Interview: Russia`s Biggest Band Mumiy Troll Discuss Politics, First English Album and Best Russian Eats Away From Home — CBS Street Date

Interview: Russia`s Biggest Band Mumiy Troll Discuss Politics, First English Album and Best Russian Eats Away From Home

Russian icons Mumiy Troll are set to take the next step in bringing their eccentric ground-breaking sound to an even bigger audience. The band that generations of Russian youth have grown up on since 1983 are set to drop their first full length english album Vladivostok with the hope of thrilling new audiences around the world with their wicked musicianship. The band recently spoke on a number of topics in a recent interview including the struggles of writing their new album, being a politically aware russian citizen and on a lighter note, their favorite countries to visit. Check out the interview with the band below and don`t forget to pickup their new album Vladivostok on April 24th!

SD: Was it difficult to choose songs for the Vladivostok album, knowing that this would be the first time most Americans will be hearing your music?

MT: Yes, it was not easy. We realized that our singles or “best of■ compilation would not really work. We used our live sets as a guide. We played in lots of small clubs all over US for the last two years and that really helped us to shape the track list. We really wanted to show the current state of the band`s sound. History is history, but here we are now looking for big brand new journey

SD: You worked with some incredible producers on this album; how much of an impact did each of them have on the individual songs you recorded? Was it a different experience compared to producers you`ve worked with on previous records?

MT: All our Russian albums were self-produced. Even I had no clue how to produce and record music initially, but none of the western producers I really liked ever seemed to be interested in working with a Russian band. I was introduced to Mike Clink and Joe Chicarelli via mutual friends only when I committed to record the English album. They both are very nice gentlemen, however have different approaches to recording process. I was glad to experience them both. It was not like learning “magic tricks■ for me…there was nothing really which I did not know previously, but it was such a great relief to work with people who believe in your music and became your real “comrades in arm,■ trying to get the best out of you.

SD: Describe the challenges you faced in writing & recording your first english-language album.

MT: Time and money spent. We really had to compromise our busy schedules at home in exchange for a totally unpredictable future in the west. We never had any record company who backed us. No one welcomes us “to the club.■ But we don`t call it a “crusade.■ I see it as peaceful mission.

SD: This must be a very exciting time to be a politically-aware Russian citizen – What can you tell us about the current protest movement and the election?

MT: Not a lot unfortunately. My generation of Russians experienced the Soviet Cold-War 70s, the exciting late 80s when everyone anticipated unknown changes, the wild and sometimes real bloody 90s, the glamorous 2000s. Ancient Chinese philosophers would say that you are unlucky to live in eras of change. In my case, I think I`m lucky to see that many changes. But to survive them you learn to observe them from different angles. And I`m pretty sure there is no one right way. There has to be a big compromise all the time.

SD: You`ve toured the world – Which countries are your favorite to visit? Do you have any wild stories from playing concerts in foreign lands?

MT: We were one of a few bands that ever played in Greenland. When we were there it was 2002 and the only band they saw before us was Slade. Then Blur was on the way but did not sell at all and never happened. We knew no one heard of us. But our promoter did a great job of playing our videos on local TV stations non-stop for one week. So we had a very curious audience of 50 people.On one of my birthdays the band celebrated in South Africa where baboons tried to steal our guitars! We got stuck in snowstorm in Kazahstan where you can`t see the front of your car and your closest city is 300 miles away.We played in the Chinese city of Chanchun once and were very surprised with the huge turnout of middle-aged Chinese at our gig. Next day I learned from newspapers that local developer gave free tickets to all the people who bought flats in a new apartment block. Funny thing they came to see US, right?

SD: What are some common American misconceptions about life in Russia?

MT: All women are blonde and all men are either employed by the KGB or part of the mafia. Also, that Russian rock n`roll does not exist. I`m in charge of changing the latter.

SD: What are some common Russian misconceptions about life in America?

MT: That people eat only at McDonalds, that American internet is faster and that American girls are not ready for Russian rockers.

SD: Where is the best place in the United States to go for an authentic Russian meal?

MT: NYC`s Mari Vanna is supposed to be pretty good. However anywhere you go, if you start vodka-drinking with your comrades. Please eat a lot. It`s the best tip to avoid a hangover the morning after.

Gian Vassaliko