Video interview with Caparezza on the occasion of the release of the new album Orbit Orbita conceptual and visionary project set in metaphysical space. A record which, between tinnitus, hearing loss and a long process, represents perhaps the most complex challenge of the Apulian artist's career.
Caparezza come back with Orbit Orbita concept album that combines music, comics and social reflection, and which marks a new chapter in his artistic evolution. He told our microphones about the genesis of the project, starting from the personal and creative difficulties faced during the process.
“Orbit Orbit” – the rebirth of Caparezza
Let's start with your health, a theme that also accompanies this new work. How are you and how much has this moment affected your writing?
“Right now I'm happy to have released this album. It has been a long, very difficult journey, and having succeeded is a great satisfaction. As for the world around me, there is a lot to work on socially and politically“.
“Orbit Orbit” is an album that seems to dialogue with the world of comics and with Caparezza as a child who dreamed of becoming a designer. Where did this idea come from?
“I wanted to create a work out of time and space, a universal record that would transcend decades and have no ties to what we listen to today. Fishing from other eras. Inevitably, however, they end up in social references, even if this time I tried to tame them: I just embedded them in the songs“.
Change working method
How difficult was it to change your approach compared to your previous albums?
“Not very difficult. My modus operandi has always been to start from an imaginary: I imagine a context and draw the music around it, as if it were a soundtrack. On the first album there was Jeeg Robot d'Acciaio, on On the Bull's Side there was a bullfight. In this one, however, everything is set in space: I only strengthened the link between comics and music“.
Between comics and music: two worlds that complement each other
Between the two art forms, comics and music, which do you feel most satisfied with?
“I am equally satisfied. They were two obstacles to overcome and succeeding is the greatest satisfaction, so I don't have children or stepchildren. But… I had never tackled the comic, it was an unknown. When it arrived at my house I was excited, it had the effect of my first album on me. A first work has something more in emotional terms“.
Are you afraid that an album so linked to the world of comics could alienate part of the public?
“Rather than drive away, I know there will be people who aren't interested in the comic, but that's okay. I am driven by love towards the material and I am not interested in what happens afterwards, in terms of enjoyment. I know I'm being honest with myself: I felt like doing this and if someone isn't interested, never mind. It's in the order of things“.
Comics to understand “Orbit Orbit”
Which comics would you recommend to those who want to enter the world of Orbit Orbit?
“Let's start with Stories in Deep Space by Bonvi and Guccini, then I'll add Moebius with Arzach and as a third Shangri-La by Bablet, so we can make all the Italian and French fans happy“.
With this work do you feel you have made peace with the child who dreamed of drawing comics?
“I was aware that I wouldn't become a cartoonist and I never regretted becoming a musician. It wasn't my first love but it was still overwhelming. I'm at peace with my childhood self, in fact it's my happy island. When I'm sad I think about my childhood and adolescence and everything I experienced“.
