Having more than 20 years in discography, Mono have decided to celebrate it with one more live record, which t was recorded in London’s Barbican Center with the Platinum Anniversary Orchestra. The record is called "Beyond the Past"and Vangelis Giannakopoulos took advantage of the new record to have a discussion with the band about the new record and the band in general.
Rockoverdose: Back in 2007 you have visited Greece and you have performed an astonishing live in An Club. I remember that after the show we discussed that it would be great if we could see the band performing with an orchestra. Almost 15 years later we see one more recording of Mono with an orchestra. Is it something you keep discussing, or it is a natural continuity?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): Originally, what I had been picturing for the band sound is a fusion of spiritual and symphonic sound like Ennio Morricone, and guitar noise like My Bloody Valentine. But at our regular shows, we can't easily invite an orchestra so by trial and error, I've arranged to be able to play between the four of us.
We have a plan to release a live album every 10 years and we are honoured that we could have special shows like this with guest players each time.
Rockoverdose:In the “Beyond the past” event’s lineup we saw Boris and Envy but also Alcest and A.A Williams. May you tell us why you chose this specific lineup? For Boris and Envy it is quite obvious, how about Alcest and A.A Williams
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): All of them are our friends who we've been able to share tours and shows together thus far.
Everyone is talented, sincere in music, and on top of it all, our respectable companions who also do DIY and hardcore activities so we've asked them to join.
Rockoverdose: Having a discography that extends from “Under the Pipal Tree” to “Nowhere Now Here”, which was the criteria to choose songs for “Beyond the Past”?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): Having released 10 albums, it wasn't easy to select songs but we focused on choosing songs that resonate with our current hearts rather than just immersing ourselves in memories.
Rockoverdose:What has changed in Mono from “Holy Ground” to “Beyond the Past”?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): The biggest difference would be our new drummer Dahm joining the band. The way he drums opened up many possibilities in both composition and live performances.
We feel we managed to reach the rock sound we've been looking for for many years, that's more dramatic, emotional and louder.
Rockoverdose: We have seen you performing in very small clubs and very big venues with the same passion and always at the highest level, but what do you prefer more? Do you prefer small clubs or big venues?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): We've played in hundreds of small punk venues starting with New York's CBGB so now, we want to play in venues that are acoustically perfect.
Our feeling is still the same as when we were young but we want to be able to provide shows with the best quality sounds.
Rockoverdose:I have seen people crying and be devastated during your shows, or after the show they can hardly speak. Your music has a tremendous effect in your audience. What is the effect of the music expression in the band? Is it revealing or painful?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): We want to express new emotions and values you get after finishing fantastic movies or books with just music. For us, performing music is our joy and is also the only way to release our souls.
Rockoverdose: You are one of the most productive bands in terms of Art in general not only music. Do you think or feel that there is something you haven’t achieved yet and you will chaise it the next years?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): There are many things I want to try, like a new way of expressing, for example. I'm excited every day thinking about various ideas.
Till now, we've been busy with tours so I'm currently making the most out of the pandemic situation and doing a lot of experiments.
Rockoverdose: Having more than 20 years in the road, may you please share with us a moment you are really proud of and a moment you want to forget forever?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): On the night of the Barbican show, my body was still so excited and I couldn't fall asleep easily. It was like a feeling of finishing one long, long journey and I was filled with heartfelt joy.
It was one of the best days of my life.
Rockoverdose: Which are your musical influences?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): My Bloody Valentine, Beethoven, Ennio Morricone
Rockoverdose: Name 3 bands you would like to tour if you were about to start a tour tomorrow. To make it more difficult, except Envy, Boris and A.A. Williams
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): My Bloody Valentine, Shellac, Nils Frahm
Rockoverdose: Do you know any Greek band?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): Aphrodite’s Child
Rockoverdose: You have visited Greece quite a lot of times. May you share with us a moment you have enjoyed the most?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): Unfortunately due to the tour logistics, we always have to arrive on the show day and move onto the next country the next morning. Even meals, we eat at our venues and at this point, I don't really have many memories aside from our shows.
But the audience is truly fantastic. I'm always really looking forward to playing live in Greece and one day, I'd love to do sightseeing too. There are a lot of places I'd love to visit like the beautiful sea.
Rockoverdose: Anything you want to say to your Greek fans?
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): Thank you always for your support. I hope the world becomes safe again soon and I'm really looking forward to seeing everyone again!
Rockoverdose: I want to thank you one more time for your time. Keep it safe and hopefully we will see you soon in Greece.
Takakira "Taka" Goto (MONO): Thank you so much for your interview. Hope to see you soon!
For RockOverdose,
Vaggelis Giannakopoulos
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