In our April issue we previewed the 2015 Vans Warped Tour. One band who stood out was the Svetlanas. This Russian band is constantly on the road and has toured with everyone from The Dwarves, The Dickies, TSOL, The Adolescents and more. Originally from Russia, the band was banned and now lives in Italy. They were signed to Altercation Records and released their new album Naked Horse Rider in June.
In April we heard their single “Tales From the Alpha Brigade” and realized this was one of the most intense acts on Warped Tour this year. They are somewhere between an explosion going off in your face and a battle in your brain. Led by Olga this act is a primal scream of energy. We were privileged to get an e-mail interview with Olga. For info visit https://www.svetlanas.su
FEMMUSIC: Can you describe your songwriting technique?
O: I take note of what come up to my mind and write down on any piece of paper that I have on hand. 50% of Naked Horse Rider has been wrote on toilet paper.
FEMMUSIC: What music did you listen to growing up? Who most influenced your desire to perform?
O: Punk and hardcore, hardcore and punk music. More than who I would say I’ve been influenced by a personal need to express my anger.
FEMMUSIC: What was the biggest challenge making your album Naked Horse Rider?
O; The biggest challenge was to were able to release it and don’t get any sort of ban so far.
FEMMUSIC: Tell me about Altercation Records. How did you find them? Why did you sign with them? How has it been working with them?
O; We met Travis of Altercation Records during our first US tour a couple of years ago, we met him again for the second tour there and we found out we really liked each others professionally. It’s easy to respect someone who works his ass off for what he loves. Why Altercation, ’cause it’s a cool DIY reality and they kick ass.
FEMMUSIC: You are a dedicated touring band. You’ve been touring a lot. What is the biggest challenge for you touring?
O; Touring is the funniest and hardest part at the same time. The challenge is to perform at our best and transmit our anger to the audience every night.
FEMMUSIC: Whom would you most like to tour with or collaborate with?
O: Elvis Presley but he’s dead.
FEMMUSIC: One reason we’re talking is because you’re going to be playing Vans Warped Tour. What are you goals with playing it?
O: Our mission is to bring the right dose of old school punk music to many kids that probably doesn’t know what old school punk is.
FEMMUSIC: You make a point of saying that you’ve been banned from Russia. I was wondering how has the transition been from Russia to Italy. Do you miss anything?
O: If I’m not welcome in a place how can I miss it? I’ve all I need everywhere ’cause I carry the most important cultural traditions inside me.
FEMMUSIC: As a woman in the music industry have you been discriminated against?
O: The hardcore punk music scene tends to be male dominated BTW it’s hard to discriminate me for this reason, you’ll see I’m way worse than a man.
FEMMUSIC: What one thing would you like to change about the music industry?
O: Music industry it’s made of sharks and honest people both. There’s nothing I can change but hey! I’m going to get medieval on your ass sharks!
