Present yourself to the readers
We are Road syndicate, we’re a Rock ‘n’ Roll band
We play this music because we love it regardless of how trendy it is, but only how “real” it is.
What’s the story for SMOKE ?
We have known each other since the mid-90s and we have always worked together, in different projects of the Roman scene, but never in this formation with the 4 of us all at the same time and on our own material.
Setting up our own band was a project we've been talking about for years
So, when Cristiano, Emiliano and Fabio had set up a new band and were working on the realization of a record after releasing a single in Italian, in 2015, with Ace Records the need to write in English led them to search for a new singer.
While they were rehearsing several new singers, they asked Lorenzo to help writing some lyrics but, instead, he asked them to join forces and create a band together because he had started writing new songs
Smoke is the result of this union of 4 friends who finally play together
Who composes ?...How does it work in the band ?
For this album Lorenzo wrote all the lyrics, some riffs and most of the vocals line, Fabio has dealt with almost the entire musical part, Emiliano has brought several musical contributions, instrumental bridges or bass riffs and Cristiano brought the power of his drums
However, the band takes care of arranging the songs according to everyone's sensitivity
Who writes the texts ?..What are they talking about ?..How does inspiration come ?
All the lyrics for Smoke are written by Lorenzo, each one comes from different ideas, sometimes is just a story like in “Getaway”, that’s like a movie “on the road”.
Sometimes is something more personal and intimate like in the title track “Smoke”, a song about the vanishing of your childhood heroes
Why the name ROAD SYNDICATE ?
we were looking for something that recalled our “street band” nature and a sense of community that we feel playing together
…also, Road Syndicate sounded…cool
What are your personal musical tastes and your influences ?
Lorenzo often refers to the band's sound as "Springsteen meets Kiss", he is a diehard jersey-rock fan, Fabio and Emiliano are life-long Iron Maiden fans and Cristiano has Deep Purple in his soul
All these influences are felt throughout the band's work giving life to a version of year 2020 classic rock
In studio, what was the atmosphere for your new album ?...etc.…
SMOKE was partially recorded live, making the live backing tracks at the Pensagramma Studio and corrections and overdubs were made in our studio
There has always been an atmosphere of constant and fun creativity, we had fun working together, seeing something we talk about and have wanted to do, come to life and grow
How does it work for the great design of the CD? and why this title ?
Smoke is one of the most personal songs Lorenzo has ever written, it talks about a childhood hero taking away the mask, all his lies are exposed and he starts to fade away like smoke
We were talking about this idea with the portraitist and photographer Serena De Angelis (our good friend and great artist) at “Officine K” and the idea for the artwork came together
How was the shooting of the clip NOT COMING BACK ? and why this choice ?
The shooting of NOT COMING BACK was, as usual a funny moment, we were rehearsing and recording the backing track for the song
A song that perfectly reflects the energy of Road Syndicate
So, we decided to show ourselves for what we are a band playing rock ‘n’ roll, we called our friends at Kinorama, the placed their gear and we played
With Management and booking, how do you work ? And with whom ?
At the moment we work alone, without having granted exclusivity with any agency.
The Covid moment does not favor advantageous contracts for anyone, bands, agencies and promoters.
We have ongoing negotiations with management, booking and record distribution.
The situation is fluid and evolving.
What are your projects (for the band) ?
Our main goal is to hit the road as soon as possible, we are a live band and we want to play
During the Italian Lockdown, we started working on some material for a new cd, so while we wait for the covid-restrictions to end we are working on new music
What do you expect from the future ?
we want to keep on making our music hoping that it will continue to please people and that our audience will continue to support us
What's your motto ?
Using Lemmy’s word : « We are Road Syndicate and we play Rock’n’Roll »
Website to remember
As well as looking for us on all social networks you can find us on - https://www.roadsyndicate.it/
What would you like to say to the readers ?
It’s been a pleasure talk about us with you, stay in touch and we’ll see you on the road
Thanks for the upkeep
Hugues B.
