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In September this year, Antonia XM – a distinctive voice of the current European club scene – was introduced to the Bratislava audience. Our team from Nová Cvernovka took a closer look at her time spent there.
Hi Antonia! Recently, you played a great concert here in Bratislava in Nová Cvernovka. You are coming to us from nearby Vienna. Tell us, how did you like your time spent in Bratislava?
I loved it! I was in great company and Bratislava is always fun <3 I think people from Vienna should pay more attention to the city.
And how did you feel on stage in Nová Cvernovka?
A big thank you to the sound and light technicians – they made me feel great :)
A lot of people already know you in Slovakia and Bratislava, but for those who haven't been so lucky yet – how would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
I would probably describe it as indie-pop songwriting with the production of a man who spent too much time in clubs, but at the same time likes very special music.
As an artist working in Austria, what challenges do you face when it comes to sharing your music abroad or touring outside the country?
Unfortunately, I'm not very strong (physically), so carrying tools and all the technique is quite painful. And now for the more serious answer: it's hard to get paid fairly when you're playing shows abroad and promoters have to pay for travel, accommodation, and other things — especially if you're not playing alone. Traveling and moving around unfamiliar cities at night can be challenging, and for a woman, it is also a question of safety. And if you're all alone, it's even harder... (and lonelier). I think that's the biggest challenge for me.
How important do you think it is to support artists like you get their music to new audiences across Europe?
Very important. If there is no such support, the "underground" and "emerging scene" will soon become a place only for the most privileged.
Without the support from Liveurope, even the underground and emerging scene will become unavailable.
(AT)
Let's go back to your music for a moment. What inspires you the most lately when writing songs or creating performances?
I've been working on the album for a while now, and I'd say it's inspired by a mix of personal and social themes: "true" love, transience, the search for meaning ina broken world, and — as embarrassing as it sounds — a lot of reflections on capitalism. It may sound simple, but I always try to balance the "basic" emotions and the "complex" themes in the lyrics so that they eventually connect (hopefully).
Do you think that music should also reflect or respond to contemporary social and political issues?
I think that responding to social and political issues is always important. But at the same time, I think that everyone should do what they want in music. I personally put these things into my music because otherwise I would be bored – and at the same time I need it as an outlet (so honestly, also a bit for selfish reasons).
And finally, how do you perceive the role of independent spaces, such as Nová Cvernovka, in promoting cultural and social dialogue through music?
People need places like this – real spaces where they can meet, talk and not feel lonely. More than ever.
Thanks for your concert and the time spent in Bratislava, it was great!
Thank you!
