Sven Gali: between bombs and war
SVEN GALI built a name fast with their live shows; drawing growing crowds on the Canadian and US circuit while building their songwriting chops and a wild reputation
Hi Sven Gali! How are you? Nice to be able to interview you. How has the pandemic taken you so far?
It has given us the opportunity to work on new material and put together a live show that will blow people away.
How would you define your musical style?
Heavy melodic rock with attitude
Who are the current members, since I suppose that after so many years they have changed?
The lineup consists of the three remaining original members: David Wanless, Andy Frank, and Shawn Minden. Shawn Williamson and I (Dan Fila) joined the band in 2017.
Researching more about you, I noticed that after your 1995 album “Inwire” you didn’t produce any album or songs until 2020 when you released the EP “3”. What is the reason for this 25-year musical void?
The band never officially broke up. Everyone needed to take a break from music and the band went on to start families and businesses. Throughout that time the band did one off shows. In 2012, Dee passed away from lung cancer.
Why an EP and not make an album after so many years of inactivity?
Our intention was to get our feet wet by going to NYC and recording “Kill the Lies” with David Bendeth. An EP or an album weren’t in the realm of thought at that point.
We recorded the rest of the songs on “3” and decided to put it out to show gratitude to our friends and supporters.
Any audiovisual material?
You can find all videos and music on our website: https://www.svengali.ca/
Does this new EP keep the same sound as the two previous works, or does it mark a total renewal of the band?
The band’s musical influences have, and continue to evolve. There was never an intentional plan to sound like anything — the EP is a reflection of who we were musically between 2017 and 2020.
How has it been the reunion with the public after so many years, since I suppose that there are still fans of Sven Gali from the first years plus what could have been added as new ones when discovering the band?
It has been great. We are pretty overwhelmed by the support from both core, and those hearing the band for the first time.
For this 2022, I know you are working on a new album that will be released at the end of May and is called “Bombs and Battlescars”. How is the editing and recording process going or is it ready?
The recording process is going really well. We arrange the songs before we go into the studio so there is no need for editing in that sense of the word.
How many songs will it contain?
The record will contain 8 songs — 4 new songs, and 4 previously unreleased demos from the early 90’s
Do you already have any audiovisual material?
You can find everything on our website: https://www.svengali.ca/
How do you think it will be received in general, both by the public and by the specialized press?
We love what we are doing, and that is the reason why we are still creating and recording music. Because we essentially pay for everything, there is no pressure for the press or public to like it. Having said that, we do hope people enjoy what we are doing — some will, some won’t, but most importantly, we do.
Once ready, where will it be possible to obtain a copy of it?
You will be able to get the record on RFL’s website: https://www.rflrecords.com/
Back to the band. Apart from this new album, what other plans does Sven Gali have planned?
We are planning on doing some festival dates this summer. Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the band’s debut and there are extensive touring plans for the summer of 2023 in Europe and North America.
Well Sven Gali, this is all. Thank you for your time and wish you the best of luck in your new phase. Before we finish, something you would like to say.
On behalf of the band I’d like to say we are very grateful for the support and love from both the media and public throughout the years. We are loving what we are doing and that comes through loud and clear in our music.
Follow the band at:
https://www.instagram.com/svengaliofficial/
