Alek Vila : Press
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An Interview with Alek
Excerpt from an interview by Pascal Glasser of LabelTV.com:
February 28, 2005
LTV: What is your inspiration and motivation?
I feel deeply connected with the sadness and angst of the bands I listened to in the 80s and 90s, and this tends to show up strongly in my music. I also have a desire to express the learning I have experienced—the overcoming of my depression and anger to find peace.
My music explores darkness, but I am a positive person. That's something that my true fans understand about me and about my work. My music is uplifting, but you have to accept darkness and accept that it is also beautiful before you will understand me.
LTV: What we should know about your first album?
It's not an album for a casual party. My debut is better for the individual or group that is willing to dive deep and explore—it's not "entertaining". I can easily hear the struggle I have been through. Conflict is welcome to some (as a learning experience) and difficult for others to witness.
LTV: Why did you release on your own record label?
It was a self-selection process. There are reasons that I tell myself: I don't have a famous musical pedigree. I can be shy on stage. I can be insecure. I'm not interested in drugs or violence. None of these are real barriers, but for some reason, I just haven't persued a major label contract. I guess I haven't thought that anyone would be interested in working with me. Maybe someday I'll be signed to a big label someday. Who knows? Sometimes, "making a living" just seems like an obstacle to my musical growth. I'm still learning how to make music that I and others will enjoy.
LTV: Do you write and produce new songs?
Yes, I'm writing and producing new songs right now. I'm catching up after a long absence in the recording studio, and I'm recording material that needs to be released. I plan to add new songs to my website on a regular basis.
LTV: What you think about music business today?
I'm trying not to think too much about the music business, because it seems negative. A friend of mine recently handed me a British music magazine that didn't seem to be about the music at all—more about partying, sex and violence than anything else. I'm bored of hearing the same stories over and over again. I think that many people try hard to look like they're having fun when they're not. Is it really so valuable to pretend?
LTV: What you think what's going on with the old market and majors?
I went to a concert of The Cure recently, and I was really sad to see that one of my favorite bands didn't fill the stadium. The show was fantastic. I would love to see great music find an audience, but where did they go? Maybe, there are a lot of distractions. There's a lot of information being shared right now. The economy is tough, and many of us are struggling. We don't have the time or the inclination to become fans of musicians like we used to.
I think that collectively, we're experiencing tremendous growth and learning. One day, we may want to celebrate all that we have learned as individuals, and in that case, "big time" music will return to the world. Music is a way to share common ideas.
Right now, people do not agree as much as they used to. I think that's why the music magazines look so negative to me. Until people start bonding with love, the only thing left to bond us all together are the vices we have in common. We all understand the temptations. That's why the major labels and magazines focus on them with their marketing.
LTV: Is the independent way an opportunity or will this end in a big chaos?
Going independent makes sense to me right now. Someday it might make more sense to go with a major label. I am listening to my heart. Life is chaotic, but there is also order in chaos. I don't know what the future holds, but I have hope that people will come together to celebrate life. I hope that people come together to share some positive thoughts soon. Life is rich and interesting.