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Interview by VOID & ACTION! / May 11, 2005
1. Hello! What's up Athens and Greece?
Sun, Sea, and waiting for better things to happen!
2. Fist of all, could you tell us about the music scene of Greece?
In our country there is a considerably huge fanatic audience which observes the
international Rock'n'Roll scene as well as many groups which are into this type
of music but, unfortunately, throughout the entire planet, the music industry
promotes its "own" stars and has equally created its own Greek clones as well!
3. Please give us a history of The Invisible Surfers.
The band started out in 1994 by Alex Berekos who was also both the guitarist as
well as the singer for the legendary Rockabilly band, the Blue Jeans, who were
active during the years from 1984 to 1996. The Blue Jeans did not have a
substantial amount of releases (only an LP which beared their name, a foul album
titled "Hard Time" and a couple of tracks in some compilations). However, they
had a strong and explosive presence in the LIVE scene! They were in a lineup
with the Ramones, the Cramps, Blues Band and they opened up for the legends of
Sun Records, like Johnny Caroll and Rudy Grayzell.
They were also part of the Hemsby rock'n'roll weekender lineup in Great Britain
in 1994. The Invisible Surfers sprung out of the Blue Jeans as a pleasurable
recess, and, in the beginning, they were a Link Wray Tribute Band. After the
dissolution of the Blue Jeans, all the creative juices were poured into the
Invisible Surfers where we created our own songs and had many followers which
helped us make our presence in the lineup of many diverse and musically distinct
artists (in comparison to our music) such as the Cramps, Marky Ramone, the
Mysterians, Fuzztones, Flaming Stars as well as Apollo 440 and the Supergrass!
4. Please explain your sound style for those who don't know The Invisible
Surfers.
The truth is that with the Blue Jeans I was kind of trapped in a rockabilly
style and couldn't express myself freely since we had an audience which who
would not tolerate anything else. The Invisible Surfers, on the other hand,
provide me with a much more creative leadway because now my music ranges from
cajun and traditional Greek music to hardcore punk!
5. Speaking of your first album "Dogs Killa Cat", it is the album that is deeply
faithful to its roots. But it's really great album, I think. So, please explain
where the primitive, but very cool sound came from.
Our goal is to transfer the dynamism and the energy of our live shows onto the
recordings. That is why we record live and avoid using modern technology
equipment.
6. I've already checked out your new demo. Of course I love those songs. Please
explain remarkable point in new demo, compared with your past songs?
I can't say that there are great differences. Perhaps a bit more hardcore and
quicker, but they reflect the Invisible Surfers' personal style. I think that if
you listen to the Invisible Surfers, you can hardly confuse them with another
band.
7. Please talk about artists or music that have influenced your play style and
song writing.
We adore whatever was made in the 50s and 60s. Link
Wray is an endless source of inspiration for me. Thanks to Brian Setzer, I
discovered all of the great guitarists of the 50s era, like Scotty Moore, Cliff
Gallup, Johnny Meeks, Dorsey Burnett, James Burton and so many others. Without
any doubt, I adore the king of surf, Dick dale, and both Duane Eddy and Hank
Marvin hold an equally significant place. And so many others....
8. What music do the members listen to these days?
Man or Astroman, Brian Setzer and his Orhestra, Ventures, Guana Batz, Detroit
Cobras, Reverend Horton Heat, Bellrays, Social Distortion, Satan's Pillgrims,
Bobby Fuller, Backyard Babes, pozorvlak ,Manolis Hiotis.
9. What plans does The Invisible Surfers have for the near future?
As many record deals as possible as well as live performances! We are already
participating with a track in a compilation put together by Rubble Records
called "Diggy Diggy Dead" which is bound to be released and in which many
Japanese groups participate; such as the Madame Cats, the Flowermulu, the Weight
Zero, the Hanari, the Kyoko and the Snipers. Furthermore, We are also in
contact with No Fun Records with whom we hope to release a split CD in
conjunction with a great band from Argentina, Los kahunas. In general, there is
a growing interest in our work from many companies worldwide which makes us
extremely happy! We hope that we are liked in Japan and, why not, seal a
contract deal as well at some point.
10. This is Japanese music webzine, you know? So, what are the first things that
pop into your mind when you hear "Japan"?
Beautiful things! A wonderful country with an elaborative and fascinating
culture and civilization! Gorgeous women! And, of course, a long tradition in
Rock'n'Roll! We hope to establish many friendships there.
11. Could you give a message to our readers?
KEEP ON ROCKIN'
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