We just departed from zurich towards the czech republic! Next stop: prague.
30.12. Prague - 007 strahov
31.12. Usti nad labem - planet underground
02.01. Pod.pec snezkou
03.01. Pilsen - pod lampou
Good times ahead!
Monday, December 30, 2013
On the road again
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
SHOWS!
yes we got a few of them confirmed so here it is. like always stop by say hi, dance and get drunk with us! the hafenkneipe tickets will go on sale soon and will be only available at the hafenkneipe. if your from who knows where and can make it to hafenkneipe so easily, drop us a message on facebook and we will make sure you make it in. there is only space for a 100 people so like always you better hurry with tickets!
29.11 @ Lakuz - Langenthal w/ Chelsea Deadbeat Combo & Little Toe
https://www.facebook.com/events/233671533447907/
30.11 @ ABS - Zürich w/ 16 Other Bands, Luki Norton B-Day Cover Set
30.11 @ Piccadilly - Brugg w/ Turning Cold, Rabbit Lesson & Entitled
https://www.facebook.com/events/339339816203583/?ref=22
13.12 @ Treibhaus - Luzern w/ Face The Front & Your All Time Favourites
https://www.facebook.com/events/233602836798897/
23.12 @ Hafenkneipe - Zürich w/ plenty of surpises!!
Mini Czech Repuplic Tour
30.12 @ 007 - Prag w/ Burning Steps
31.12 Usti Nad Labem
02.01 Somewhere in the Czech Rep Mountains
03.01 @ Pod Lampou - Pilsen
29.11 @ Lakuz - Langenthal w/ Chelsea Deadbeat Combo & Little Toe
https://www.facebook.com/events/233671533447907/
30.11 @ ABS - Zürich w/ 16 Other Bands, Luki Norton B-Day Cover Set
30.11 @ Piccadilly - Brugg w/ Turning Cold, Rabbit Lesson & Entitled
https://www.facebook.com/events/339339816203583/?ref=22
13.12 @ Treibhaus - Luzern w/ Face The Front & Your All Time Favourites
https://www.facebook.com/events/233602836798897/
23.12 @ Hafenkneipe - Zürich w/ plenty of surpises!!
Mini Czech Repuplic Tour
30.12 @ 007 - Prag w/ Burning Steps
31.12 Usti Nad Labem
02.01 Somewhere in the Czech Rep Mountains
03.01 @ Pod Lampou - Pilsen
Tuesday, November 19, 2013
Überyou - Nunca Inverno Split 7inch
Lets drop the info on this baby! For the ones that didn't know yet, we did a special extremely limited 7inch for the Brazil Tour. There are two versions: the Nunca Inverno one which is on red/clear vinyl and the Überyou one which is on piss yellow/green vinyl. each version is limited to only a 100. there are two labels handling the release, Berrymore and Flare for Switzerland and Prejuizo Records for Brasil. The artwork was done and screenprinted by the talented Philipp Thoeni and the blackyard.ch guys. sooo get em while you can!
Monday, November 11, 2013
Holguin - Festival de la Cultura Iberoamericana pt. 2
After the show in Banes and the afterparty at the hotel we only had little time to rest. Again we had to get up really in the morning because the next show was took place outside the city of Holguin. We were told that we were supposed to play at a beach and we we're pretty excited about it because this was going to be another fitst time experience for us. But we had no idea how crazy it was about to get...! This day, there were about 9 big busses waiting to bring all the participants of the festival to the beach. So pretty much every delegation was supposed to perform at the same spot this day. The beach was a part of some kind of a national monument because it's the spot where Colombus found land for the first time after his journey across the atlantic. So we kinda expected some kind of refernce to this fact...we arrived at a parking lot from where we could overview a beautiful bay with a sandy beach. Right after the point where the sand turned into solid ground, a stage was set up. A lot of people were already there or arriving and gathering at the beach. And what we were kinda joking about a little earlier was really happening: the title track of the movie "1492 - conquest of paradies" roared out of the PA at full power. It was a little amusing at first but I have to admit that it didn't left me completely untouched. The whole scenery and all the people gathering and the wind that sent massive clouds rushing over the bay where pretty epic.
