Introduction: Due to time constraints as regular individuals running Witching Buzz and focusing primarily on writing reviews, we are limited to publishing only one (occasionally two) review(s) per day. However, we strongly believe in providing greater exposure to deserving bands and musicians who have put in immense effort. As a result, we have launched a new section called “Witching Riffs: Behind the Sound.” In this section, we have crafted a series of intriguing questions that we pose to every band or musician who wishes to share more about their unique projects. While the questions remain the same for each participant, the diversity among bands ensures that the answers will be fascinating and diverse. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating journey as we delve into the minds and stories of these talented artists.
Dune Aurora / Italy
What drew you to the immersive and hypnotic sounds? How do you aim to captivate your listeners with this genre?
We started listening to this kind of music when we were in our twenties, coming from different backgrounds (70s rock, grunge, metal and punk) and we literally fell in love. The immersive experience of an album and even more of a live show is something we couldn’t live without ever since. Captivating your listeners is very important. We aim at this by doing repetitive riffs and rhythmic patterns, but one has to always keep an eye on melody.
Can you share the story behind your band name? How does it reflect the essence of your music?
The name Dune Aurora came in late 2020 after reading an article on the internet about a new type of aurora borealis just discovered by scientists, which is dune-shaped. We liked the juxtaposition of the word dune, associated with the desert and low-latitude regions and the aurora borealis, a phenomenon typical of northern countries. In our head that was evocative of our way of putting together our different backgrounds, of the dynamics of our songs as well as of their variety.
What are some unconventional or unexpected influences that have shaped your unique blend?
Our love for foreign languages and cultures, exploring other ways of thinking and see the world, which came from reading, watching movies, talking to people and traveling shaped us as human beings and consequently as musicians. Also, as we mentioned before, we have different backgrounds: some of us used to be more into punk rock, some into metal, grunge or hard rock and this still has an impact on how we see and do music. We think the outcome is interesting when we write songs.
How do you approach creating expansive and atmospheric soundscapes? What techniques or methods do you employ to achieve that signature vibe?
We rely a lot on effect pedals. Sometimes we shape the atmospheric parts around them, sometimes it’s the other way around, we let ourselves be inspired by a particular effect and we create the music on it. Also, being able to pass from clean to fuzzy tones is key for us. Another important thing are the long vocal parts, which is something that we’re doing more and more lately, since we all sing and have different vocal timbres.
Are there specific themes or emotions you seek to convey through your music? How do alternative music help you express those concepts effectively?
Liberating from the constraints of modern society, looking for freedom, the dichotomy between the urban life as opposed to nature and its quiet. Also empowering people through artistic expression and exploring your inner self through music.
Share a remarkable moment or incident from your journey as a band that exemplifies the spirit of your music.
Two of us, Serena and Ginny, started playing together in another city when they were kids. Meeting again, both living in Turin after some years with very similar ideas about music and on this new project has been quite extraordinary. It was as if we never stopped playing together. Ideas about the sound and the rhythmic parts, those are things that we carry for many years you know, and now we have the chance of sharing them. The spirit behind our music could be described by the immediateness that comes from the rhythmic choices and the emotional transport given by the powerful sounds of the guitar and the bass. We like to share the energy of more rhythmic songs with the audience as well as creating moments of magical atmosphere.
In what ways do you envision your music progressing or evolving in the future? Are there any new elements or experimental approaches you’d like to incorporate?
We would like to stay in constant evolution, so we continuously experiment with new gear (amps, effects).
Is there a particular song in your discography that perfectly encapsulates the essence of your music? Please elaborate on its creation and significance.
Perhaps our latest single, Fire. We are very proud of the way we managed to put together melodic parts and rhythmic patterns, alternating heavy, cadenced parts with a rhythmic chorus, along with the lyrics that evokes the burdens and the heaviness of life through the symbolic image of someone carrying fire.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known artists within your music genre realm that you find inspiring or deserving of more recognition? Feel free to share their names and what you appreciate about their work.
There are for sure many great bands in Northern Italy. Although they are very well known in our scene, they certainly deserve more recognition. To name a few: Isaak, Temple Of Deimos, Burn the Ocean, Holy Giant, Treehorn, Space Paranoids, Sator, Tons, Blue Lies, Godzilla was too drunk to destroy Tokyo, Hecho Mierda, Fear the Beards.
What do you hope listeners experience or feel when they immerse themselves in your compositions? Is there a specific mood or sensation you aim to evoke?
We think every person enjoys music in their own way, we wouldn’t say we have particular expectations, we are just very happy to share our music.
Turbo Regime:
– Fuzz or distortion? – Fuzz, forever and ever.
– Analog or digital effects? – Analog.
– Sabbath or Zeppelin? – Both.
– Heavy riff or mind-bending solo? – Heavy riffs!!!
– Vintage gear or modern equipment? – Vintage gear in general. Sometimes vintage-inspired modern gear can be preferable for live shows though, because it’s more reliable and less delicate, better for transportation.
Label: Octopus Rising
PR: Grand Sounds Promotion
