Echotime may have released their debut full-length album now, but they are not new to the Italian rock/metal scene. They have toured several countries with their other band Echovertime and since the time was right they made their first attempt to release their own material. Alex Cangini, the vocalist, talked to Grande Rock and gave us various info about the two bands, the Italian scene and not only… Read below…
Hi Alex… well after 9 years of extended playing and touring the time to release your own material finally came. How do you feel about it?
A: We are very excited for the “Genuine” Album release!!! Our hands are shaking and we feel that something beautiful is flowing! The musical creation process is like watching to your son's eyes! It's Beautiful!
Was that something you always had at the back of your mind or it just came as a natural need… just to present your own musical ideas to people?
A: It was in our minds from the beginning! Each of us has something to say with music. A unique alchemy that you can find only in the most cohesive band, that gave birth to something special called “art”, not only Metal or rock Music!
How did you come up with the term “Movie Metal Band” and what does it signify?
A: Well, this came up because of our composing approach. We create the story, the characters and... Bam! We carve that world onto the music stone; this is how we express ourselves! We find themes, rhythmic stuff...
What’s the description you give to someone when they ask you “what kind of music does your band play?”.
A: It’s very hard to answer to those questions! We find that a lot of different music influenced us, so... When we have to describe our kind of music we make parallelism with Symphony X, Kamelot, Avantasia, Rammstein... We love to define it “movie metal” because of the score film style, Hollywood style that influenced our composition process as well.
The various different music styles are beautifully blended on your debut and along with the “movie inspirited” instrumental parts, are giving a feeling of a “music motion picture show”. Is that what you wanted to achieve from the beginning?
A: Absolutely Thanos! That was our purpose, we have already tested that by performing different shows, the crowd were astonished, we’ve been waiting for that feedback. Our primary goal was to invite people in our dimension.
Give us a hint about the concept theme of the album… but do not reveal every aspect of it to the readers…
A: The concept is really twisted! It is very hard to talk about it! We’ve paid attention to the lyrics-vocal parts equilibrium, they are blended and carefully prepared. By that, you can dive into our story. The story is about a world between fantasy and reality where, in a parallel dimension of Chaos. Lobbies control people by dimming their minds and polluting all day products. “Genuine” is a molecule created by the main character Anthony Daniels, even if he had good purpose. They have used his molecule and use it against him and the population on this world. In the concept, Military Forces, politics and religion are the core of the battle, really actual!
What’s that “particle” called “Genuine” that Daniel Antony, the protagonist, creates? Why did you name your album after it?
A: Genuine it’s a molecule created to help people. It could have been used to help the medicine science, to improve the bio-technology etc... Since it has the power to change people’s mind it has been used to betray and dim those minds. Genuine is everywhere, household-items, food, cigs...
Do you think that there’s a similar “thing” created/discovered by scientists but it has been left in secrecy by some higher powers that determine the fate of the whole planet?
A: Of course! I’m sure of it, a lot of money has been used in order to study humanity and his mind and how to control it!
You have worked with Simone Mularoni (DGM, Empyrios etc.) and the album’s production is superb in every aspect. Did you have a clear thought of what you wanted to achieve soundwise about this album since day one?
A: Simone is great!!! Thanks to him the album sounds great! He’s professional! We would also like to thank Andrea Bana Anastasi (guitarist and orchestrator) that composed and mixed the orchestral tracks and other things!
I’ve written: “…It’s positive that Echotime are trying to create something out of the ordinary and in truth to be told it’s been done carefully and effectively ultimately…”. What’s your say?
A: Let’s say that me (Alex) and Federico are the older members of the band. We pay more attention to the current situation of our countries than the other so we emphasize this. The other members have different points of view, they are young. This is one of our strengths! We blend our minds and our heart, this is what makes us a family!
What are those things that you want to succeed with Echotime in long-term?
A: We just want to express ourselves and then reach the people hearts!
So, what’s next for the band? Several gigs around Italy? Maybe Europe?
A: Yes, of course. We’ve already been on tour in several European countries like: Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, France and we are going to conquer Finland as well. Obviously our promotion also started in Italy, we are going to play in some of the best places of Italian metal scene like: Bologna, Rome, Genova and more! That’s only the beginning of Genuine’s “mass contamination”.
If you had to choose one, would it be Echotime or Echovertime? Why?
A: Echotime... definitely! Because everything started like a progressive band than turned into a cover band because of lack of experience (we were so young!) but also... money! So, playing with Echotime became also a work... then we improved our skills, made a few money and decided to come back to the origins and compose our own songs. That is the most rewarding thing for us! That’s also why we decided to create “Echovertime”, because of our work as a cover band and because we wanted to create a separating line between the two sides of the same coin. (i.n.: This is the way to make things happen guys…)
A: We are very excited for the “Genuine” Album release!!! Our hands are shaking and we feel that something beautiful is flowing! The musical creation process is like watching to your son's eyes! It's Beautiful!
Was that something you always had at the back of your mind or it just came as a natural need… just to present your own musical ideas to people?
