Music Review and Interview with ‘The Reading’

Artist Bio:

My name is Dario. I’m from Switzerland, born and raised here. Started music when I was little, probably around 4 or 5 years old. I’ve always been into music. I’m a producer, drummer, multi-instrumentalist and also a singer. I love music, and I try to love it a little bit more every day. I have a little homestudio, and my website : http://www.kurorecords.com/ is now operational. I’m into producing/audio engineering, I’m a fairly lucky guy don’t you think ? I’m also looking forward to collaborating with other artists, mix and master their tracks, basically anything that has to do with music makes me smile ! My first EP, Utraviolet, will probably come out this fall. I’m very excited about it because I never really tried to make something on my own. I was always more of a band kind of guy, the drummer of course. Played in a couple projects here and there, mostly rock and pop punk. But now I’m starting something new, in a style I never really knew before.

Music Review for “White Walls”

What comes to mind when you think Swiss music? If it’s Alphorns or DJ Bobo, you will need a serious reality check! Especially this year, as there are a number of cool Swiss bands and solo acts who could make it big in 2015.

Switzerland: the Alps, rolling hills, green meadows full of cows and in the midst of all is The Reading – You see, Switzerland’s music landscape has much more to offer than yodelling…

Switzerland is first and foremost an importer of music. Major labels mainly sell music from abroad and rarely sign Swiss artists. If they do, the labels are aiming at mainstream audiences in the country itself. Pop and Rock artists such as Florian Ast, Gölä or Baschi sing in Swiss-German dialect (so-called “Mundartrock”), which is hugely popular in Switzerland but doesn’t sell elsewhere.

So what makes “White Walls by “The Reading” so unique?  I had a huge WOW moment when I first heard this track of Dario Negro (The Reading). It gives a feel of liberating – at times, it delves into darkness. But then, it’s lifted right back up, seeping of optimism. With flawless production, a consistently strong tune and few competitors in his genre, he will find it easier to find a niche and media angle than most bands. I think they could become the biggest band to come out of Australia

Overall, this is a formidable start to “The Readings” musical output and has already made a strong impact, even beyond his native country – here in the states and the U.K where it is being played on Phoenix 98. FM. Check out our Exclusive Interview with “The Reading” below!

By HBdidit – Exposed Vocals Music Reviewer and Breaking News Contributor. 

A NYC fashion designer, music reviewer and lover of life!

Radio Play via Exposed Vocals Broadcast Partners. 

Listen to “White Walls” being played on Phoenix 98.0 FM

Exclusive Interview:

Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?

The Reading: Randy Morano contacted me on Twitter. Seemed like one of the best ways to start out and maybe be heard as an artist, so I tried it out ! Heard it worked out pretty well, gets you started. Just what I need !

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

The Reading: To make a long story short haha … I grew up in Bienne, canton of Bern, Switzerland. I was born here but I spent a small part of my childhood in Italy as well, since my parents are both italian. My parents were seeking for work and saw how difficult it was in the south, so they decided to come back in Switzerland and start again. The rest of my childhood was spent in Bienne, where I difinitely already listened to a lot of music. I often get nostalgic about it, so I’m a huge, HUGE consumer of 90’s and early 2000s music. I started taking music lessons at the age of 5, then I progressively tried some instruments, although I always stuck with drums in some way or another. I realised that my interests were also growing towards a lot of other instruments as time went on, so I tried them all out. Bass, Guitar, Piano, Vocals … I always wanted to try new things musically. I had a rock band from 2010 to 2012, where we used to play covers and that made me want to become an artist/producer later on. The break up of the band was kinda harsh, but nevertheless my motivation was already strong and it still is rock solid to this day. And here I am !

Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?

The Reading: Good question ! Couldn’t figure out an answer at first when I was asking myself “what would you answer if someone asked you about your artist name?” So I guess I was trying to pick a name that wouldn’t sound too bad, plus I have stories to tell people around the world through my music and lyrics. So “The Reading” crossed my mind when I had to name the final mastered track of my session for the single “White Walls” and I stuck with it !

Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?

The Reading: I think it’s crucial for artists to show people what they do for a living, especially when the artist just started up releasing music and has huge expectations for his future music career. Of course it’s always an amazing feeling of accomplishment when you see people paying for what you produce, but in a way or another you have to give people what you’re supposed to give them. Even if it’s for free, at the very start at least. I still haven’t finished my EP but it won’t take too long, once it’s done I think I’ll probably release it for free ! It’s all about the music after all. And you gotta give to get. At least that’s my opinion.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

The Reading: Dream big, don’t assume you can’t make it and start right away. Like, now ! If you really want it, you can get it. Don’t be scared to invest as a person, put time and energy in what you love to do. Show people how motivated you are.

