In this interview feature, we chat with Andy Oliveri about influences, movtivation, the latest project and more.
Full Q&A, links and streams can be found below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Hi, we’re Andy Oliveri and the Mountaineers and we’re a band from Cheltenham. As difficult as it is to define what you’re creating, we’re working towards a sound that equally reflects each members individual musical history, but experimenting with new noise and recording techniques along the way. A lot of our ’sound’ is breaking down the walls of what is considered the normal, challenging ourselves but hopefully the listener too.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
From our first sessions together the band seemed a natural fit, all sharing the common goal to better ourselves as musicians through the songs we write, but more importantly to enjoy the process. All being on the same page acts as it’s own motivation as we’re still pushing ourselves and searching for inspiration when we spend time writing or rehearsing. It’s a great feeling.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
With the new record (Call Them Brothers) the aim was to take these little acoustic songs I had written, deconstruct them and build them into these new characters. When I first wrote ‘Ohio’ it was just acoustic guitar, vocal and was about nine verses long. Myself and Harry set ourselves the challenge one night to re-write the song, banning any acoustic guitars from the session. We were up till about 4am, totally out of our minds, but the finished demo was such an awakening in terms of the direction these songs could take themselves in. That night really set the tone for the record and the new found freedom in the arrangements we were working on.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
I think the ‘digital’ debate has its pros and cons for musicians at any level. You tend to hear a lot of musicians talk about the negatives that streaming services provide, but I think it’s really important as an independent musician to be aware of the benefits these platforms can also offer and how this ties in with your audience. The internet can provide a great insight to your music for new listeners as well as meeting the demands of those fans who prefer to digest their music in the digital format.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
Our latest video for ‘Where Wild Flowers Grow Fondly’ is on YouTube now and you can head over to www.andyoliveri.com for links to all our social media pages. The new record ‘Call Them Brothers’ is out March 3rd on limited edition vinyl and digitally. Pre-orders are available through istartedthefire records now.
Anything else before we sign off?
We’re heading out on a headline tour in April to promote the album which we’re really excited about. It won’t be your usual rock-show and we’re working on some really cool stuff we can’t wait to share.
