Contact:
Michael Leidig
Phone: +43 (0)1 917 51 18
E-Mail: leidig@newsfox.com
- croatia
- austria
- music
| Pressbox | 
|
Vienna (pte035/11.06.2013/15:48) - Croatian rock and pop singer/songwriter Gibonni is looking to conquer the Austrian market with his first ever English language album.
20th Century Man, released on June 21 by Vienna-based publisher Pate Records, follows on from his success in Croatia where he has sold over half a million CDs making him one of the biggest stars in the Balkans.
We catch up with him as he prepares for his June 20th concert at Vienna's Chaya Fuera:
1. What was your main goal when you decided to release an album in Austria?
That was a huge challenge and privilege for me. Austria is an address you can't miss even if you are as big as Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, U2 or The Rolling Stones. It is an honour for everyone to be accepted onto the Austrian market which has a huge cultural tradition in music. Austrians have written some of most important pages in the history of the world's music.
2. Why did you decide to record it in English and not in German?
Because the European Community is like the Tower of Babylon. There are so many different cultures and languages. English is the language of communication. Also, the mother tongue of rock and roll is English. And in addition to Austria, the album "20th Century Man" has been released in Germany, Italy, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Hungary, etc.
3. Do you expect support and interest from the Croatian or Balkan communities in Austria?
I think that lots of Croatian students studying music, architecture or business in Vienna or Graz might have an interest in coming to my concerts in Austria. But my goal is to also introduce native Austrians to my music so they become familiar with it.
4. Do you count on those who miss 1980s music coming, too?
Have you ever seen someone who replaced guys like Prince, Peter Gabriel, Freddie Mercury... I can't see anyone despite trying very hard.
5. Who were the artists that inspired you?
While growing up I was influenced by many enormously talented people: Peter Gabriel, Robert Plant, Sting....
6. Do you like the work of some Austrian musicians?
In Austria, every few years, there is a hit song that crosses the border and spreads across Europe. I am not able to talk about Austrian pop and rock music because I am much more informed about the jazz scene in Austria. And of course by a long-haired composer from Salzburg who is the most played and most influential composer ever - Mozart.
7. What kind of atmosphere do you expect in Chaya Fuera at your concert on 20th June?
I expect a great atmosphere. For me, the concert in Vienna is like a kind of derby. We'll do our best to make it great with the help of my label Pate Records. I love Mario Rossori and his people at Pate Records as they are very enthusiastic. I respect people who still do this business with love.
(end)
|
|
