Mumiy Troll brings `rockapops` music to New York, SXSW — Examiner

Mumiy Troll brings `rockapops` music to New York, SXSW

When self-described Russian «rockapops» band Mumiy Troll returns to New York Wednesday to perform at Sullivan Hall, the quartet will be promoting its first English release.

The EP Paradise Ahead, which was previously available only in MP3 format, is just out in an iPhone application called Appbum (APPlication alBUM), which also offers Mumiy Troll videos, lyrics, discography and social networking.

The edgy quartet, which performed in front of a mostly Russian audience at the Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza last fall, was founded in Vladivostok in 1983 by vocalist and songwriter Ilia Lagutenko. It disbanded with his service in the Soviet army, then gained immense popularity after reuniting, and in 1997 releasing its first official album, Morskaya.

Lagutenko, obviously, is fluent in English, and answered questions by email prior to Mumiy Troll`s New York arrival.

What does Mumiy Troll mean?

I had this complicated idea in mind: This would sound like Egyptian mummies--symbols of eternal life--and Trolls: fairytale`s magicians. It`s kind of a weird mixture of magic and eternity, and different geographical references. Plus it does not really differ from our band`s original name, which we took from some Finnish children`s tales. But it`s a big joke of course! Don`t take it too seriously.

What about the term «rockapops»?

In general, people in Russia are very serious about terms. We never fit into the ▒rock rebels` league: Our approach was always New Wave-ish, with lyrics that were rather tricky instead of more straightforward. However, we were too intelligent for the Russian pop music world, too. So when the general audience suddenly fell in love with Mumiy Troll, the media was stuck to define the genre--so I gave them a hand of help. I called it «rockapops,» as it would have both worlds in one--plus it sounds RRReally RRRussian when you say RRRRR!

Mumiy Troll was once banned by the local Communist Party chief and declared «one of the most socially dangerous bands in the world.» How does the band get along now with the political authorities?

There were some issues in Soviet days when all «unofficial» musical attempts were not welcomed by authorities. These days it`s nothing but the nostalgic mumbling of old rockers that «underground» status actually adds up to creativity.

What is it like in Russia now?

We live in absolutely new country now and have new realities to deal with. A few years ago we called one of our albums Merging And Acquisitions: It looks like oil, gas, privatization [and] exchange rates is the new source of inspiration. Sadly. It was more fun to fight for the right to wear blue jeans, ha ha ha.

Why record in English?

Some of our international audiences are demanding to understand what are we singing about. However, they`re rather slow with Russian lessons, so we`re trying to build a dialogue! We actually record some in Chinese, too.

But can Mumiy Troll appeal to American audiences?

Based on our live experiences in U.S., Americans are really excited about our music. Maybe it`s just the magic of personal touch. If that`s the case we`re keen to proceed.

How would you characterize rock in Russia today?

It`s hardly different from what you have all over the world. As Russia is not closed from outside world at all, so the same ideas are flying all over the place. But in general, Russia`s karma is not really about rock `n` roll, I guess.

Besides Lagutenko (who also plays guitar), Mumiy Troll is Yuri Tsaler (guitars, keyboards), Eugene Zvidionny (bass) and Oleg Pungin (drums). The group will showcase at South By Southwest in Austin on March 19 (it was supposed to perform at last year`s SXSW, but had to cancel when Lagutenko was felled by appendicitis).

Jim Bessman