Capside

Interview with Martino Faedda, the guitarist of Capside and Pete Devine of Pete’s Rock News and Views (https://petesrocknewsandviews.com)

PD: How would you describe yourself or your band as an artist?

MF: Like an architect in search of beauty. Ours is a small obsession, that of trying to build songs in which music, structure, lyrics are a spark ready to amaze the listener. Building a song is equivalent to building a cathedral, even if it lasts three minutes.

PD: Can you tell us briefly about your background – i.e. where you’re from, how you came to make music, etc.

MF: We are a small provincial band, born and raised on the splendid island of Sardinia, far from the center of the empire, therefore. In our land music has always had a fundamental importance and when we were born we simply tried to match many others who were already playing. Everyone had already gained experience with other bands and with other genres but the passion for eclectic, strange, different and original music united us.

PD: Who and what inspires you to make music, both in terms of musical and other influences? What do you like to write about in your songs?

MF: The influence of the big 70s bands is undeniable but we always try to maintain a certain originality and integrity. Over the years we’ve added layers of other things, jazz, sophisticated pop and who knows what else. Valentina (our singer) often says “if you don’t know what to write about, write about yourself”. Her writing is in fact very autobiographical, she talks about everyday life, then enriched with stories, sometimes fantastic, surreal.

PD: What are your aspirations as an artist?

MF: The greatest desire is to reach people’s hearts but there is a challenge to overcome: that of being first and foremost satisfied with one’s music.

PD: What is the proudest moment in your music career so far?

MF: When we attended a national festival and compared ourselves to other bands from all over the country. There we realized that as a group we are not so bad. People would stop us on the street to compliment us, great!

PD: Promoting one’s music is such a challenge these days, especially with so many new artists emerging from bedrooms in the day of the home studio. How is that going?

MF: It’s not that bad, the internet has opened up boundless spaces and possibilities. Sure, it’s all very difficult but with a little patience and work you can reach a larger audience.

PD: And how do you book and promote your live shows and tours? Any performances coming up?

MF: For sure! The new record “Ladyesis” has just been released and we already have some dates for the fall.

PD: What do you think about downloading music online? What about streaming sites like Spotify?

MF: I think you can’t fight against such a giant and it’s also useless. We, however, pressed our record in vinyl and cd formats, the old-school way.

PD: What song do you wish you’d written and why?

MF: Mamma mia, there are so many! As part of the Progressive Rock “And you and I” by Yes. The chord progression is simply brilliant. But then also “Gaucho” by Steely Dan, with a classy refrain. Or “She said she said” by the Beatles, with its lopsided movement stolen from Oasis (ah, no, it’s the other way around). But I also think of “The Sweetest Girl” version of Madness or Scritti Politti, which I like because it makes me dream. I could go on for a week…

PD: Is there anything you don’t like about the music industry, which you would change if you could?

MF: I’d like to go back to “played” music. If this continues, the guitar and drums will look like antiques, good for gathering dust.

PD: So, what are you working on at the moment?

MF: We are promoting the new work in every way but we already have other music in the drawer. It is too funny!

PD: Where can we learn more about you and buy your music/merch online?

MF: You can reach us on our Facebook page /CapsideSardinia. Leave us a message and we will ship our record worldwide. Also check out our Bandcamp page capside1.bandcamp.com/music.