If there is a band that do not need introduction, that band must be the  Novembre, given the talent the group from the Italian capital demonstrate in recent years.

Therefore it is with extreme pride that I release this interview by Carmelo Orlando, Novembre’s guitar and voice.

Miusika: First of all greetings, and thanks for the interview to our webzine.

Carmelo: Thank you, guys!

Miusika: Tell us how your last work came alive conceptually and structurally.

Carmelo: It was formed gradually, just like all our previous albums. The guitar riffs are constructed day by day along with the song’s titles. No particular planning or album concept.
The lyrics are the last thing to be written, just right before going into the studio to record them. So it’s totally done by impulse and instinct.

Miusika: What has changed since you’ve started?

Carmelo: A greater awareness of who we are, of what we are worth it and a greater music knowledge. We are also older; we operate our choices with better reason than in the past.

Miusika: In Blackwater Park by Opeth, you are among the band main credits, how did you become friend?

Carmelo: In Summer 1992 during a holiday in Stockholm, we met both  Katatonia and Opeth. They were friends of friends. Then you know how it goes, you are 18 with the same musical tastes… Death Metal, beer, Swedish blondies, etc.

Miusika: what’s the best concert you guys had?

Carmelo: Perhaps here in Rome some time ago. People were very warm.

Miusika: What do you think of cover bands? Do they negatively influencing the live music scene?

Carmelo: I don’t know. I’ve never thought about it in those terms. They play for money, the venues gather more people and everyone is happy. It has never stalled us in any way.

Miusika: What is the ugliest episode you remember since the band was formed.

Carmelo: It’s not an episode but a period; certainly when we were forced to leave C. Media. Not because it was a great loss, quite the contrary! But because it was on bad terms, contracts excision, then signing a new one, etc.

Miusika: Is there anything you want to change in the rock and metal scene in Italy?

Carmelo: No, is pitifully as it is, and that is how it should stay

Miusika: Who do you think has been a determinant factor in the Italian music, who do you think has been overestimated and underestimated?

Carmelo: Determinant: Necrodeath and Schizo. Overestimated: no one. All the other groups I could mention that are defined as overestimated in real fact abroad are not even known. Which is good.

Let them feel big at the Gods Of Metal festival, nobody care anywhere else!

Then there are exceptions like for the Lacuna Coil, which deserve much more than what they have achieved. But it comes into play the Anglo-Saxon hegemony and the living limitation of not been in Los Angeles. Which is alas, essential!

Miusika: what recent release would you recommend?

Carmelo: Radiohead “In Rainbows”

Miusika: We’ve celebrated like crazy on the night of July 9, 2006, isn’t it?

Carmelo: Oh, yeah! I lived again the 1982 Spain excitement, but it wasn’t the same thing. There was that fucking “po-po-po” that only a dickhead nation like ours could be adopted as the cry of victory.

“Ale-oo” was quite another thing, more mystical and hypnotizing. Anyway it was amazing!

Miusika: One thing that you wouldn’t do again?

Carmelo: Nothing I can think at the moment!

Miusika: Who would you go on tour with?

Carmelo: Radiohead, but only so I can see them every night!

Miusika: would you rewrite the soundtrack of a movie, which one if so? Obviously in a Novembre style.

Carmelo: Perhaps “1984” directed by Michael Radford.

Miusika: What are considering as your biggest inspirations? And what about the other members?

Carmelo: I will give you only few names: Pink Floyd, Paradise Lost, Dan Swano, Radiohead, Battiato, Slayer.

The other band members are not here with me right now, but after all we have similar tastes.

Miusika: Can you tell me 3 books’ titles that have been to you?

Carmelo: Never read a book in my life. I watch the movies.

I would say: “1984” by Orwell, “V for Vendetta“, “Zeitgeist” (only on-line), “September Clues” (only on-line), “Earthlings” (only on-line), the Krzysztof Kieslowski trilogy “Trois couleurs“, “Matrix,” “Vanilla Sky“…

Miusika: Carmelo, your guys have been around for a while. Could you tell us some highlights of your career? Let’s say the key points.

Carmelo: I would say, the debut album (Wish I Could Dream It Again… 1995) that according to many really went over the heads of the old school Italian metal heads and it has raised the standards of the Italian scene.

Then the international leap with Century Media and the European tour with Moonspell, Kreator, Opeth and Katatonia.

Then the revival with the Peaceville and the consequential international reintroduction of “Materia” but especially of “The Blue”, an album that averaged 9 out of 10 votes anywhere.

Miusika: future targets?

Carmelo: Oh, there’s still so much to do, to say, to play!

Miusika: Do you have scheduled dates in Italy or abroad?

Carmelo: Yes, there’s a lot going on that front to. We have had tons of dates here in Italy and we are adding more. We will be playing at summer festivals around Europe, and we’re working on a European tour for next fall. Keep an eye on our on myspace postings (http://www.myspace.com/novembre1).

Miusika: Well guys the torture is over. Thanks for your time, on behalf of Well guys the torture is over. Thanks for your time, on behalf of Webzine Miusika and keep carrying the Italian metal’s flag in a worthy manner as you have done till now. Awesomenessand keep carrying the Italian metal’s flag in a worthy manner as you have done till now. Awesomeness!

Carmelo: Thanks to you

Sirio (maggio 2008)       translation by Barbara Burgio