No one really seemed to know whar the schedule for the day was. So we asked David and he went off to find out at what time we were supposed to play. Soon he came back and handed us a bottle of rum, telling us we would play last. It was only about 11am and yesterday's booze was still present in our bodies. But hey, we were in Cuba! So we opened that bottle...and looking around us it became obvious really quickly, that pretty much everyone on that beach was doing the same. We met our new friends from Colombia and they were already at least one bottle ahead of us! So we spent the next couple of hours swimming in the sea watching the other groups perform and of cours...sipping rum. More and more local people started to gather at the beach as the day went on, even the local cowboys on there horses.
No one really seemed to know whar the schedule for the day was. So we asked David and he went off to find out at what time we were supposed to play. Soon he came back and handed us a bottle of rum, telling us we would play last. It was only about 11am and yesterday's booze was still present in our bodies. But hey, we were in Cuba! So we opened that bottle...and looking around us it became obvious really quickly, that pretty much everyone on that beach was doing the same. We met our new friends from Colombia and they were already at least one bottle ahead of us! So we spent the next couple of hours swimming in the sea watching the other groups perform and of cours...sipping rum. More and more local people started to gather at the beach as the day went on, even the local cowboys on there horses.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Holguin - Festival de la Cultura Iberoamericana - pt. 1
yeah, the title is right...we - a punk rock band from Switzerland - played at a festival called "festival de la cultura iberoamericana" in Holguin Cuba. Not only one show...but four shows on four different days at four different locations...! Let me explain this:
Our Cuban booker David Chapet usually books two festivals in Cuba: the Brutal Fest that takes place twice a year and the Ciudad Metal. We managed to go to Cuba at a time, when none of those festivals were happening. Nonetheless, David tried to put a tour together for us. He became aware, that this year, for the first time ever, the festival the la cultura iberoamericana broadened their musical range to rock music. So he talked to the people in chare and managed to get us four shows at the festival!
The festival took place in the city and the surrounding regions of Holguin, a city in eastern Cuba. It is also called the city of parks because about every two blocks you'll find a big square with a lot of trees and benches that make for great gathering and drinking spots at night.
About 30 delegations of south and central American countries - and Überyou from Switzerland - were participating and performing at the festival. The spectre cover pretty much every art form such as comedy, dance, painting and music. Although we didn't really fit in geographically or culturally, everybody made us feel very welcome. For Ian who is the only of us that speaks fluently spanish it got a little exhausting. Because he had to introduce the band to the promoters, the other delegations and pretty much anyone that was curious. But he managed like a pro and should really consider a career in PR now...
Three of our four shows we played with the local death metal band Mephisto. Like every other Cuban band we met, they were really unbelievably talented musicians. Our first encounter was kind of funny: It was even hotter than in Havana, so everyone of Überyou was wearing flip flops, shorts and a tank top...then we met Mephisto, all dressed in black, wearing leather pants and heavy boots...thats dedication!
The first gig we played in a pretty big open air venue. A lot of people - I guess around 200 - came, but the venue could have held about 1000 people easily. So the crowd was pretty scattered at first. But a couple of songs and Ians charme and Spanish skills, they moved together and towards the stage. But the most serious action of the night was going on after the live shows were finished: The DJ played some metal classics and the remaining crowd went totally nuts. During every chorus they moved towards the stage where no band was playing and moshed like there was no tomorow. Watching it from far felt a bit like watching a battle scene from Braveheart...hilarious!
We were told, that the next day we and a couple of other delegations would perform in a city called Banes about two hours outside of Holguin. We didn't really know what to expect yet....so the next morning we got picked up at the hotel and went to the Casa de Iberoamericana which was the headquarter of the festival. There were two buses waiting for us and the other delegations. As soon as we got in, we realized that this would not be just another show...! Flags were installed on the bus windows and at the buses front, a poster was attached. It read: "Brigada Internacional de Solidaridad". And last but not least, a police escort on a motorbike was clearing the road for the two buses that were running at full spead, overtaking bicycles, slower cars and carriages. It was kind of funny and a bit scary at the same time...finally we arrived in Banes, a small twon in the midle of nowhere. The entry of the two buses with the police escort seemed kinda misplaced at first but then we got to the place were the show was going to happen and we finally realized what was going on. In the last couple of years, Banes got hit and destroyed by hurricanes twice. The towns only cultural attracion, the theatre got destroyed as well. So the promoters of the Festival de la Cultura Iberoamericana sent out this "Brigada Internacional de Solidaridad" to this town...and we were part of it!
It was the middle of the day and the sun and heat were really intense. We were scheduled as one of the last groups and for that, we seeked some shade and watched the other groups performing. Especially the Colombian group catched our attention. They all played traditional instruments. A lot of them were different types of drums or percussive instruments. But they also played some crazy flutes we never saw before. The group had a great spirit and they were great guys as well. They outpartied almost anyone every night we saw them...! As the shows went on, more and more locals were gathering. There were very few people with bandshirts but generally the crowd was just a mix of all kinds people young and old. So we really didn't know what to expect from our show. Especially after someone told us that we were the first European band that played in Banes ever. But it turned out to be the most special show we played so far! You could easily tell that a big part of the crowd never heard that kind of music before...but we could also see the smiles on peoples faces getting bigger and bigger. As always, Ian went into the crowd to sing and a lot of the kids wanted to sing along even if they never heard a song of us. So one guy just grabbed the mic and started rapping to our punk rock tunes. It was pretty funny and beautiful at the same time! The schedule was tight and so we could only play five songs. But it was way more intense than a lot of regular sets we played before and although it was incredibly hot we all got goosebumps while playing. It might sound weird, but it's kinda special when a 70 year old Cuban guy walks up to you after your gig to thank you for playing (a punk rock show) and telling you that you'll be always welcome in his house and in his town. I guess the Banes show was a once in a lifetime experience for everyone of us! It's hard to describe but for me it was probably the most special and most emotional moment of the tour.
After the show, a lot of cheers and pictures were made with everyone but pretty soon we found ourselves in the bus again. The driver seemed to be in a hurry and the ride back to the hotel turned out to be kind of a death race. Everybody on the bus was getting more and more quiet - especially after we almost missed a turn for the second time...someone later said, that the driver had tried to get back before dusk because it was to dangerous to drive at night....well....no comment...
But we arrived at the hotel save and sound, still excited about the whole day and went straight to the hotel bar. There we sipped some rum til late and met funny people like the anchorman of a Cuban cultural TV broadcast and Mr. Muy Importante...Holguin had already a big place in our hearts.
Our Cuban booker David Chapet usually books two festivals in Cuba: the Brutal Fest that takes place twice a year and the Ciudad Metal. We managed to go to Cuba at a time, when none of those festivals were happening. Nonetheless, David tried to put a tour together for us. He became aware, that this year, for the first time ever, the festival the la cultura iberoamericana broadened their musical range to rock music. So he talked to the people in chare and managed to get us four shows at the festival!
The festival took place in the city and the surrounding regions of Holguin, a city in eastern Cuba. It is also called the city of parks because about every two blocks you'll find a big square with a lot of trees and benches that make for great gathering and drinking spots at night.
About 30 delegations of south and central American countries - and Überyou from Switzerland - were participating and performing at the festival. The spectre cover pretty much every art form such as comedy, dance, painting and music. Although we didn't really fit in geographically or culturally, everybody made us feel very welcome. For Ian who is the only of us that speaks fluently spanish it got a little exhausting. Because he had to introduce the band to the promoters, the other delegations and pretty much anyone that was curious. But he managed like a pro and should really consider a career in PR now...
Three of our four shows we played with the local death metal band Mephisto. Like every other Cuban band we met, they were really unbelievably talented musicians. Our first encounter was kind of funny: It was even hotter than in Havana, so everyone of Überyou was wearing flip flops, shorts and a tank top...then we met Mephisto, all dressed in black, wearing leather pants and heavy boots...thats dedication!
The first gig we played in a pretty big open air venue. A lot of people - I guess around 200 - came, but the venue could have held about 1000 people easily. So the crowd was pretty scattered at first. But a couple of songs and Ians charme and Spanish skills, they moved together and towards the stage. But the most serious action of the night was going on after the live shows were finished: The DJ played some metal classics and the remaining crowd went totally nuts. During every chorus they moved towards the stage where no band was playing and moshed like there was no tomorow. Watching it from far felt a bit like watching a battle scene from Braveheart...hilarious!
We were told, that the next day we and a couple of other delegations would perform in a city called Banes about two hours outside of Holguin. We didn't really know what to expect yet....so the next morning we got picked up at the hotel and went to the Casa de Iberoamericana which was the headquarter of the festival. There were two buses waiting for us and the other delegations. As soon as we got in, we realized that this would not be just another show...! Flags were installed on the bus windows and at the buses front, a poster was attached. It read: "Brigada Internacional de Solidaridad". And last but not least, a police escort on a motorbike was clearing the road for the two buses that were running at full spead, overtaking bicycles, slower cars and carriages. It was kind of funny and a bit scary at the same time...finally we arrived in Banes, a small twon in the midle of nowhere. The entry of the two buses with the police escort seemed kinda misplaced at first but then we got to the place were the show was going to happen and we finally realized what was going on. In the last couple of years, Banes got hit and destroyed by hurricanes twice. The towns only cultural attracion, the theatre got destroyed as well. So the promoters of the Festival de la Cultura Iberoamericana sent out this "Brigada Internacional de Solidaridad" to this town...and we were part of it!
It was the middle of the day and the sun and heat were really intense. We were scheduled as one of the last groups and for that, we seeked some shade and watched the other groups performing. Especially the Colombian group catched our attention. They all played traditional instruments. A lot of them were different types of drums or percussive instruments. But they also played some crazy flutes we never saw before. The group had a great spirit and they were great guys as well. They outpartied almost anyone every night we saw them...! As the shows went on, more and more locals were gathering. There were very few people with bandshirts but generally the crowd was just a mix of all kinds people young and old. So we really didn't know what to expect from our show. Especially after someone told us that we were the first European band that played in Banes ever. But it turned out to be the most special show we played so far! You could easily tell that a big part of the crowd never heard that kind of music before...but we could also see the smiles on peoples faces getting bigger and bigger. As always, Ian went into the crowd to sing and a lot of the kids wanted to sing along even if they never heard a song of us. So one guy just grabbed the mic and started rapping to our punk rock tunes. It was pretty funny and beautiful at the same time! The schedule was tight and so we could only play five songs. But it was way more intense than a lot of regular sets we played before and although it was incredibly hot we all got goosebumps while playing. It might sound weird, but it's kinda special when a 70 year old Cuban guy walks up to you after your gig to thank you for playing (a punk rock show) and telling you that you'll be always welcome in his house and in his town. I guess the Banes show was a once in a lifetime experience for everyone of us! It's hard to describe but for me it was probably the most special and most emotional moment of the tour.
After the show, a lot of cheers and pictures were made with everyone but pretty soon we found ourselves in the bus again. The driver seemed to be in a hurry and the ride back to the hotel turned out to be kind of a death race. Everybody on the bus was getting more and more quiet - especially after we almost missed a turn for the second time...someone later said, that the driver had tried to get back before dusk because it was to dangerous to drive at night....well....no comment...
But we arrived at the hotel save and sound, still excited about the whole day and went straight to the hotel bar. There we sipped some rum til late and met funny people like the anchorman of a Cuban cultural TV broadcast and Mr. Muy Importante...Holguin had already a big place in our hearts.
Ian crowdsurfing in Banes
Front Page of "La Luz", the cultural newspaper of Holguin
View from behind the stage in Banes
Überyou meets the Colombians
Partying at the hotel bar
Not really Gerrard Depardieu look alike Mr. Muy Importante couldn't care less about our flash mob action...he signed the picture all the same!
Santa Clara - our first show in Cuba
The night before we travelled to Santa Clara, we discovered the tiny bar in the basement of our hotel in Havana. The sign at the door said they're opened til 11pm...but we found ourselves hanging out there til early in the morning, making friends and drinking with the hotel staff and some kids from the neighbourhood. We already knew we wanted to spend some more nights at Hotel Bruzon when we get back to Havana...
The next morning we luckily got picked up at the hotel for the trip to Santa Clara. Last night's rum was still dancing in our heads and we used the journey to get some sleep.
After we arrived in Santa Clara we met Raida, a good friend of David, that helped to promote the show in Santa Clara. We had a walk around the small but lovely downtown area of Santa Clara before it was time for a interview on the local radio station. We learned that radio stations are still the number one promotion tool in Cuba. Because besides newspapers, it is the only media source pretty much everyone can afford. Nonetheless it was funny that our first radio appearance ever was broadcasted live in Santa Clara, Cuba!
In the evening we went to the Mejunje Cultural Center. This was the place we were supposed to play the next day. The venue's architecture was really cool. It was basicly an old colonial- almost castle-style building with a big open patio in the middle where all the activities took place. This night it was a dance party with a mix of 90s classics and reggaeton tunes...it turned out to be a really fun party!
The next day we got to the venue around 4pm because the show was supposed to start around 6pm. There we met the guys from Blinder, the local Metal heroes, that shared the stage with us that night. Right after the backline was set up, it started to rain a little, which was kind of a problem because the Mejunje was an open space...so all the gear got covered with plastic and we waited. We we're getting a bit concerned if the show was going to happen at all...but as soon as we realized how relaxed all the Cubans dealt with the whole rain issue we grabbed a beer and tried not to worry. While we waited, we met a lot nice people from local bands and learned how tough it is to play in a rock band in Cuba. It's almost impossible to get new gear such as guitars, amps, microphones or even strings...so even rehearsing as a full band is almost impossible because there are no microphones or speakers to reharse with. The singer from Blinder told us, that he has to record the band playing with his phone, to practice his vocals at home with his headphones on...I guess no one in Switzerland or Europe would put up with stuff like that to play music in a band. The Cubans do! And the result is pretty stunning! They really know to play they're instruments play thight as shit!
Finally the rain stopped and the show started. It was already getting dark as Blinder unleashed their heavy riffs on the crowd. After their set it was time for our first show in Cuba and we really didn't know what to expect. It was gently raining again, so all the electronics got wrapped up in plastic...but our concernes about getting shocked got washed away really quickly. The show turned out to be amazing! The crowd was a blend of punk kids, metalheads and just curious people young and old. So I guess that a lot of them didn't hear a lot of punk rock before. But everybody seemed to enjoy the show. The movement in the crowd permanently increased! In the middle of our set, we passed our instruments to the guys from a local punk band (i'm really sorry but I can't remember the name...to much rum...). They played a great catchy song and after that the party really started. While we played the next song, Ian got picked up and lifted on the shoulders of a guy...and performed the rest of the song from up there. All kinds of crazy stuff happened. Some kids grabbed the mics and tried to sing along even if they never heard the song before. The result was pretty funny...but great! At the end we were all soaking wet. It was a mix of sweat, rain, and beer and it tasted awsome! After the show we had time to hang out at the venue for a bit and to talk to a lot of people. We heard some really crazy - sometimes funny, sometimes really sad - stories about the daily life in cuba...to much to tell here.
As the venue closed, all the crowd and the bands walked together to the central square of Santa Clara. This little park turnes to the number one hangout of all the locals every night. The little bar just next to it supplied the cheap rum or vodka bottles that got shared in the park throughout the night. We had a great first show in Cuba were hungry for more!
...I almost forgot to mention Angelo...this about 70 years old Santa Clara metalhead was just great. He could sing about every classic metal song with a voice that James Hetfield could only wish for...
The next morning we luckily got picked up at the hotel for the trip to Santa Clara. Last night's rum was still dancing in our heads and we used the journey to get some sleep.
After we arrived in Santa Clara we met Raida, a good friend of David, that helped to promote the show in Santa Clara. We had a walk around the small but lovely downtown area of Santa Clara before it was time for a interview on the local radio station. We learned that radio stations are still the number one promotion tool in Cuba. Because besides newspapers, it is the only media source pretty much everyone can afford. Nonetheless it was funny that our first radio appearance ever was broadcasted live in Santa Clara, Cuba!
In the evening we went to the Mejunje Cultural Center. This was the place we were supposed to play the next day. The venue's architecture was really cool. It was basicly an old colonial- almost castle-style building with a big open patio in the middle where all the activities took place. This night it was a dance party with a mix of 90s classics and reggaeton tunes...it turned out to be a really fun party!
The next day we got to the venue around 4pm because the show was supposed to start around 6pm. There we met the guys from Blinder, the local Metal heroes, that shared the stage with us that night. Right after the backline was set up, it started to rain a little, which was kind of a problem because the Mejunje was an open space...so all the gear got covered with plastic and we waited. We we're getting a bit concerned if the show was going to happen at all...but as soon as we realized how relaxed all the Cubans dealt with the whole rain issue we grabbed a beer and tried not to worry. While we waited, we met a lot nice people from local bands and learned how tough it is to play in a rock band in Cuba. It's almost impossible to get new gear such as guitars, amps, microphones or even strings...so even rehearsing as a full band is almost impossible because there are no microphones or speakers to reharse with. The singer from Blinder told us, that he has to record the band playing with his phone, to practice his vocals at home with his headphones on...I guess no one in Switzerland or Europe would put up with stuff like that to play music in a band. The Cubans do! And the result is pretty stunning! They really know to play they're instruments play thight as shit!
