Interview with Anais Drago
- Written by Cathy Morris
It came to me one day when doing some musical contemplating
what might others think?
So I thought why not ask?
And I reached out.
And they answered.
THE INTERVIEW 12
– a series of questions –
next up – Anais Drago
• How Do You Describe Your Music?
AD: I think I’m too young to know it. In these last five years I changed my way of playing at least ten times. ”Changed” is maybe the wrong word: it’s more about evolving than changing. But, at the same time, evolution brings some changes! Anyway, I could say that I’m constantly the result of my previous experiences, that means, as for music, a melting pot of classical training, Irish and country folk music, deep love for rock – progressive sounds, curiosity towards avant-garde and electronics, fascination to jazz improvisation.
• What’s Your Latest Project?
AD: I’ve been working with a band project (Anais Drago & The Jellyfish) and with a solo project in these last two years (if we consider 2020…should we consider it?!?). The first one is a septet and we move around jazz – rock – radical improvisation. We all love Frank Zappa, just to give you an idea. The solo project is actually divided in two: an ”electric one”, with effects and loop-station and the other one with acoustic violin. Actually the acoustic one is much more experimental than the first one! I’m also working on a new duo (piano – violin) for the next year…if we ever go back to life again!
• Do You Play More Than One Instrument? Do You Recommend That?
AD: Unfortunately not…I can play some easy stuff on guitar and mandolin, and I enjoy singing (as backing vocals for example). But what I usually do is trying to play on my violin pretending to play another instrument. I’ve been listening to other instruments much more than violinists, so I kind of ”know” how to play them, even if in the reality I cannot. But I always transfer all this knowledge on my violin.
• Who Are Some Other Players You’ve Enjoyed Collaborating With?
AD: Most of my collaborations have been with Italian musicians (or foreign ones but living in Italy): on my website you can find the complete list, but I would say that I really enjoyed playing with each one of them. Maybe I’m just lucky…
• Who would you like to play with that you haven’t?
AD: Too many! I’d like to meet some of my favorite musicians, as Pat Metheny and Mike Stern. I’d love to play with Snarky Puppy as well, and with hundreds of other bands I love!!!
• Where Has Been One of Your Favorite Places to Perform?
AD: I’ll quote Toscanini saying that music has to be played in theaters…outside is fine for playing bowls!
• Favorite Gear?
AD: Well. I’ve been using some Yamaha (with which I have a collaboration) instruments in these last two years. I have an electric violin who perfectly suits my hands, and a multi-effect (Helix line 6) that allows me to explore hundreds of different sounds. My electric solo project is made of these three elements (electric violin, Helix and Boss loop station). Of course I also have an acoustic violin, from 1926, that is actually the only violin I had since I was ‘’adult size’’.
• Fav Summer Camps or Educational Opportunities?
AD: I really enjoyed Umbria jazz, in 2014, when I was at the beginning of my ”jazz practice”and I spent two weeks in Perugia, between amazing concerts and lessons. In 2018 I won an artistic residency and lived for a couple of months in Bangkok. In this damned 2020 I also won other two artistic residencies in Rome, getting in touch with fabulous musicians from all Italy. But I’m an enthusiastic person, so I usually get really excited of every experience I do!
• Who do you like to listen to?
AD: I usually listen to something I never heard before. And if an album hits me from the very first listening, then I’ll listen to it again for sure. I like listening to the new releases, especially of Italian artists, who are (in theory) my closest colleagues and I think is important to be aware of what they do and to support each others. Then, my heart is close to some specific albums or songs, most of the time related to my childhood – teenage period.
• What Do You Recommend to an aspiring Improviser?
AD: I would tell him/her that improvising is much more natural than performing something you’ve been practicing on. It’s like finding something we had and we lost. I would recommend to listen to as much music as possible, to be curious, to be ready to go further conventional recommendations. To be brave!
• How Do You Overcome Self Conscience Playing?
AD: Actually the stage is the best situation to me. I can really give all myself, in terms of music but also in terms of emotions. I think that live performance gives me the right energy.
• Any Other Tips On Performance Practices?
AD: When you’re at home, practice. When you’re on stage, play.
• Final thought: philosophy, quote…anything at all…
AD: Some time ago a journalist asked me why I was playing improvised music. I told him that maybe it’s because, for my personal disposition, I always try to have everything under control, except when I’m playing. It’s my way to be free, to let
everything go.
Listen to some Anais here: