I got the great opportunity to do an online interview with the talented artist Happy Orange Balloon and was provided some more than useful information.
“The Happy Orange Balloon is an international band virtually based on Cape Verde. The HOB was born in late summer 2007, the Happy Orange Balloon is Danilo Romeo from Sicily, (Italy) with important contribution by Robboland (Robert Wheatley), a guitarist multinstrumentalist from Essex United Kingdom. We met on Myspace, we both had solo projects. The band started in 2007 with the song “GAZING AT STARS” almost 3 years ago in these days. Happy Orange balloon creating innovative music from the ashes of the past.”
In keeping with the international flavor of HOB I emailed some questions to Danilo Romeo
First asked what Dan’s favourite music was growing up. Hewrote back: ” I grew up listening to new wave: Patti Smith, Ultravox, Simple minds, David Bowie, Cabaret Voltaire, Kraftwerk, Pink Floyd, the Italian artist Faust’o. Then goth, psychedelia, punk, prog, kraut, all kind of electronic music, progressive rock, indie.”
Next I asked if their sound was natural or if they wanted to sound that way”I think the sound is “taste”, nothing more and nothing less. It depends only on taste. Is taste spontaneous or not? I think it’s a big question….”
Then , for reader Thom who had asked me about this and got the idea of an interview in motion, I inquired if and when any releases were coming? Dan answered “One and a half years ago I signed a contract with some Bizarre Boss label Stevo to release the song “Beautiful” on his label for a new compilation. This song, all played and composed by myself, is sung by American singer MIchael Kenzik. He did an excellent job! As far as I know that compilation is not out yet. Concerning a full cd release I talked with some indie labels in UK and USA, we’ll see in the future.. I-Tunes? I think it’s a good idea…”
So do your fans, Dan, iTunes would be a good way to get out there.
After, I asked if HOB was working on any new music and when it’d be up on their site. “Yes we have lots of new songs, a couple of them almost completed, the 1st one should be on Myspace within few days. It’s an instrumental song called “quattrobianchi”, it’s the most experimental Happyorangeballoon song ever. Not for fainted heart. At the same time, I am playing keyboards and electronics in new material by British Cult singer Robert King (former singer of the Scars) and space rock collective Spirits Burning.”
Then I asked Dan just how they came up with then name Happy Orange Balloon. He said “You know orange is my favourite colour… It’s a joyful colour and I was looking for a name who could remind happiness, joy and astonishment. The same effect when a balloon appears in the sky. Happy Orange Balloon was the perfect name.”
Yes it was, HOB. 🙂
I asked about big goals, and what’s in the future. Dan responded “Definitely big goals as I am a soccer fan. Ahhaahah !!! Seriously, we know we have great songs to offer and a sound really unique! I’ve been asked to do some festival in UK this summer. But I didn’t, it’s not easy to do things as me and Rob are not living in the same country!!! Maybe next summer we’ll see… at the same time I think it’s more easy to play at home or in the studio.”
Next, I asked Dan what was the last good book or movie he read or saw. “Last good book I read was “The Rain Before It Falls” by Jonathan Coe, I think I’ve read all his books! Last good movie I saw is NAM: TOUR OF DUTY.”
Wanting to know what the first show he ever saw, I inquired and Dan said “I can’t remember the name of the singer, I was a little child with mum and dad, but I remember it was awful.”
As an aspiring musician, I asked him if he had any advice and he said “Be creative!”
Lastly, I asked Dan what I ask every artist I interview- the one song on your music player that no one would expect or is a bit embarrassing. “I dunno really… I am proud of all the HOB songs. though I must admit “intergalactic spider’s web” is quite loud, but this song was born from a solo demo impro in 2006 but later Rob did a great job on it!”
What a fantastic group, I was happy to learn more about the genius of Happy Orange Balloon now if we could get some more music!