“And the Stars Above” is the most recent release from the Italian duo Armonite, the courageous celebration of two classically trained musicians, Paolo Fosso and Jacopo Bigi, in their quest to transform traditional symphonic serious music into the coolest rock music on the planet. They have massively succeeded.
Composer Paolo Fosso writes the compositions and plays the keys while Jacopo Bigi plays both acoustic and electric violin. Although most of their songs have little or no vocals, their messages or themes engulfed in the songs manage to present themselves and evoke passion, excitement and vibrancy in a strange addictive way.
I shared some questions and answers with Paolo regarding the release and music in general. His music is sincere and heartfelt, as I’d his answers. It has been noted by those whom have reviewed the album that listening to his music is like being stuck inside a video game somewhere in the universe…..
What makes your music so powerful!?
We take a few snippets from the world and try to stuff them all in a box. But when the box is full and you keep on pushing more stuff, then the box blows up. And that’s our way to be powerful, I guess. [laughs]
If you could perform on stage with any artist in the world whom would it be and why?
That would be Plini, his musicality is even greater than his virtuosity.
Does the political climate of the world influence your compositions?
Undirectly, because we draw our inspiration from the world around us. Politics decides where our society is heading, political leaders know they can change the world for better or for worse. They should always remember every person has a soul, and no one deserve to be trampled on their rights.
What would you say to promote your music and evoke the fans to buy your newest release?
Instrumental rock for electric violin, keyboards, bass, and drums. No vocals, no guitars. Plus electronics, classical, and world music, topping of progressive metal and a pinch of pop culture. Isn’t that curious enough? [laughs]
“And the Stars Above” is a journey through 12 tracks, starting with “The March of the Stars” inspired by Dante’s Paradise and ending with “Ghosts”. The album also features two bonus tracks: a piece for piano solo, “The Fire Dancer”, and the String Quartet “A Playful Day”.
The sound of the album is more oriented to soundtrack music with textures that feel very immediate. We consume tons of music every day, we can’t just stick to one genre. Generally speaking, the album is rock, but with this idea of soundtrack music.
Any touring plans yet?
We’re going to tour with our show in September, playing originals from our albums and soundtrack covers in violin rock from the most popular movies and video games: Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, Pirates of the Caribbean, Skyrim, Metal Gear Solid, Halo, Final Fantasy, and many others!
New single or video?
‘By heart’ includes a folk, medieval-flavored melody for acoustic/electric violin and ROLI Seaboard Rise with a strong electronic component, but no set pattern for bass and drums, which were recorded by Alberto Fiorani and Emiliano Cava. Cristina De Rosa choreographed and danced the entire track, she’s been a great partner to work with. We’re definitely happy with the final result, the video goes from a tranquil state over an opening heartbeat to a fusion of EDM and Trip-Hop.
Website: www.armonite.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/armonitemusic
Twitter: twitter.com/armonitemusic
Instagram:www.instagram.com/armonitemusic
Bandcamp:armonite.bandcamp.com
Soundcloud:soundcloud.com/armonite
YouTube:www.youtube.com/channel/UCc2jTstKBeJe0BI6o1pLGLA
