Felipe Andreoli gave recently an interview published last week on the Brazilian metal website Whiplash.
Here an English translation of the interview (translation by Angra France Blog).
"Felipe Andreoli, bassist of the band Angra, gave an exclusive interview to this writer speaking to you, in which he tells us among other things, why he didn't appreciate the publication of the extract of a song from the new Angra's album on Youtube but also why the DVD Temple Of Shadows Tour wasn't released.
Whiplash : In recent interview, you said that you were very happy with the sound of new recordings and that the new album will be a classic of the band. Did you say that because the band is the only one to manage the production and therefore has more freedom for composing ?
Felipe Andreoli : The fact that the band has total control of the whole process allows us to do exactly what we imagine. Have a producer from outisde is very nice, but inevitably ends up tampering with the band's style and his way of sounding. This time, we took all the experiences we had, not only with Angra, but also with our side-projects, and use it for Angra. We are totally free, each imagining how his instrument should sound. The result is very good, and I think we'll work on this way from now.
Whiplash : Always about compositions, each musician has his personality, Ricardo already played with Kiko and Rafael in the past, but Edu and you never worked with him before, did your collaboration works quickly ?
Felipe : Yes, playing with Ricardo was a great experience because it gave me the opportunity to hear how the Angra's songs from the first line-up sounded. About the songs from the actual line-up, Ricardo gives his special touch, without betraying the original arrangements. This time, it was totally different to compose with Ricardo in the band, because he has a hunge range of rhythms in his hands and allow us to explore many directions.
Whiplash : You said on your Twitter you didn't like the publication on Youtube of the extract of the song sung by Edu which was recorded on Twitcam. Could you explain why have you been upset ?
Felipe : I was not upset. It's a little bit different I think. There are people who meet an artist in the street, get an autograph and turns away, just wanting to show the paper to their friends. I think what happens was something like that. I think Twitcam is cool because people who are there are taking this chance to see what happen live, directly from the artist. But what happen on internet now, the guy records and makes available on Youtube, is unprecedented. No longer a privilege of those who where there, it falls into the public domain, and many people will watch it without knowing the context. They will simply watch a material from the band in very poor quality and judging what they see. Nothing is unique, I may be nostalgic, But I find this sad.
Whiplash : Youtube really spoils the quality of videos. Well, in the Angra's albums, we can note there is always a theme giving the tone to the lyrics, melodies and even to the artwork. In this album, there is a story or each song has is own one ?
Felipe : There is a central theme on which all lyrics are based, as it was the case for the three last albums. It's a pretty cool story, but still a secret.
Whiplash : Of course (laughs). And the idea of recording the whole process of the composition of the album and post it on youtube ? Has it something to do with the fact that the activity of the band have been stopped during two years and so either get closer to fans and show how music is important for you ?
Felipe : I think it's more an adaptation to the reality of the moment, we are using the best tools avalaible. There are many tools today allowing the interaction between the fans and the band, either real time or not, and we try to make the best use of them. People around the world have been very happy to take part, even distantly, in the production process of the album, connecting the fan to the band and I think it's very cool.With these short videos, they can see our personnality and the atmosphere in the band.
Whiplash : I understand, internet really changes people's life. In an interview published on Roadie Crew in this month of April, Kiko Loureiro said you were still evaluating some labels here in Brazil. Have you already signed up with one of them ?
Felipe : What we are evaluating isn't simply a label, it's deeper than that. We are studying the way to launch this album. In recent years, several artists have changed the market doing some things that were previously imposssible due to labels control. On the other side, there is a group of artists, shrinking, still attached to the traditional way to release records. Angra has to find his place in this new reality.
Whiplash : While we are talking about label, it's perhaps even my own idea, does the band think to launch some limited edition of the new album ? Such as a bonus DVD with shooting of the recordings ?
Felipe : There is an idea of a product related to the album, which can be launched together or even after the album. There are also some labels that make vinyl versions, special editions, etc ... Maybe it will happen.
Whiplash : Now talking about general topics regarding the band. There are some rumors that this show at Via Funchal, celebrating the 14th years of the band and featured several special guests were burned to a DVD and wasn't released due to some technical problems. Was it due to some technical problems or to some problems with the ex-manager and ex-drummer of the band?
Felipe : This show was not filmed in a professionnal manner. It was shooted only by our own cameras, and I think it's easier to put some extracts on a DVD than the complete show.
Whiplash : I see. When Aurora Consurgens was released in 2006, the band received a lot of critics , the album was judged not so good as Temple Of Shadows (2004) and was considered by many fans as the worst album since 2001. Have you considered these critics for the new album recording ?
Felipe : No, really. Each album is a portrait of the period that the band is living. With Aurora, it was not different, and the band was in a bad moment due to all the problems everybody knows. So, even if we wanted, it was impossible to record an album equal to Temple. Angra is a band who always made albums very different from each other. Today the time is excellent, and I believe this will be reflected in the new album.
Whiplash : And last thing about side projects, you and Edu with Almah, Rafael with Bittencourt Project and Kiko with his solo career, have you got some news for fans or will you be focused on Angra for a long time ?
Felipe : Now the moment is at 100% for Angra, I have no head for anything else. Especially because we manage the production work, it's very hard. When we'll be quieter and Angra will take a break, we'll go back with our side projects, without any doubt.
Whiplash : Ok Felipe, thanks for the interview and hope to see you soon on tour for the next album.
Felipe : Thanks !"
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