SÜMELGA & AL VOX interview. Iconoclasta
Visionary artists and powerful performers: SÜMELGA and AL VOX reunite in "Iconoclasta" ("Iconoclast"), a track that shatters norms and conventions. We spoke with them to better understand the meaning of this work, their personal journeys, and what drives them to create art that leaves a mark.
Welcome back! Who are SÜMELGA today, and how has your artistic vision evolved since your beginnings?
Thank you very much for the space provided, and greetings to all readers. First of all, we must remember who Sümelga are: an eclectic band always ready to improve both musically and lyrically. The content must keep pace with the times and with the structures that accompany and surround us. This is how Sümelga try to keep up with the times day by day, evolving accordingly.
What personal or artistic event triggered the creation of "Iconoclasta"?
A phone call between Matteo L., Sümelga's singer, and Al Vox. While chatting, we composed almost the entire lyrics with the melody included. Al then materialized it into an iconoclastic track.
The word "iconoclasm" has religious and historical origins. What does it represent for you today?
An unscrupulous and irreverent critic.
How do you think a song like "Iconoclasta" can also speak to an international audience?
We believe there are many people around the world who want to destroy and debunk myths left and right. Aside from the language barrier, the theme is quite universal.
Have you ever thought about translating or adapting your songs for the foreign market?
No, it's not something we've ever worried about. But not because we're not interested in a foreign audience, but simply because we, in our small way, struggle to be heard by locals. One step at a time and slowly we will also cross borders, but the time to think about it has not yet come.
What is your creative process when working on a new track? Do you start from a concept, a sound, or an emotion?
Inspiration comes from everywhere, you just have to know how to grasp it. Never take anything for granted and try to find a reason for every stimulus that surrounds us. That's how the writing of a song begins. Every single vibration, every single emotion, every single inspiration.
Do you have a ritual or habit before you start writing or producing?
No, I don't have rituals in general.
What is the boundary between art and provocation, in your opinion?
None. If art doesn't have a small percentage of provocation, it's pure propaganda or, worse, rhetoric.
Before we say goodbye, please leave a direct message to Ukrainian readers who are encountering your music for the first time. What would you like them to remember about you and "Iconoclasta"?
First of all, I would like to thank you again for the space. And we thank the Ukrainian listeners who are dedicating their time to us at this moment, even though we believe they have much more to think about than listening to Sümelga. But even a small listen is fundamental for us; making music, for us, is trying to share, to unite, or simply to keep company. In dark times like these, Sümelga would like to bring some light with our art and we hope to succeed. After all, no matter how long the night may be, it will never prevent the sun from rising. Greetings, Sümelga
AL VOX:
Did you ever imagine that your voice would be at the center of such a powerful and impactful track?
No, in truth, I don't have a burning desire to think about what position my voice might have in a song, whether mine or a feature. What I seek is the "No Stop" of creativity. Only the people can decide if the product has value.
Is there a personal message you wanted to convey with your interpretation in "Iconoclasta"?
"I am an Iconoclast."
You are a well-rounded artist; how much of yourself do you put into your personal tracks versus collaborations with others? Your imprint is definitely felt.
Every song for me is like a child. In collaboration or as a soloist, I want my child to be heard and well-regarded.
