PagodaOnline.com Interview with Luca Amendolara

While we were compiling content for PagodaOnline.com, one of the things we wanted to do the most was get an interview with Luca Amendolara, the band's new bassist and producer of their debut album. The main reason we were interested in Luca is that there are unlimited sources of info on Ryan Donowho and Michael Pitt floating around the net. Being that Luca recently joined the band as a full time bassist just a few short months go, there's limited info available about him. So we did this interview to get you guys better introduced with him and to shine some light on his background!

This interview was conducted in February by Drew and Kevin. On behalf of the whole staff, we'd like to thank Luca for taking the time to chat with us and for offering to take a special place on the forum, to answer all of your questions!

PO.com: How did you first come in contact with Pagoda?

It's a long story. Back in June 2004, I met Michael in Milan. I was working in a recording studio as an engineer and producer and he laid down guitar and vocals for a song, and I realized that he was such a talented dude. We liked each other and we went down to an experimental song that was amazing. We had dinner and i said that I would like to co-produce "House of Worship" and engineer it too. He liked the idea and now we are here.

PO.com: What's it like going from behind the production boards to onstage playing with the band?

I don't know. I consider all of Pagoda's work like a natural way create and share emotions, from the studio to the stage.

PO.com: How long have you been producing records and what other bands have you worked with?

I've been a sound engineer and producer for nine years and I started producing bands in 2000. I came from a strong punk/hardcore scene; I used to play guitar and bass in a band called "We'll Face" with my brother Christian on drums. So when i stopped playing with my band, all the kids from the same scene came to me to record their album. Some of those bands were NOMOREFEAR, Toxic Youth, The Miracle and No Comply. So I was, and am a supporter of small labels and brand new bands trying to help them out with my little experience.

PO.com: Were any of the songs on the 5 track demo re-recorded for Pagoda's debut?

We'll... let's see...

PO.com: Are there any favorite cities that you've played in so far (one that sticks out as best crowd response or otherwise)?

I think we got good vibes from Washington, DC. It seems like there is a interesting scene down there.

PO.com: What's your favorite song that you've played while on this tour?

I'm not sure, it's hard to say. I love every song in a different way so....

PO.com: How long did the album take to record?

We started in August 2004 and ended in February 2005.

PO.com: Any favorites that we haven't heard yet?

All the songs!

PO.com: What was it like meeting the fans on this tour?

It was good; we met good people that want to enjoy good music and have fun.

PO.com: What were some of your favorite albums growing up?

I think my first tape was "Back In Black" from AC/DC, that band is immortal! Then Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Sonic Youth, Fugazi, Minor Threat, The Stooges, Ramones, Nirvana, The Pixies.

PO.com: What is your studio set-up like? What's your favorite piece of equiptment?

I have my personal recording studio in Milan, Italy with only Analog devices. I like to capture sound sources as they are, without any kind of weird or digital manipulation. I just try to be as close as possible to the REAL original sound source. Some of my favourite devices are the Teletronic LA2A compressor, old API and NEVE preamps, Neuman U 67 microphones, and 1964's VOX AC30 top boost guitar amp.

PO.com: If you could produce one band who would it be?

My self, I wish I could have time for that!

PO.com: Are you currently working with any other bands besides Pagoda?

i'm workin with some interesting bands like M.A.L.E.(Mad About Lost Emotions), a brilliant emo rock band from Milan who are friends of mine. Dave Muldoon and the Others, deep voice from inside and desert visions. Veracrash, a nasty Rock 'n Roll band from Milan and Coffee Grounds, an amazing Stone 'n Roll band from italy.

PO.com: Any last words for the fans?

Believe in yourself before believing in something or someone else.