A: It was in our minds from the beginning! Each of us has something to say with music. A unique alchemy that you can find only in the most cohesive band, that gave birth to something special called “art”, not only Metal or rock Music!
How did you come up with the term “Movie Metal Band” and what does it signify?
A: Well, this came up because of our composing approach. We create the story, the characters and... Bam! We carve that world onto the music stone; this is how we express ourselves! We find themes, rhythmic stuff...
What’s the description you give to someone when they ask you “what kind of music does your band play?”.
A: It’s very hard to answer to those questions! We find that a lot of different music influenced us, so... When we have to describe our kind of music we make parallelism with Symphony X, Kamelot, Avantasia, Rammstein... We love to define it “movie metal” because of the score film style, Hollywood style that influenced our composition process as well.
The various different music styles are beautifully blended on your debut and along with the “movie inspirited” instrumental parts, are giving a feeling of a “music motion picture show”. Is that what you wanted to achieve from the beginning?
A: Absolutely Thanos! That was our purpose, we have already tested that by performing different shows, the crowd were astonished, we’ve been waiting for that feedback. Our primary goal was to invite people in our dimension.
Give us a hint about the concept theme of the album… but do not reveal every aspect of it to the readers…
A: The concept is really twisted! It is very hard to talk about it! We’ve paid attention to the lyrics-vocal parts equilibrium, they are blended and carefully prepared. By that, you can dive into our story. The story is about a world between fantasy and reality where, in a parallel dimension of Chaos. Lobbies control people by dimming their minds and polluting all day products. “Genuine” is a molecule created by the main character Anthony Daniels, even if he had good purpose. They have used his molecule and use it against him and the population on this world. In the concept, Military Forces, politics and religion are the core of the battle, really actual!
What’s that “particle” called “Genuine” that Daniel Antony, the protagonist, creates? Why did you name your album after it?
A: Genuine it’s a molecule created to help people. It could have been used to help the medicine science, to improve the bio-technology etc... Since it has the power to change people’s mind it has been used to betray and dim those minds. Genuine is everywhere, household-items, food, cigs...
Do you think that there’s a similar “thing” created/discovered by scientists but it has been left in secrecy by some higher powers that determine the fate of the whole planet?
A: Of course! I’m sure of it, a lot of money has been used in order to study humanity and his mind and how to control it!
You have worked with Simone Mularoni (DGM, Empyrios etc.) and the album’s production is superb in every aspect. Did you have a clear thought of what you wanted to achieve soundwise about this album since day one?
A: Simone is great!!! Thanks to him the album sounds great! He’s professional! We would also like to thank Andrea Bana Anastasi (guitarist and orchestrator) that composed and mixed the orchestral tracks and other things!
I’ve written: “…It’s positive that Echotime are trying to create something out of the ordinary and in truth to be told it’s been done carefully and effectively ultimately…”. What’s your say?
A: Let’s say that me (Alex) and Federico are the older members of the band. We pay more attention to the current situation of our countries than the other so we emphasize this. The other members have different points of view, they are young. This is one of our strengths! We blend our minds and our heart, this is what makes us a family!
What are those things that you want to succeed with Echotime in long-term?
A: We just want to express ourselves and then reach the people hearts!
So, what’s next for the band? Several gigs around Italy? Maybe Europe?
A: Yes, of course. We’ve already been on tour in several European countries like: Poland, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, France and we are going to conquer Finland as well. Obviously our promotion also started in Italy, we are going to play in some of the best places of Italian metal scene like: Bologna, Rome, Genova and more! That’s only the beginning of Genuine’s “mass contamination”.
If you had to choose one, would it be Echotime or Echovertime? Why?
A: Echotime... definitely! Because everything started like a progressive band than turned into a cover band because of lack of experience (we were so young!) but also... money! So, playing with Echotime became also a work... then we improved our skills, made a few money and decided to come back to the origins and compose our own songs. That is the most rewarding thing for us! That’s also why we decided to create “Echovertime”, because of our work as a cover band and because we wanted to create a separating line between the two sides of the same coin. (i.n.: This is the way to make things happen guys…)
The Italian scene seems to be having a blast lately! So many bands are coming from Italy, playing all kinds of rock & metal music. In a time of recession, can music & art in general be the answer?
A: That’s true! Italy is full of brand new and excellent bands but the problem is the business, we don’t have major labels glad to invest in that kind of music. (i.n.: I think that’s a global problem in general…)
Are you into that digital/downloading trend or do you believe that’s killing music little by little? What’s there for a band when most people are downloading their albums and do not even care to listen to them most of the times? What shall change so as to make it through?
A: That’s true too. In some ways it helps bands like us to promote himself but at the same time it destroys the business. Now it’s almost impossible to live with your own songs! (i.n.: That’s the sad side of music in our time…)
Time for our weird questions!!! How did you come up with the name Echotime & Echovertime?
A: It was a long time ago. “Echotime” was from a sudden thought, it sounded a lot “progressive”, I mean... like “Dream Theater”, “Pink Floyd” and so on. “Echovertime” is more recent. It’s the “natural evolution” for our “cover-band soul”. It fits very well, Echotime + Cover = Echovertime.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why??
