"Girondolini" is the solo project of Vienna-based drummer and producer July Skone. After playing drums for a variety of bands the last years, July was driven by the urgent feeling to make music without a band—alone and uncompromising. The outcome after 2 years of recording and producing is the self-titled album "Girondolini". A mash-up of styles and genres somewhere in between hip hop, big beat, and electronic. "Makes you feel like you’re on a fairground," someone might say. With vocal features by Premrock/NYC, Harry-Dean Lewis/Melbourne, Eloui/Switzerland, the album stays diversified. July followed first intentions. To deliver something authentic.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Girondolini. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
I am playing drums since a long time and played in a variety of bands and musical projects. This made me a good listener. I really love to dive into a track. Regarding the Beats I am going feeling and vibe first - I think this is a big bonus for my music.
Who inspired you to make music?
There are a lot of different Artists and people who inspired me. Music was always something very emotional for me. As a Kid I was a huge fan of Rage against the machine and The Prodigy. In my teenage years I mostly listened to different punkrock and felt in love with the DIY spirit.Nowadays I also listen to a lot of Jazz and beat driven music.Artists that inspire me today are drummers/musicians like Nate Smith, Yussef Dayes but I also love listening to Artists like Run The Jewels and the beats of El-P.
Your latest release is 'Girondolini'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
I've started with the production of the Album 3 years ago. Shortly before Corona. In the first Lockdowns I've spent weeks alone in the celar studio and played around loops. When it came to the drum parts I sometimes played for hours to get the feeling right.I think that's what makes the record special. Something unusual would be the mouse in the cellar studio that visited me nearly every day. When the lockdowns forced us to social distancing, the mouse became my studio companion.
How do you stay up-to-date with the latest musical trends?
I listen to a lot of music, and I have a lot of friends who are musicians, so there's a constant exchange of new music/artist discoveries.
What do you feel is the best song that you have ever released and why?
I don't think I can say I have one "best Song"
Why do you want to record and release your own music?
Girondolini - My Solo Project gives me the possibility to follow my own intentions. Uncompromising doing what feels right for me.
Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans.
Respectful
What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your intentions. be thankful and respectful with others.
What are your plans for the future?
In the next months I will release another LP with the band "Borrow or Rob" for which I played the drums and did most of the production. I am working on an EP with Harry Dean Lewis and Florian Jauker. The nomad jazz Band "Ockham's Blazer" in which I play the drums will release new music and also go on a tour through europe. And of course there are already new "Girondolini" Tracks in the pipeline ;-)