A few hours before the appearance of Gogol
Bordello as headliners at the Vibe Stage of Rockwave, we just
talked on the phone with Elizabeth Sun, which in 2004 joined the band as
a percussionist and dancer (and to help with vocals at times).
We talked with the very sweet and friendly Scot at 9:15 pm, an hour before
their appearance in the Optimus Alive Festival in Lisbon. New Gogol
album, new videoclip, cooperation with Ruck Rubin and opinion of Greece in our
conversation below:
-Would
you like to tell us some things about your new album "Trans-Continental
Hustle", which was released last April.
ES : It was produced by Rick Rubin, who is an
amazing producer and we did it in Malibu.
And it’s great, mostly influenced by Brazilian, South American, Latin sounds
because Eugene moved in Brazil so he
was influenced by that sound. It has more percussion and that kind of energy.
- How was your
collaboration with Rick Rubin? He's an amazing producer!
ES : Our cooperation was fantastic! Really fantastic. He was in here
with us every day. He's a very intuitive human being. He would go in and
everybody would go in and play their parts and he would sit there and listen
and feel it and really feel the music rather than go in and go "Oh my God
we need to do this, and this, this, this...He's a very slow relaxed person.
Which I think it is a very important in this kind of creative person, you can't
rush these things and so it was a very very beautiful experience for us. Really
inspiring.
- This is your first album in a major record label.
Why did you decide to leave from Side One Dummy Records and choose American
Recordings? Was it because of Rick Rubin or something else?
ES : No, it wasn't just because of Rick.
That really didn't have much to do with it. I think the band is all about
evolution and we were ready to go to the next level. We love SideOne Dummy
Records and they're very close to us, we hung out with them, but it was time to
move on to the next level.
- You became famous in Greece
and other Countries with your previous album "Super Taranta!" (2007).
Do you believe this is your best album?
ES : Yes I think it is. But what is the best? Every album is different,
each album emotionally will always be different, but we are very proud of this album. Very very proud! And it
is the best maybe yeah! Whatever that means ... We love all our albums. Every
album is special in its own way. Absolutely.
- You are in Lisbon now, and you'll play in Optimus Alive
Festival in an hour. How are things there?
ES : We just got here, a few hours ago from Spain. We came from Spain this
morning and we went to sleep because we were jet lagged... (laughs) and came
straight here. Now the festival, we're going to go on stage. It's very
beautiful here. We played here last year, it's very very beautiful, by the
water. The weather is beautiful. But we're really looking forward to Greece, because we all love Greece. I have
a special spot for Greece.
I love it! I've come before and spend some time there, it is so
beautiful...
- After you, Pearl Jam will be on stage. Would you
like to tell us what's your opinion about Pearl Jam?
ES : I have not seen them and i don't think we will be able to see them
tonight either, because we have to leave right after our show to catch the
flight to Greece. Basically, the reason we will miss Pearl Jam is because of
you... (laughs)
- Greek fans love you very much. Is there something you would like to say to
them about tomorrow's show?
ES : Well, hello to the Greek fans. We love you very, very much! You
guys really love to party and you have a great vibe. Tomorrow is gonna be a lot
of fun! And we can't wait to see you, we're really excited to come and join
your company...
- You have toured many countries in the world. Could
you distinguish the American from European or Asian audience? Are there
similarities or differences?
ES : Yes it certainly is different ... (laughs). You can see the
difference in every country you go to. And it's always most fun being in the
Mediterranean , Spain, Italy, Greece. Every country is special
for us. I really love these areas. Their real fiery energy! People enjoy
themselves and are free to really be free to enjoy themselves. And music. And
they're welcoming and understanding, musical. And how important it is in life.
Because other societies are a little bit more conservative in how they express
themselves when they're in a concert. But the energy is amazing in Greece for
sure!
- A
few days ago, you filmed in L.A.
the music video for your new song "Immigraniada (We Comin 'Rougher)".
Is this your first single? And when will we see this video?
ES : I'm not sure when you're going to see the video, to be
honest. I really don't know, cause we just finished it. Naturally it's gonna
come out soon. It is going to be a really great video you guys are going to
like it... (Has to go for makeup)
ES : Thank you. Will you
be there tomorrow?
- Yes I'll be there.
ES : Please come over and say hello.
- Thank you very much Elizabeth!
We wish you a nice concert today. See you tomorrow.
Gogol Bordello appear in a few hours at Rockwave, as you can see in the following schedule:
SUNDAY 11 JULY TERRA STAGE
SKA-P 23:15-00:30 The TerraVibe Park is transformed into a lush green Football field 21:30-23:00 Massive Attack 19:30-21:00 Peyoti For President 17:00-18:00 VIBE STAGE
Gogol Bordello 20:30-21:45 John Angelakas 3 18:00-19:15 Ska Bangies 16:00-16:45 Doors Open 15:30
