By Nicholas Jason Lopez
Ravenna, Italy-based dark electronic duo Shad Shadows recently released their third full-length album ‘Toxic Behaviours’ on tape by Wave Tension Records and on 12” vinyl by Young & Cold Records.
‘Toxic Behaviors’ is a concept album centered on the ideology that ritual is a necessary part of all societies, upon other fundamental themes.
Shad Shadows are vocalist/synthesist/drum machine operator Luca Bandini and synthesist/vocalist Alessandra Gismondi, whom bonded through a common love for obscure, electronic music and it wasn’t long before they were at work on original tunes themselves.
The Music Bugle had the opportunity to talk with Bandini about ‘Toxic Behaviours’ and more.
Music Bugle – What was it like putting together your album ‘Toxic Behaviours’?
Luca Bandini – It was written and recorded during the lockdown and I think the malaise is felt listening to the songs.
Music Bugle – How would you compare your newer music to your first two albums?
Luca Bandini – The latest album is built around a concept. It concentrates on the fundamental issue whether ritual is a necessary part of all societies. Ritual does not really exist in modern Western society, but some rituals became known as “Toxic Behaviours” in unexpected areas of the modern life.
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your particular style of music?
Luca Bandini – The recording phase is exciting and mysterious, but playing live is our favorite thing. We enter in our world, letting ourselves be carried away by music.
Music Bugle – How would you describe Ravenna, Italy to someone who has never been there before?
Luca Bandini – Ravenna is a little gem to discover, with lots of Byzantine mosaics and very close to the Adriatic Sea.
Music Bugle – How have you been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?
Luca Bandini – Together, with my wife Alessandra, we manage a Bed-And-Breakfast and we were forced to close for 74 days. Then, tourism has never been the same during the Summer and now we are in the same situation after nine months.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Luca Bandini – In this period, we are only listening to contemporary bands like Ash Code, Houses Of Heaven, NNHMM, Curses, Hante, Agent Side Grinder, Panther Modern and Boy Harsher.
Music Bugle – Does social media make it easier or harder for musicians to stand out these days?
Luca Bandini – Social media is helpful for musicians, very easy to manage. In this particular period where clubs close down, live streaming is the only way to be connected with your fans. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of music to discover, so we need more then 24 hours a day!
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Luca Bandini – Music is our big passion, so this – “Music will save us from boredom!”
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you feel the need to escape?
Luca Bandini – When we need to escape, we go to Marina Romea, a small town on the sea surrounded by a forest pines. It is very suggestive to see the dawn from the sea and the sunset on the swamps.
Music Bugle – What’s something you wish happened more in today’s music industry?
Luca Bandini – The music industry has changed over the years, based on a different way of enjoying music. For me, the most important thing should start from governments that they must support independent artists. Unfortunately, in Italy, this is not the case.
