FARFALLA TANGO

Que Pasa's periodista Angie Parkinson speaks with Farfalla Tango, an Argentinian band. A trio band that is inspirational in their interpretation of the classic tango with modern rhythms. Angie discusses the influences in their music, their debut album and the pressures. Angie also asks them
“Where do they see themselves in the future?”.

¿Que Pasa?: When did you all get together as a band? Javier Adaro: In December 2007. ¿Que Pasa?: What are your names, and what is your role in the band? Javier Adaro: guitar player, singer and manager Sergio Moran: drums player Tomas Scarpetti: bass player

¿Que Pasa?: Where did your band name come from?

Javier Adaro: It means “butterfly”, it's written in Italian, but this word is also used in “lunfardo”, the language of tango culture.

¿Que Pasa?: Do you all write your music together?

Javier Adaro: As we mostly play covers, we do all the arrangements together.

¿Que Pasa?: What are your influences?

Javier Adaro: It's very hard to tell, as we all come from different styles, but I can say that Horacio Salgan, Mariano Mores, Anibal Troilo, Astor Piazolla, Hugo Fattoruso and Hermeto Pascoal had “some” effects in our music.

¿Que Pasa?: How would you describe your music?

Javier Adaro: We describe our music (just for fun) as “KILLER TANGO”, but I don’t think that this definition is far away from reality. We love tango, but we refuse to see it as a touristy thing, so we change it, we kill it. Starting with drums, that are not a tango instrument, we try to develop a new tango vocabulary, more related with today’s new urban culture rather than to an obvious tango postal…

¿Que Pasa?: Do you have a defining moment?

Javier Adaro: Last year, we were on our first European tour, we played in the Alps, with mountains behind us, it was magical and the music came out so naturally that we knew that we were starting something.

¿Que Pasa?: How do you manage conflicts and pressure? Javier Adaro: On tour, things are always fast, and you have to be practical and adaptable. We are both of these, we always try to travel without too much baggage. In the studio, it's similar, because you never have the time to do what you want, so you have to make fast decisions, and most importantly, the right ones! ¿Que Pasa?: “Pulmonar» is a vibrant album, full of energy, excitement and emotion. I loved all the tracks, especially “La Trampera” “Por una cabeza” and “Hoy Milonga” For me, it took my breath away. I wanted to get up and dance. What was your inspiration for the album, cover and title.

Javier Adaro: Pulmonar means “something that comes from lungs”, and we translate that as “hard work in hard conditions”. Making music in a country like Argentina is not an obvious thing, actually, it’s really difficult. Most of the musicians have to work in something other than music in order to finance their musical career and there are very few places to play or show your music. Additionally, musicians in Argentina, are not paid!
So, this album comes from a universe of hard work in hard conditions and dealing with small budgets for productions in political unstable situations. We try to give a fresh interpretation of tango music and culture, mixing modern rhythms and real sounds from everyday life. The cover art was made by a Brazilian friend and it expresses “fresh air”…

¿Que Pasa?: What track is requested the most?

Javier Adaro: It depends, in Argentina; most people liked our composition “Hoy Milonga”. However, in France and Europe, Libertango from Astor Piazzolla was the most requested.

¿Que Pasa?: Which is your favourite track and why?

Javier Adaro: I think “Hoy Milonga “should be because it is the music that we are following today. Right now we are composing new things that are coming from this music style. Hoy Milonga is the most original song of the album, not only for the obvious reason that it’s our composition, but also because the music is simple and very expressive.

¿Que Pasa?: You start your European tour in August this year, are you nervous or excited?

Javier Adaro: Both. We have lots of things to organise, but we are really motivated to come back to this nice continent, there are nice places to play.

¿Que Pasa?:: What would I expect to see at one of your concerts? Javier Adaro: Surprising interpretations of classic tangos, lots of rhythmic energy and jazz improvisation, finally, you are going to see three guys having a nice tango conversation. ¿Que Pasa?: I saw your picture playing outside (Concert privè – Lyon, Francia – 25.06.08). Is this the most unusual place that you have done a gig?

Javier Adaro: Mmm, I don’t know, we also played in a bizarre club in France, in front of drunken teenagers…its difficult to decide which was more unusual.

¿Que Pasa?: You have a concert planned for Leeds, UK, is this your first visit to the UK?

Javier Adaro: Yes it's true, but note that this concert will be in 2010.

¿Que Pasa?: Are you planning any further albums?

Javier Adaro: Yes, we are thinking of recording something new after the tour this year.

¿Que Pasa?: Where do you see yourselves in 10 years time?

Javier Adaro: Playing “cool” music for some nice people somewhere.

For futher information on concerts or to order a CD, check out "Farfalla Tangos's" web site on www.myspace.com/farfallatango - assahira@gmail.com

© Interview by Angie Parkinson, July 22, 2009