertigo): When I was a boy they gave me a little organ, I was very fascinated by itand I had a lot of fun playing with little technique but a lot of enthusiasm.Nobody at home would have ever imagined this would have become my career, but they were always very encouraging. I started with synthesizers but my instrument is the sax. I also play the piano,some guitar, I like seeking out unusual instruments like the theremin or the autoharp.
Chain D.L.K.: You’ve been playing in bands and also doing solo work.Is there a difference intellectually and emotionally between composing music in a band setting and composing solo? Do you prefer the solitary experience or the group experience?Are you working at any solo project right now? Working on any album?
Andy (Bluvertigo): For me being part of a band means creative interaction.I like being the motivator, I tried to acknowledge others’ ideas and unify them with mine,even if there is a hierarchy where everybody has their own niche.As a solo artist I am free in a way but also scattered. There are so many possibilities thatmy work takes longer because my intention is to unify music with painting. I have yet to find the identity I need to complete this project, I’m working on it.
Chain D.L.K.: Let’s talk about record companies (nasty subject).Do you think your life would be better or worse if you didn’t have to deal with a major label at some point in your life? Are there lessons you learned that you would like to share with young musicians?
Andy (Bluvertigo): If I try to explain too much of the past I think I would probably get lost. As a band of course we wanted to express ourselvesfreely in a way that often the market doesn’t allow. You’re either artists or businessmen, you can’t be both.But if anybody can be both you certainly develop a better sinergy with the record company. I have to admit that SONY was always very respectful of our determination. The only suggestion I have for young people is not to stop because of obstaclesthe market may have. A good idea can bring good business and not vice-versa.
Chain D.L.K.: Where do you get inspiration?Can you talk about anything in music or do you think that politics and religion should not be included?Or do you believe that everything is political?
Andy (Bluvertigo): The songs that I write have been in my head for years.I like the creative path because I don’t know where it’s going to end.In my lyrics I speak about feelings and inner points of view.I have so many musical inspirations, to name a few… Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Nine Inch Nails, Talking Heads.
Chain D.L.K.: You are also an amazing painter and graphic artist.How do you mix music and visual arts?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I have been looking for an analogy between the 2 expressions for a while now.I try to apply the same creative path. Painting an image is like arranging a song.
Chain D.L.K.: America. How did the USA welcome you? DO you like the USA? What are your opinions about the USA artistically, socially and culturally? How can you compare it to Italy and Europe?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I participated in 2 exhibits in Miami and I could present my work very pleasantly. I think that talking about America is a bit vague. New York City for instance is a world in itself anddoesn’t have anything to do with Miami. I should travel a bit more.I really appreciated the enthusiasm in Miami. I think the merit logics are more evolved than in Italy and less snobby. But I also noticed the social contradictions and the difference just in a few blocks betweenthe rich and the poor.
Chain D.L.K.: You also DJ. What type of music do you offer?Do you think it’s fair that many DJs are treated like demigods while many amazing composers are not noticed?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I think a period in history is often represented by the characters that animate it.In the 70s and 80s DJs where very important because they were spreading the music that young musicianswere playing, nowdays it’s different, the aggregation mechanisms are different.I don’t have an opinion about this. If a DJ can reach success and money I am happy for him/her.My DJ set includes music from my teenage years plus modern creations that recall to that.
Chain D.L.K.: What kind of relationship do you have with TV. Do you watch TV?Did you ever participate on a TV program, how did it feel? Would you like to work more with TV?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I like documentaries very much, I watch them at night. But in general I don’t really watch much TV.It’s an important instrument for my work but I find it’s socially dangerous.
Chain D.L.K.: Miscellaneous curiosities:What do you like doing in your free time, do you have any hobbies?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I love traveling and getting to learn about foreign cultures.
Chain D.L.K.: Tell us about the classic day at your art space.You get up, eat breakfast…what are you doing all day? What do you eat, are you vegetarian?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I get up and I drink an espresso coffee and water, I am not healthy, I know.I eat a bit of everything, I don’t distinguish between what I eat very well but I am better than before.
Chain D.L.K.: Do you love the city, loud places, clubs or are you a hermit? Are you an extrovert or an introvert?What kind of relationships do you have with people? Do you like people?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I go thru different periods. Sometimes I am more closed sometimes more open.In general I like people and I know that if I feel at ease with people I am charged energy-wise.
Chain D.L.K.: Are you a dog-person or a cat-person and why?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I love all animals, I prefer dogs but I am a free spirit so if I had to choose an animal to live with me I would prefer the independence of the cat.
Chain D.L.K.: Your favorite element that better describes yourself (water/air/earth/fire)?
Andy (Bluvertigo): Air and fire.
Chain D.L.K.: Do you think that the world will end in 2012 like some people say? Do you believe that the human race will extinguish sooner or later? Do you think the Universe is spiritual?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I don’t think the world will end, I feel bad that the 2012 theory has become like a commercial.In my opinion history should be rewritten, there are so many possibilities, I’ll treat this subject superficially becauseit’s too broad. I feel this is a time of transformation, I feel that very much. I believe in parallel dimensionsand spiritual evolution beyond religion or science.
Chain D.L.K.: Do you know what the law of attraction is and do you apply it in your life?
Andy (Bluvertigo): I think I know it. I like the taoist vision of life. That is what I am studying, that is a long path.
Chain D.L.K.: Message for our readers?
Andy (Bluvertigo): Thanks for your attention.
Chain D.L.K.: Bye Andy! Thank you very much.
Visit Andy on the web at:
[interviewed by Ant Dakini] [proofreading by Marcori]