Chad Bowar: How did the current lineup of the band come together?
John LaMacchia: Spylacopa started out as a solo project. I was going to put out music on my own. Then, in the end of 2004 I spoke with Greg Puciato at a Dillinger Escape Plan show and he asked what I was up to musically. I told him about Spylacopa and he expressed interest in contributing some music and some vocals. Shortly after, Jeff Caxide of Isis happened to be moving to Queens. He also expressed interest in working on the project as well and me and Jeff started fleshing out some rough ideas at my place in Brooklyn. Up until recently it was pretty much the three of us. Then, in 2006 Isis was on tour with Tool. Jeff was kind enough to invite me to a few of the shows and at one of them I happened to sit next to Julie Christmas. At the time I’d only heard of Made Out Of Babies, but after listening to Made Out Of Babies and Battle Of Mice I knew that I wanted to work with her. So I reached out and asked her to be part of what we were doing and after some consideration she agreed.
With everybody’s other obligations, was it difficult to find time for writing and recording?
Yes, it was very difficult. It’s still difficult scheduling things such as photo shoots and interviews, but everyone really made an effort to make time for this project.
For those who haven’t heard the band, how would you describe Spylacopa’s sound?
The sound is pretty vast. It’s progressive, melodic, aggressive, experimental at times, very mellow at times. Yet it still remains pretty focused and the spirit of the music stays intact throughout the songs and changes.
Did one member do most of the songwriting, or was it a collaborative process?
It was definitely collaborative. I think I worked most with Greg though. Jeff contributed a bunch as well and Julie’s the newbie so we didn’t really work together on this EP as much as we intended, but once again scheduling was an issue. She did write for a bunch of songs that aren’t on the EP. She got real busy making the latest Made Out Of Babies record, which was happening pretty much the same time as the EP sessions. The songs she did write for will be on the next release we put out for sure. The new Made Out Of Babies rocks by the way. They all did a great job on that record and Julie is just really gifted, she’s a natural talent, which is a rare thing these days.
What are your expectations for the EP?
I don’t really have any expectations. I’m putting this record out on my own label, Rising Pulse Records. So I’m going to put a lot of work into this and I think it will be well received. There’s going to be some haters. There always is, but I don’t really make music for anyone else but me and whoever I’m working with.
Will Spylacopa be doing any live shows or touring?
Hopefully. It will be tough but we intend on it. Not until the new year if there will be any. This is more a studio project than anything else. I never intended to take this on the road, but I know there is some interest within the band to do so. So maybe.
Will there be another Candiria studio album?
Yes.
What’s the timetable for the rarities and remix releases?
The remix releases will commence some time in the end of 2008, maybe a Christmas release. I think that would be sweet. The series will be titled Toying With The Insanities. It will be a four part vinyl 12" EP series. There have been some amazing contributions from some great musicians so far: Dub Trio, Dalek, Kayo Dot to name a few. Some really amazing renovations. For now that’s all the news I have for the Candiria releases.
Are you currently involved in any other musical projects?
Yes, I am working with Julie Christmas on her solo record. We’re having a great time with it. Andrew Schneider is the man and Brady is the dog.
How did you get started in music?
My dad. When I was twelve he just flat out told me that I was going to play music. He told me he wanted me to pick an instrument. At the time I had absolutely no interest in playing music so I picked the drums. He said “No, you’ll play the guitar.” True story. It’s the greatest thing anyone’s ever done for me. As a matter of fact I thank him for it in the liner notes of the EP. That was it, though. It’s been my life’s passion ever since. I’ve been playing guitar for nearly 25 years now.
Was there a song or album that inspired you to want to perform music?
Not really. Like I said it wasn’t something I intended on doing when I got started.. There are a couple of songs and players that inspired me to play the way I do I guess. The guitar solo in Black Sabbaths “Planet Caravan.” That solo, it’s just perfect. Another one is “Call It Sleep” by Steve Vai.. It’s a bit over the top for the most part, but when I was younger it was such an inspiring guitar song because Vai was making the guitar come alive. Not in like a gay Peter Frampton kind of way, more like it was a living breathing thing. You can hear a bit of that influence in the end solo on “I Should Have Known You Would,” the last track of the EP.
