Hi All-
Not sure if you saw the new video message from MONORAL up on the Official VAMPROSE YouTube Channel, but you should if you haven't!
And, thanks to MONORAL's Spanish and French Street Teams, we have another cool interview with Ali and Anis about their upcoming tour Via Spain and Via France:
General:
1. Do you have a ritual before going on stage?
ALI: We're still looking for one. We're pretty much just disorganized before (and some say during) the gig. Actually, I guess trying to find Anis has become a sort of a ritual.ANIS: Cheering up each other is what we always do…shaking hands, giving hugs, etc.2. Do you read the reviews of your shows?
ANIS: I don’t read anything…I quit that after high school! Sometimes, I check the live on DVD afterwards.ALI: Yeah well, only if one of our managers has left one laying around.3. What professional dream do you want to become reality?
ANIS: Some of them already did! Like being able to play overseas. ALI: To become a professional AlchemistEurope:
4. What was your first reaction when the European Tour was confirmed? Had you ever thought of coming to Europe?
ANIS: I was born in London and raised in Paris until 18, so Europe is my home continent. One of my dreams was to go back to Paris and play in front of my friends, like I used to at the very beginning. What can I say! I already got some e-mail of my friends! I hope they have time though, all my friends have become CEO’s and stuff! ALI: We've always wanted to go to Europe. I personally have a fascination towards the European countries and sometimes wish I was born there. Nothing is confirmed until we get there though (laughs).5. What are your expectations of European audiences?
ANIS: I hope they like us! We had steamy crowds in our Latin America Tour, so our hopes are high!ALI: Can't really imagine. Sexy?6. Do you think it will be differences between European, Japanese and Latin-American audiences?
ANIS: Of course there are differences, and I think the audience makes us different, too, because the shows are more interactive. It’s always good to see people enjoying our music, and the more I feel it, the more fun it is for me to perform.ALI: I'm sure there will be a difference. Well have to try it to find out.7. What are your expectations about this tour?
ALI: I hope it will be a great experience for us and the audience. It is going to be a challenge for us though because one of our guitar players Micky can't make it. We're gonna miss him very much. Nevertheless, I expect it to be one of our greatest moments this year.ANIS: I am really happy and relieved that it’s going to happen! 8. Did you prepare something special for this tour?
ANIS: I shaved my hair! Just joking!!ALI: Yes, Anis has nailed his Spanish and he is very fluent with it. I think he's gonna talk a lot on stage this tour. I'll take care of the French.France:
9. Why have you choose to play in a city in the South of France?
ANIS: I never have been to South of France, so I am willing to do pretty much anything to go there!ALI: I heard it's extremely beautiful in the South. We chose to go to the south in order to maximize our chance of witnessing a hard core UFO phenomena.10. Is there a meal you absolutely want to eat when you will be in France?
ALI: McDonalds. Just kidding. I am really, really looking forward to the meals and wine.ANIS: Steak tartare!!11. Which places in Paris are the most important for you (Anis)? Or which places are you looking forward to visit in Paris (Ali)?
ALI: Musee du LouvreANIS: Trocadero (where my elementary school was)
12. What kind of memories do you have of Paris (Anis)? Or what is your idea of Paris (Ali)?
ANIS: Paris is filled with teenage memories. Girls, girls, girls, boys, girls…ALI: Lot's of Anis walking around. Dude, that'll be horrible! But, I expect it to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world.13. Anis, did you ever use the French language to seduce someone in Japan? (or, maybe more correct, "Is the French language a good thing to seduce someone in Japan?" - but we'd understand you choose to skip this question)
ANIS: I don’t quite remember seducing anyone through my talking technique, but yes, I think French is sexy, it sounds sexy even if you talk about groceries, I guess!ALI: Yes, he does it all the time to these hairy macho studs (laughs). And yes, it does work.14. Ali, do you want to learn how to speak French?
ANIS: He is sooo funny when he tries to speak French.ALI: Anis has taken away all my incentive to learn. He laughs so hard every time I try to speak in French. I think I am heavily traumatized. Spain:
15. Have you ever been to Spain before?
ANIS: No! But I often saw it from my home country, Morocco!ALI: No, this is my first time.16. Is there a meal you absolutely want to eat when you will be in Spain?
ALI: Well I heard they serve pretty good Paella in SpainANIS: I love Spanish food! Tortilla, Paella… bring them on!17. What places in Spain are you most looking forward to visit?
ALI: Granada seems to be a cool place, but I can’t wait to see them all first-hand.ANIS: All the cities seem interesting and beautiful, but my friends tell me a lot of good stuff about Barcelona, so I am looking forward to stay a bit longer there!18. Have you listened to any songs from Niños Mutantes? What do you think about them?
ANIS: I listened to their songs and I am looking forward to play with them!It is going to be a tight-scheduled journey, but I hope we’ll have fun together!ALI: I've checked them out on MySpace. I very much enjoyed their cover of Depeche Mode. Really looking forward to having a beer with them and seeing them on stage.19. Do you know any other Spanish bands/singers?
ANIS: Julio Iglesias was my mom’s idol; everyone’s mom I guess? ALI: Ah~ not really. Looking forward to discovering some great artists.20. What do you think most Japanese people think about Spain?
ANIS: Picasso, passion, sun, flamenco!ALI: I think a lot of Japanese people have a fascination towards Spain. There's something exotic about the country to us.