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

The Reading: Yes, happens to everyone. Gotta  keep the performance as solid as possible whatsoever, trying to keep the groove tight. Most people don’t even notice the mistakes you make during your performance, however musicians do. My advice is don’t take it too hard on you, keep the show going. You have a lifetime to learn how to make fewer mistakes.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

The reading: Would love to go on tour, but nothing planned at the moment. Mostly doing studio work for my first EP as a solo artist and for my customers work.

Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?

The Reading: I’m always listening to music. Just listening, analysing, learning. I don’t really have a scripted process or any usual approcach, not that I’d use every single time at least. I guess I’d write some lyrics here and there, and sometimes play a tune on guitar an try to match those up afterwards. Sometimes, I have only a line and a melody, and I figure out a whole song out of it later on. When I’m in my studio, I try synths and sometimes I compose my tunes starting with a sample or a new synth I’d just find randomly. It’s fun, and you discover new things that way !

Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?

The Reading: Not really, but I have an online mixing and mastering website. I’m also experienced in audio engineering (since I want to become a producer later on as well). I’m always happy to work with new people ! Plus it’s fun to communicate from artist to artist, it inspires you and makes you want to try new things out ! Here : www.kurorecords.com

Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?

The Reading: A lot of them actually haha ! Some Kylie Minnogue stuff from her early days. Jennifer Lopez “Let’s get loud”, Hello World from Belle Perez, Bailando from Paradisio, a lot of “old” songs … but it was the 90’s man !!! it was AMAZING !!!!

Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?

The Reading: Trying to expand my studio, make it as a producer and artist. I’d spend a lot on studio gear to keep my customers (and myself) happy, I’d definitely try to be more successful at what I do and I’d try to bring along the people I know who also want to make it in the indutry. I’d also spare some to give it to charity, it’s been a long time dream as well to give a lot to the right cause.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

The Reading: I’m going to aquire a new studio console, hesitating between the Allen & Heath GSR24M and the SSL Matrix 2. Both are great, but of course the SSL one costs drastically more … I’m currently working with an Universal Audio Apollo and Dangerous Music D’Box interface/converter combo. Sounds incredible, definitely gives you a huge sound. I use a lot of plugins, outboard gear such as preamps, compressors … I want the big sound, and I definitely enjoy giving it to my customers!

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

The Reading: Instagram until now (@drumonlettuce) and Soundcloud. It’s not that easy without help though, you gotta get lucky, for example someone well known following you or liking your stuff on social media. And Exposed Vocals can help you, of course !

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

The reading: I’d love to put a huge band together with John Mayer and Isaiah Sharkey on guitar, Herbie Hancock or Randy Weston on piano/keys, Hayley Williams, Aaliyah (R.I.P. Princess…) and D’angelo as fellow singers, Pino Paladino or Stuart Zender on bass and Chris Dave or Derrick McKenzie on drums. These people are mind-blowing, blessed and talented musicians. They inspire me every day that goes by 24/7. Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them, the inspiration they gave and still give me. I’d love to play in huge places like the O2 Arena hahaha, but little Jazz cafés, bars seem like comfy venues to make a good, intimate shows as well.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

The Reading: Gonna collaborate with a few people, try harder to get in the game, release my next EP, produce stuff … I’ll keep busy in the musical domain ! After releasing my EP, I’m going to be working on new stuff, especially with my girlfriend for her new debut EP and with DJ Zamouzik (@zamouzik on instagram). The amazing bass player James K (@james_mystherbe on instagram) started his new album at my studio, we’re definitely having a blast together !

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

The Reading: Probably working as a game developper or forensic scientist, I’m interested in a lot of different things … but now enough to call it a passion. Music only, baby.

Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?

The Reading: The first record I’ve ever bought was the Festivalbar 2000. A compilation of summer hits from 1999 to 2000. Various artists like Eiffel 75, Anastacia, JLo, Ricky Martin, Dido, The Corrs … I remember listening to Pure Shores by All Saints. It’s a beautiful, simple piece of music. Still listen to it to this day !

Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?

The Reading: I’m still a student, working to get a Bachelor degree at the Jazzcampus of Basel – Drums section, in Switzerland. So I’m blessed, it’s almost music only for me ! I’m also looking for a small job to make some money aside (without counting my job at the studio, of course). It’s kind of intense sometimes, but I love doing it.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2015?

The Reading: The new stuff that’s about to come, I think it’s going to be fun ! Definitely had a blast recording and producing it, I hope people will enjoy it as well ! It’s probably going to come out around the 1st of August, so stay tuned ! 

website : http://www.kurorecords.com/