:Faith and the Muse:
Well, this is my first interview after a year of Silence...
how marvellous starting with a Band I totally appreciate for their superb Artistical research...time to discover "Vera Causa", and something more...

Simona

*special thanx to Ascension :-)
pictures by Flavio Furlan

- I'd like to start asking your impressions about your last European acoustic tour "Vera Causa".
Monica: We had a great time, though it wasn't really a tour, more a vacation with some shows added!
- An acoustic tour like the one with the same name of 1997. Personally, I found your exhibition (I'm talking about the show in Igea Marina) something I can hardly describe with words a "dream-journey" maybe could be the right term to describe what I felt well, sure, your Art is absolutely emotional also when you play with the full band on stage but that totally acoustic set was something more "intimate", a sort of "celebration".I will never forget it I was wondering what do u prefer, if performing with the Band or as duo, if in big places or small clubs?
Monica: What kind words! I think both aspects are equally satisfying. I enjoy the full show because the theatrical element is more in focus, the emotional spectrum of our music is brought out. With the acoustic shows, though, I can really sing and enjoy the songs for what they are, I can travel through them comfortably.
William: Both are a part of what we do, so both are equal in value to us.
- And "Vera Causa - night and morning" double CD is going to be released next week: live pieces, rarities, covers (how forget "Romeo's distress"!) and also remixes. How was the collaboration with Metropolis born? If I'm not wrong, this is the first time that remixes appear on a Faith&theMuse release, how was the collaboration with Thomas Rainer of L'Ame Immortelle born?
William: We received an offer from Metropolis, and after years of doing it on our own, we finally decided that it would be wise to leave this part of the business to someone with muscle. Running labels for so long, we actually had no time to make music -- we were always chasing distributors for payment or working on press or radio -- it left no time to create. For the remixes, we wanted to work with different people -- not the "usual" crowd of remix artisits. We used friends of ours, and Thomas is a friend. We are thrilled with the results.
- I read in the news that there will be a release party, including an acoustic exhibition on the 23rd of October.and that will be the last concert for this year.then, are you going to write new material? Or maybe dedicating more time to your other creative activities?
Monica: Both! We have a new album to work on, but we both have side projects to fulfill - me with writing, William with producing other bands.
William: We'll be entering the studio to begin a new album sometime in January or so.
- I adore Faith&The Muse under every aspect: you are completely into "Art" (the artworks and the lyrics full of an enchanting Symbolism, the aesthetical choice, the wide range of influences in the music.). According to my sensations, you succeed in creating "another dimension", that "perfect" World which is a perfect marriage between fascinating aspects of the Past, of Mythology and Art, where dreamers love to refuge to avoid to succumb to the insanity of grey daily life .what would we be without Art and Dreams?!
Monica: You have just described what we do in a way I could not, and I thank you for that amazing perspective! I view art and music and any act of creation in a more mystic sense, I try very much to view these abilities and ends through our ancestor's eyes, rather than a commodity with which to make money, as a great deal of art and music is made for that very reason and marketed towards certain age-groups/societal sectors. I want very much to bring a deeper sense of life, a reminder of the past, an idea of legacy to those who hear our music. There is a timelessness in some musics, whether it's a lyric or just the melody, that can speak without words... It also reminds one that in the scope of things, what is happening in our lives right now will pass on to better times, the cycle repeats itself...
William; To answer the final part of your question: normal. Ordinary. Lifeless.
- Ohhhhh and I see, also on "The Studio" Monica's website, a great passion for cats. such cute and mysterious creatures.
Monica: Yes, I adore them, the song "In Dreams of Mine" was written for our cat, Tish, who was also painted on the cover of "Annwyn".
- "Annwyn, beneath the waves" (and consequently "The Book of Annwyn" by Monica) was focused on Welsh Celtic Mythology (your origins. J ).though, there's a song I find very "actual" (or maybe it is just my "super-personal" interpretation of the song): "The hand of Man": "where man again destroys what man built." Well, self-destruction has born together with humans that's for sure.but everyday is getting worse and worse.cause-effect."child bring that hammer down!".I was wondering how is (for you) living in the USA in these days of madness and tension.
Monica: It is awful, but don't forget the horrors we as humans have had to deal with over the centuries, be it Hitler, the Black Plague, etc etc, We as humans have obviously not matured to the "Star Trek" ideal, we will continue to hate and to war on each other for thousands of years yet. If you view it through that perspective, you begin to see the cycle, and realize it's best to love those around you and enjoy your life as it comes...(holy words!! ndr)
- Once I read in an interview Monica quoting that marvellous piece of wisdom that is "Harold&Maude": "make every day a new experience, that's the essence of living".So true and so incomprehensible to the most people.but we have to go on, follow our individual path.that's in some way the message I got from your last album "Evidence of Heaven".
Monica: Oh, I get lost in my own personal dramas, don't think I am fully transcendent! But, I may remember the perspective more often, I have lost much from an early age, so I think I am able to breathe and appreciate things when they're good...
- Also concerning "Evidence of Heaven", "dance" often appears in the lyrics.has it a particular meaning?
Monica: How observant of you! Dance is more a symbol of "life" than anything else...
- And here comes the end: thank you very much for your time.it is simply great to have the chance to feature you in my webzine (and thanks to Alex).feel free to close this interview.
Monica: Thank you so much!
William: All the love...


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