Finally the rain stopped and the show started. It was already getting dark as Blinder unleashed their heavy riffs on the crowd. After their set it was time for our first show in Cuba and we really didn't know what to expect. It was gently raining again, so all the electronics got wrapped up in plastic...but our concernes about getting shocked got washed away really quickly. The show turned out to be amazing! The crowd was a blend of punk kids, metalheads and just curious people young and old. So I guess that a lot of them didn't hear a lot of punk rock before. But everybody seemed to enjoy the show. The movement in the crowd permanently increased! In the middle of our set, we passed our instruments to the guys from a local punk band (i'm really sorry but I can't remember the name...to much rum...). They played a great catchy song and after that the party really started. While we played the next song, Ian got picked up and lifted on the shoulders of a guy...and performed the rest of the song from up there. All kinds of crazy stuff happened. Some kids grabbed the mics and tried to sing along even if they never heard the song before. The result was pretty funny...but great! At the end we were all soaking wet. It was a mix of sweat, rain, and beer and it tasted awsome! After the show we had time to hang out at the venue for a bit and to talk to a lot of people. We heard some really crazy - sometimes funny, sometimes really sad - stories about the daily life in cuba...to much to tell here.
As the venue closed, all the crowd and the bands walked together to the central square of Santa Clara. This little park turnes to the number one hangout of all the locals every night. The little bar just next to it supplied the cheap rum or vodka bottles that got shared in the park throughout the night. We had a great first show in Cuba were hungry for more!
...I almost forgot to mention Angelo...this about 70 years old Santa Clara metalhead was just great. He could sing about every classic metal song with a voice that James Hetfield could only wish for...
October 21th: Cuba here we come
After a ten hour drive from Blumenau to Sao Paolo (thanks again Mr. Joel for all the driving!!!) we had just enough time to grab our stuff at Wellington's house before we went to our last show in Brasil. Altough it was a sunday night there were quite a lot people gathering and is was really nice to see some familiar faces from that we got to know in Sao Paulo a week earlier. Before we started the show we all felt a bit sad because we knew we had to leave straight after the show...but as soon as we played the first tune we just enjoyed this last brasilian gig. After the show there was only little time to hang out and say goodbye to everyone but still it was kind of a sad moment. But before we knew it we were rushing to the airport. Then it happened: on a turn that was leading us to the highway, one of our cars got a flat tire from a big rock on the street. It was a really dark and kind of a sketchy part of the city. And the cars that were overtaking us didn't slow down at all. So everyone got a little nervous. But there was no other option than to unload the car get the spare wheel out and get the flat tire fixed on site. Luckily we made it to the airport on time and about 2 am we were on our way to Bogota. We got there at about 6 am with a five hour layover ahead of us. Another 3 hours later we finally made it to Cuba. Our first expirience was not the best: At the immigration they immediatly spotted us as first timers in Cuba and made us buy some wierd insurance for travellers. No one we asked later in Cuba had ever heard of that kind of insurance...but at least we made it past the border. Outside the Airport we met our good friend Marlon. He accompanies us whenever he can to our gigs back home and flew in from Switzerland for the Cuban leg of our tour. And he truly is a good times ambassador!
Also, David Chapet our local prommoter was already waiting for us. He runs the Cuban metal label Brutal Beatdown and organises the Brutal Fest twice a year. For us, he put together six gigs in Havana, Santa Clara and Holguin. He's a really great guy, always relaxed and never averse to a brew. That we noticed only minutes after we checked in to the Hotel Bruzon and bought our first beers for a stroll through the neighbourhood with David.
We had a couple of days off which we really enjoyed after the last ten days with almost no sleep but a lot of party. So the next day we took one of Cuba's really nice oldtimer taxis to get to Santa Maria Beach. I've never been to a more beautiful beach: almost white sand, turqois water and palm trees as far as you could see! And you could get really cheap fresh coconuts that were filled to the top with fresh coconut water - and after a fiew sips were refilled with rum! We had definitively arrived...
Also, David Chapet our local prommoter was already waiting for us. He runs the Cuban metal label Brutal Beatdown and organises the Brutal Fest twice a year. For us, he put together six gigs in Havana, Santa Clara and Holguin. He's a really great guy, always relaxed and never averse to a brew. That we noticed only minutes after we checked in to the Hotel Bruzon and bought our first beers for a stroll through the neighbourhood with David.
We had a couple of days off which we really enjoyed after the last ten days with almost no sleep but a lot of party. So the next day we took one of Cuba's really nice oldtimer taxis to get to Santa Maria Beach. I've never been to a more beautiful beach: almost white sand, turqois water and palm trees as far as you could see! And you could get really cheap fresh coconuts that were filled to the top with fresh coconut water - and after a fiew sips were refilled with rum! We had definitively arrived...