A: Maybe, for me, Metallica’s “Black Album” but we are totally open minded about music and bands no matter what kind of music they play, so I could mention hundreds of albums!
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
A: Really, they are too many. I can’t choose!
If you knew the specific day when the end of earth would come, what would you choose to do, that you haven’t done yet?
A: Everything I could imagine... as long as it is legal and affordable of course!
If music were banned by law (CDs, Vinyl, cassettes, Mp3s everything), which 3 albums would you risk to hide even if it would be a risky thing to do cuz the penalty would be jail?
A: I can’t choose. I should hide 100 albums at least!
Which is that band that has influenced more bands & musicians since rock music begun…?
A: In my opinion: Nirvana, R.H.C.P., Dream Theater and Metallica.
What is missing from today’s music industry? Are most albums missing the quality they used to have back in the 70s and 80s?
A: Patience, faith, perseverance, the desire to rediscover the great themes of the past and the wish to put yourself for the whole day in a project. Sadly that affects both art and society often.
Which are your 3 beloved songs of all time regardless of any music genre?
A: If I had to choose, they could be: “Enter Sandman”, “Metropolis Pt.1” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.
Would you stop playing & listening to metal/rock music if a girlfriend of yours asked you to?
A: Never!
Why is rock (any kind) music better than sex… if it is…
A: They’re both at the same level... rock and sex are both “life” imho!
You have the opportunity to have sex with the porn-star/movie celebrity of your choice. Who would it be & why?
A: Ahahah, It’s a difficult question! There are a lot of possible answers... I can’t choose!
Imagine that your girlfriend/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
A: I’d kill her. (i.n.: Right to the point! No second chances here! hehe...)
That’s all for now Alex. Leave a message to our readers and to your band’s fans for the end… Take care dude!
A: Thanks to “Grande Rock e-zine” and to everyone for supporting “Genuine” and Echotime! It was a pleasure for us! I hope that we could come in your magical land soon! See you soon guys!
A: That’s true! Italy is full of brand new and excellent bands but the problem is the business, we don’t have major labels glad to invest in that kind of music. (i.n.: I think that’s a global problem in general…)
Are you into that digital/downloading trend or do you believe that’s killing music little by little? What’s there for a band when most people are downloading their albums and do not even care to listen to them most of the times? What shall change so as to make it through?
A: That’s true too. In some ways it helps bands like us to promote himself but at the same time it destroys the business. Now it’s almost impossible to live with your own songs! (i.n.: That’s the sad side of music in our time…)
Time for our weird questions!!! How did you come up with the name Echotime & Echovertime?
A: It was a long time ago. “Echotime” was from a sudden thought, it sounded a lot “progressive”, I mean... like “Dream Theater”, “Pink Floyd” and so on. “Echovertime” is more recent. It’s the “natural evolution” for our “cover-band soul”. It fits very well, Echotime + Cover = Echovertime.
Which is the record you wish you had written and why??
A: Maybe, for me, Metallica’s “Black Album” but we are totally open minded about music and bands no matter what kind of music they play, so I could mention hundreds of albums!
Were you obliged to give just one album to extraterrestrials that would represent the whole human music evolution, which album would it be and from which band/artist?
A: Really, they are too many. I can’t choose!
If you knew the specific day when the end of earth would come, what would you choose to do, that you haven’t done yet?
A: Everything I could imagine... as long as it is legal and affordable of course!
If music were banned by law (CDs, Vinyl, cassettes, Mp3s everything), which 3 albums would you risk to hide even if it would be a risky thing to do cuz the penalty would be jail?
A: I can’t choose. I should hide 100 albums at least!
Which is that band that has influenced more bands & musicians since rock music begun…?
A: In my opinion: Nirvana, R.H.C.P., Dream Theater and Metallica.
What is missing from today’s music industry? Are most albums missing the quality they used to have back in the 70s and 80s?
A: Patience, faith, perseverance, the desire to rediscover the great themes of the past and the wish to put yourself for the whole day in a project. Sadly that affects both art and society often.
Which are your 3 beloved songs of all time regardless of any music genre?
A: If I had to choose, they could be: “Enter Sandman”, “Metropolis Pt.1” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit”.
Would you stop playing & listening to metal/rock music if a girlfriend of yours asked you to?
A: Never!
Why is rock (any kind) music better than sex… if it is…
A: They’re both at the same level... rock and sex are both “life” imho!
You have the opportunity to have sex with the porn-star/movie celebrity of your choice. Who would it be & why?
A: Ahahah, It’s a difficult question! There are a lot of possible answers... I can’t choose!
Imagine that your girlfriend/life partner is selling your whole album-collection just to buy an expensive ring for herself. How would you react?
A: I’d kill her. (i.n.: Right to the point! No second chances here! hehe...)
That’s all for now Alex. Leave a message to our readers and to your band’s fans for the end… Take care dude!
A: Thanks to “Grande Rock e-zine” and to everyone for supporting “Genuine” and Echotime! It was a pleasure for us! I hope that we could come in your magical land soon! See you soon guys!