Interview with Syteria lead vocalist Julia Calvo
By Mick Michaels
COSMICK
VIEW: Hello, Julia! Welcome to The
Cosmick View. Thank you for taking some time out of your day to chat with
me, it's greatly appreciated.
Julia Calvo: It’s always a pleasure!
Julia Calvo: It’s always a pleasure!
CV: Do you feel passion, in and of itself, is enough to fuel an artist to create and successfully build their music career, especially in an industry that revolves around the art of the business deal?
JC: In my opinion passion for the music and talent in itself is not enough if the artist doesn’t have the determination to acquire and use new skills in order to be seen and heard. It’s a very difficult acting balance; self-promotion can sometimes be daunting. Ideally an artist should have a manager or PR person so they can focus exclusively on their craft but this is not always possible, especially at the beginning.
CV: In your opinion, can an artist be innovative and groundbreaking while still staying true to their core beliefs without "selling out" to the trappings often associated with the music business? Is there a balance that can be had or is it a very fine line to walk?
JC: It’s a fine line to walk because of the need to make a living. At the same time I feel it’s impossible to be groundbreaking without staying true to core beliefs. It seems to me that having different streams of work is the way forward; at least that’s how I made it work.
CV: For some artists, thought provoking songwriting might mean there's a message to be heard or a stance to be taken; political, social or even religious overtones often are the themes. But are such topics as these the only choices songwriters have to choose from to have their words and their music considered thought provoking to an audience?
JC: Of course not. Songs about the small things in life can be poetic and give you shivers. I even sometimes find instrumental music very thought provoking. I guess it depends on the audience!
CV: Julia, what do you feel defines your songwriting style? What makes it uniquely your own?
JC: My interpretation makes it unique. For me it’s not just about the lyrics and the chords, it’s about how it’s delivered to make the recipient feel something.
"Rant-O-bot," did the band feel any amount of pressure to match and deliver an equally stellar performance with this sophomore record?
JC: No pressure. Personally I had every confidence it was going to be an excellent album.
CV: This album also includes new bassist Steph Dawson, who joined the ranks in 2019. What's the dynamic like when a new band member comes in? Do things change?
JC: Absolutely. Being in a band is like being in a relationship with a group of people. When changing a member I feel as I’m effectively working in a brand new band. Steph is lovely and a fantastic guitarist and vocalist. I couldn’t be happier!
CV: What's it like having Jackie Chambers of Girlschool as Syteria's lead guitarist? Any amount of performance anxiety on the part of the other members or does the music takes precedence over any one member?
JC: Jackie is a pleasure to work with and I feel proud every time we’re on stage together. We started this band in a very fun and relaxed environment and that’s how it’s grown. I feel strongly about everyone in the Syteria family because they’re effectively the only family I have around. The rest of my family is scattered around the world.
CV: Julia, do you feel Hard Rock and Heavy Metal music are viewed differently by fans in the UK compared to fans elsewhere in the world like Europe, America and even your hometown of Buenos Aires? What's your opinion?
JC: Rock and Metal are absolutely massive in South America. I feel that in the UK people are so spoilt for choice as there are so many amazing bands in this country. In South America people go crazy when international bands come to play, tickets sell out almost immediately. Here people seem to take it for granted because it’s more accessible but at the same time the fans that do come to the shows are really die hard and I love them. They come night after night following us when we are on tour. I feel grateful to be part of the global scene and get to talk to and understand how music lovers and other artists feel and perceive the world.
CV: The world is a rapidly changing place...and due to the recent pandemic surrounding the COVID-19 virus, Syteria, along with countless other bands and artists worldwide, have been reluctantly forced to cancel shows. How does such a global crisis of this magnitude affect both artist and fans and the overall future of music?
JC: This crisis affects us all. The impact on artists and venues is crippling. Right now I want to focus on and visualize how the entertainment industry will suddenly explode once this virus business blows over. Everyone will be celebrating! As for the future of music, that is linked to the future of mankind. We must put pressure on governments and corporations to really invest on saving the planet.
CV: Given the current climate and the unknowns that the future holds for any of us, do you feel this pandemic will have long term negative effects on the music industry as a whole? Is there a silver lining?
JC: There’s always a silver lining but nobody will be able to forget this war against the invisible enemy. I feel this pandemic will absolutely have a long term effect on societies. Hopefully it’s a lesson for humanity to stop being so selfish.
CV: Where does Syteria go from here?
JC: We will resume our tour, play some European gigs and then start working on our next album.
CV: Thank you again Julia for spending some time talking and sharing with our readers. It was a pleasure. I wish you all the best and continued success.
JC: Thanks and same to you Mick! Stay safe!
Check out Julia and Syteria at:
Official: www.syteria.co.uk
Facebook: www.facebook.com/syteriaband
Twitter: www.twitter.com/SyteriaBand
Album: https://cargorecordsdirect.co.uk/products/syteria-reflection
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxhTNvKJfLjHNV0FzdrIlCw
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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.
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