Sunday, October 20, 2013
Obrigado Brasil
The last couple of days went by so fast....it feels as if we just would have gotten off of the airplain yesterday. But at the same time, we experienced so many crazy and beautiful things that it feels like being away from home for ages. Tonight will be the last show in Brasil. We're going to play in Sao Paulo for the second time. And after the show we'll head straight to the airport to catch our flight to Havanna for the second half of our tour.
The last three days we spent in the south of Brasil, playing in the cities of Curitiba, Joinville and Blumenau, the home of our dear friends Nunca Inverno. All the shows were great. Everyone in its own way and with its own special features to be remembered. Like for example the venue in Curitiba that was in fact a vintage thrift store and a really nice bar at the same time. After the show we were hanging out till late, browsing through their awsome vinyl collection and listening and dancing to a lot of classic records.
I liked Curitiba a lot in general. We had some time to hang out in the city on the next day. João from Nunca Inverno took us to some cool hangouts and nice record stores. I think that for a city that is the home of approx. 3 million people, Curitiba is pretty relaxed and easy going.
We didn't get to see a lot of Joinville (except for radio burger) on the next day because we were a bit late and had to go straight to the venue. The show started pretty late at night and the promoter got a little nervous about noise complaints but it all turned out fine. A lot of people were attending the show and created a intense atmosphere for all of the five bands that played. After the show we drove straight to Blumenau which took us only about two hours. We got there at around 6 im the morning. But we only went to rest for a couple of hours because Luis wanted to take us to a waterfall, located in the middle of the forest just outside the city. And it was worth the trip! Diving into the clean and freazy water made us feel newly born! After that we went back to Luis house where he had prepared a BBQ. Once again, it was really delicious! We were really excited about the show in Blumenau because it was the homebase of Nunca Inverno and we have heard a lot of good things about the scene there. And we shouldn't get disappointed....! All the bands were really great. Detrito Acidente, a young local band, played with incredible energy and started some serious action in the crowd. After them we got to see Under Bad Eyes, the band of Gordinho that was doing merch for us on the whole trip. It was a great show and it was funny to see the always relaxed Gordinho going crazy on stage! Up next was Nunca Inverno and they killed it! Everybody present was singing along and enjoying their show. For me it was the best show we saw of them!
Then it was our turn and even after five bands the crowd was still full of energy and ready to party with us! There was some crazy action going on. Ian probably spent more time in the air than on the ground... and Luis from Nunca Inverno featured some vocals on two of our songs which was really great. After the show and a couple of beers later, we had to say our first goodbyes because most of the Nunca Inverno guys stayed in Blumenau. We had a really amazing time together and we are very happy to have made acquintance with these great guys! Nunca Inverno, Gordinho, Wellington and Rosane...We'll miss you!
Thanks to everyone that was part of this trip in any way. We had the time of our lives! Cheers. Überyou
Friday, October 18, 2013
Heading down south
Our day off on the 15h of October just came at the right time. After the long travels, four shows in a row and some serious partying with our new brothers from nunca inverno we needed some rest. Actually we wanted to make a trip to the beach but unfortunately it was pouring rain all day. So we skipped that. In the evening, Favela's family held a BBQ for us! They treated us like kings: lovely fresh food, cold beers and sweet caipirinhas and the incredible hospitality of Favela's family made this a night to remember!
The next day we started our way down south. The first stop was Bauru. The show took place in a garage of a house. Once again everyone involved with the show made us feel very welcome! We got to eat some great food and - a first for all of us - some amazing Acaí Cupcakes!
The crowd attending the show was partying hard to both Nunca Inverno and Uberyou. And after the show we went to a Boteco, a typical Brazilian street bar. There we hung out until they closed the bar, drinking beers and caipirinhas and singing Against Me! songs with some locals on the street.
The night was really short. We had to leave early for Curitiba because it was about a 10 hour drive. It's actually still going on but we should get to Curitiba pretty soon...so currently we're reloading our batteries with our friend Johnny and are looking forward for another great night.
Well tonight.....!!!
The next day we started our way down south. The first stop was Bauru. The show took place in a garage of a house. Once again everyone involved with the show made us feel very welcome! We got to eat some great food and - a first for all of us - some amazing Acaí Cupcakes!
