Das Leben ist nicht immer fair – oder warum hat sich The Most Serene Republic hierzulande nicht wie viele andere kanadischen Kollektivbands eine größere Fanbasis erspielt? Und das wo doch alle Zeichen dank toller Alben und Support-Shows für die großartigen Broken Social Scene auf Erfolg standen. Naja, wohl auch irgendwie unsere Schuld, dass die Band seit der Veröffentlichung ihres neusten Albums “…And The Ever Expanding Universe” im Herbst des letzten Jahres nicht nach Deutschland zu Live-Auftritten kam. Aber zumindest in dieser Hinsicht machte uns Adrian im Interview Hoffnung – viel Spaß mit unserem Interview mit The Most Serene Republic!

1.) Band facts
 
– Name: The Most Serene Republic
– Band members: Ryan Lenssen, Adrian Jewett, Simon Lukasavich, Sean Woolven, Adam Balsam.
– Founding year: 2004
– Residence: Toronto
– Current album: …And the Ever-Expanding Universe
 
2.) Questionnaire:
 
– How did you become a band at first?
Through a general fascination and ethereal respect for the other-worldly escapism it allowed us in high school. Romantic times with romantic music.
– How did you come up with your band name, what’s the meaning for you?
Ryan learned about it at MacMaster University where he was taking music. It’s from the sobriquet of Venice, Italy in the 15th century. The Most Serene Republic of Venice.
– Which musical influences do you have?
Alot of old stuff and some new. I am very picky as to what I enjoy. Modern Classical music, jazz, anything with hot melodies.
– What are you as a band doing at the moment?
Working on an EP slated for a March release.
– With which person would you like to work together and why?
I would love to work with Peter Gabriel on a track. I think it would be kinky.
– Could you tell a bit how the production of “…And The Ever Expanding Universe” took place (where, how long, what were the difficulties)?
It was recorded in Prince Edward County with Dave Newfeld. It lasted for about 8 months. And yes, there is always difficulties with this kind of lifestyle.
– How do your songs normally come into existence?
Through our imaginations.
– How is the work split in your band, as you are seven people it must be very chaotic in the studio?
We pile our personalities and ideas one on top of the other to an eventual hybrid of what we all enjoy with sound.
– I read that you always have like a theme for each album – could you tell what themes were for the last and the new records?
Underwater Cinematographer was about denial. Population was about anger. And the latest is about acceptance.
– How do you come up with them? Are they discussed as a group?
They happen with how everything happens – afterwards. Without trying, the universe has its own plan for you, out of your control really. All you really want to do is cross that room on fire and grab a glass of water.
– How would you see the development of your music and lyrics in “…And The Ever Expanding Universe” to your past records?
They represent a new self, and break away from the past self.
– Our favourite song of the album is “Heavens To Purgatory” – could you tell what it is about, how it was done and if there is a story behind it?
It’s about the obsession with sin and this place you will go to if you commit enough sin. I’m frankly tired of the whole notion of heaven and hell. It’s so insane that it makes me depressed. Live for yourself and those you love and love you in return. I refuse to make my life an exam. An experiment yes, a celebration yes, but not a fucking circle of suffering. That’s when I’ll leave.
– The video for the song is also very nice – could you tell how it was done, what the idea behind it was?
It’s a secret.
– As your new album was released here some time ago – we were wondering if there is a chance that you will be back in Germany playing the new songs live – are there plans for this?
There is such a need to do this as Germany has beautiful people, beautiful landscapes, and such a deep respect for the arts. The support is unbelievable.
– How did you get signed with Arts & Crafts?
Fate, luck and emails.
– What is touring like with a band of seven individuals?
Extremely personal at all times.
– How do you see the Canadian music scene? What is special about it?
It’s eclectic. It’s diverse. Always accepting of good things.
– Was it always a dream of yours to be musicians or did you also have other plans if it would not have went well? What would they have been?
My dream was always to live with the highest ideals of the art of living – writing to report on it.
– Your 3 top albums 2009? Why?
None.
– What did you learn 2009?
Life can be pain if you choose so. It can be joy if you choose so.
– Your best personal experience in 2009?
The end of it. That year was hell.
– Your plans for 2010?
Heaven.
– What’s on your rider?
Booze and candy. Vegetables and socialites.
– How would “your Bedroomdisco” look like?
Tons of cocaine.
– Which song makes you dance – independent of the situation?
Too many to name.
– Which song would fit to your feeling/situation in this moment?
Slow, honest folk. John Denver.
– Who did fill out this questionnaire?
Adrian Jewett

Thank you Adrian for the interview! We are looking forward to see you in Germany soon…

httpvh://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTdO4VwhtHw&feature=related