Interviews: Dune Aurora

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Fuzz Rock/Heavy Rock band Dune Aurora from Italy. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

The name Dune Aurora came after a few months since we started the band in 2020. We read an article on the internet regarding a new type of aurora borealis just discovered by scientists, which is dune-shaped. We really liked the semantic juxtaposition of the word dune, associated with the desert and the aurora borealis, a phenomenon typical of northern countries. Plus, the aurora borealis is something spectacular that fascinates us.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

We have been in love with this genre for a very long time, the heavy sound, the repetitive riffs, the 70s roots, and the dark hippie vibes are things that really reflect our personalities. Another thing that we like about it is the underground scene behind it, full of great musicians and with vibrant live shows. It just makes you want to leave everything behind and just be on the road.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Two of us, Serena and Ginny, met when we were kids and played together in a band called Dirty Wings from Alessandria, Italy. We met Roberta last year when she started playing with us, but we have developed a strong bond nevertheless. 

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Ginny: Kyuss, Monster Magnet, Fu Manchu, Sleep, Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin. 

Serena: Kyuss, Red Fang, Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, Karma to Burn, Truckfighters.

Roberta: Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, Black Sabbath, Anthrax, Exodus, Testament, Overkill, Motörhead.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Concerning the music all the bands that we listen to can inspire us for sure, then the inspiration can come from a movie, a book, or from some particular event. Lyrics are inspired by the music itself as well as by the moment.

6. Where was your last gig?

The last gig was last month, in a small town near Torino, with Space Paranoids and Godzilla WTDTDT.

7. Where would you like to act?

We are really happy to go around playing in any type of venue. We especially like places in nature, so it would be great to play anywhere by the sea for example.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

We are open to collaborations with bands and musicians of the scene.

9. Whom not?

We would avoid people with whom we don’t feel comfortable at the human level or with whom we don’t feel connected on a musical level.

10. Have any of you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

It happened, especially many years ago when we played our first shows. Not anymore, although you always feel the adrenaline of being on stage. To beginners, we would say that having stage fright is normal, especially if you haven’t done many gigs. In any case, it’s important to practice a lot before the shows and know your songs very well. On a more practical note, physical exercise like stretching right before the show can help you relax. Don’t do too much drinking, you want to be fully present and focused on what you’re doing at that moment.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Regarding songwriting, Monster Magnet, Queens of the Stone Age, and Red Fang. Regarding the sound, Acrimony, Karma to Burn, Fu Manchu. Fu Manchu also for the guitars, Bob Balch is an inspiration.

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

We hadn’t really got any weird requests. People we talk to after our gigs have always been very nice. People who come and talk to us after the show are friendly and usually tell us what they enjoyed about it.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We are very grateful when we see people who enjoy our music, it means a lot to us. Interacting with them and seeing them moving or headbanging as we play is very cool and gives us a lot of energy.

14. What do you think of our site?

We love that you have created a great hub for heavy and metal music. It’s a very well-structured website, we like the feature that lets you search for bands according to their country or their genre. We also like that you support new bands, it’s very important.

15. Something to add?

Thank you for the interview! We are extremely happy to be part of the Argonauta/Octopus Rising family and we would like to thank Gero for the opportunity. Here’s our Bandcamp: https://duneaurora.bandcamp.com/ If you want to book us, please write at duneaurora21@gmail.com