The crowd attending the show was partying hard to both Nunca Inverno and Uberyou. And after the show we went to a Boteco, a typical Brazilian street bar. There we hung out until they closed the bar, drinking beers and caipirinhas and singing Against Me! songs with some locals on the street.
The night was really short. We had to leave early for Curitiba because it was about a 10 hour drive. It's actually still going on but we should get to Curitiba pretty soon...so currently we're reloading our batteries with our friend Johnny and are looking forward for another great night.
Well tonight.....!!!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Sorocaba...our craziest show ever!!!
I don't know where to start...yesterday was by far the craziest night of the tour so far! We have never experienced anything like that before...but let's start from the beginning.
We started the day with a trip to downtown São Paulo. Ian got a "UP THE ACAÍ PUNX" tattoo by China, the drummer of Days of Sunday. Then we went to The Records record store to get some vinyl souvenirs. On our way back there was just enough time to stop for a refreshing acaí and maté drink. Damn that stuff is addictive and just gives you the kick you need.
We were already late and about to learn the true meaning of traffic...traffic never ends in Sao Paulo...it's incredible and we were all happy we didn't have to drive ourselves.
About one hour late we made it to a small town called Sorocaba which is about 90 kilometers outside of Sao Paulo. By the time we arrived at the house where the show took place, there were already over 200 people gathering inside the house, on the street and on the railroad tracks in front of the house. We already felt that this was going to be a special night. Nunca inverno started playing pretty soon and from the first chord things went crazy! We were getting more excited to play with evry single minute! Nunca Inverno played an amazing set and left the crowd hungry for more. So when we started our set, hell broke lose! The room where we played only held about 40 people but there about five times as many kids present in the whole house! Marc jumped from his amp and crashed into the drums, ian and me got crowdsurfed and the best thing: we managed to get a circle pit going throuh the whole house! It was just amazing to get the energy of the crowd that was singing and dancing along. We gave all we got and we couldn't have been any happier after the show. The crowd drunk the bar empty but luckily we brought along some swiss herb liquor which we shared with the people that hung out after the show...and especially with the cable guy - a local legend!
Actually we never wanted to leave this place but all things come to an end and so - at some point - we had to pack our gear and head back.
THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT SHOWED UP AND MADE YESTERDAYS SHOW HAPPEN! WE HOPE TO COME BACK SOON!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105505997@N03/10300887276/in/set-72157636619783146/
We started the day with a trip to downtown São Paulo. Ian got a "UP THE ACAÍ PUNX" tattoo by China, the drummer of Days of Sunday. Then we went to The Records record store to get some vinyl souvenirs. On our way back there was just enough time to stop for a refreshing acaí and maté drink. Damn that stuff is addictive and just gives you the kick you need.
We were already late and about to learn the true meaning of traffic...traffic never ends in Sao Paulo...it's incredible and we were all happy we didn't have to drive ourselves.
About one hour late we made it to a small town called Sorocaba which is about 90 kilometers outside of Sao Paulo. By the time we arrived at the house where the show took place, there were already over 200 people gathering inside the house, on the street and on the railroad tracks in front of the house. We already felt that this was going to be a special night. Nunca inverno started playing pretty soon and from the first chord things went crazy! We were getting more excited to play with evry single minute! Nunca Inverno played an amazing set and left the crowd hungry for more. So when we started our set, hell broke lose! The room where we played only held about 40 people but there about five times as many kids present in the whole house! Marc jumped from his amp and crashed into the drums, ian and me got crowdsurfed and the best thing: we managed to get a circle pit going throuh the whole house! It was just amazing to get the energy of the crowd that was singing and dancing along. We gave all we got and we couldn't have been any happier after the show. The crowd drunk the bar empty but luckily we brought along some swiss herb liquor which we shared with the people that hung out after the show...and especially with the cable guy - a local legend!
Actually we never wanted to leave this place but all things come to an end and so - at some point - we had to pack our gear and head back.
THANKS TO EVERYONE THAT SHOWED UP AND MADE YESTERDAYS SHOW HAPPEN! WE HOPE TO COME BACK SOON!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/105505997@N03/10300887276/in/set-72157636619783146/
Day four: Carapicuiba
It was a sunday night, so the show ended kind of early. We had some time to hang out with everyone, having some drinks and taking funny pictures.
After that we drove back to S.P. for another snack at Prime Dog and some rest at Wellington's place.
It's only the 4th day, but I already feel like being in brasil for a month! So far, it's one of the most intense expiriences of my life...and there's so much more to come! Fuck yeah!
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