warsaw hardcore: INTERVIEW- DOUBLE VISION

wow! all you non-polish-speaking people can relax.

here is the DV interview in english

big thanks to Maciek Kossowski for the translation!!!!

As part of our Special Week with Double Vision, we would like to present you with an interview with the lads.

Answering the questions: M – Michał, P – Pagan, Franek

You should definetely check their debut 7' EP released by Elephant Skin/Refuse Records!

Inside the Warsaw scene, you guys are the best example of a band which crosses generation boundaries. How it happened that you all met and now play in such a line-up?

M: We're definetely not an intergenerational band. I remember how on our first gig Pagan said: four lads, three generations, Double Vision. These three generations are: me and Franek – because we were born in late 70's, Pagan – born in the 80's and Maciek – a representative of the 90's.

Double Vision history goes as follows: some time ago I got an idea of making a band, which would be in spirit of Youth of Today, 7 Seconds, Uniform Choice, while also drawing from later incarnations of the oldschool cliché – Hands Tied, Rain on the Parade, Commited, In My Eyes or TYF. I called Franek, with whom I used to play in The Anthem and shared the idea with him. Then he pulled in Pagan, bass player of Hard To Breathe. Soon after Maciek (drummer of Deadlift) joined us. And that's how DV came to be.

Pagan: First it was Michał (Wonder Years zine) who wrote: 'One band, Double Vision, 3 generations, 4 lads', I have just repeated it after him. Actually, Dżonson summed up the whole genesis of our band, so I could only add that due to our age differences we have different approaches to some things and sometimes it needs a bit of time for us to come to an agreement, but generally it is an interesting mix-up and it's a worthwhile experience to play with both young and old.

In spite of the fact that your band is quite fresh and you haven't played many gigs yet, you'd managed to achieve something that many bands wait years for (or don't even wait for any longer): your debut 7' EP is coming out. How did you manage to do that? Are you planning any sequential productions?

M: We've been here for no longer than a year, but we're cool enough, so it turned out that there were two publishers who took the risk and published our EP. Big respect for them! We regularly work on our new material, we've already got super ambitious plan to publish another EP.

P: It turned out smooth because each of us had some – more or less of it – experience in playing in a band, recording etc. It is because of that why everything went into motion so fast. It's heartwarming that someone put his trust in us and decided to publish our stuff – huge high five goes to Michał and Robert. It's also a great thing that Michał (Wonder Years zine, Elephant Skin recs) worked on this, because he's supported us from the beginning (in secrecy I can tell you, that deep in my heart every show I play with DV I dedicate to him ;]).

Despite the initial shock, I admit I really like the cover of your record, these colours, the logotype etc. How come you guys didn't want some rugged gothic letters or at least something more standard, some 'college-style' sleeve? ;]

M: History of our cover is long and elaborate and there's no reason to come back to it. Some people might find it really controversial. But I love it.

P: It was meant to be jocky, but it's not and instead we have clouds which – by the way – look pretty neat! Cover was made by Maciek Wolański, a guy well known in artsy, bohemian circles. Big thanks to that guy.

Simple question – some of you've been in this scene for a couple of years now – what do you think about Warsaw's scene progression?

M: Warsaw's scene is really strong! It's been quite a while since we've had so many good bands playing such a diverse music. In spite of the fact, that the influx of new people is poor I come to think that there's a whole lot of bands. Anyway, I believe that the saying 'Polish scene is doing well' is very accurate – more bands make records, new labels appear and the most important – terrific bands! There are also scene patologies, but where ain't?

P: Divisions as they were – still are present... Perhaps there are no new ones, so that's elevating. A lot of bands play here, many gigs are made. We kind of lack new faces, but there's nothing to cry about, you gotta keep doing your thing. Another bright side is the fact that despite the changes in their line-ups bands carry on, not breaking up like they used to. That's great! When it comes to new faces, the truth is that the teenage rebellion in Warsaw was monopolized by sages from Hemp Gru, so to deal with this issue DV plans to publish an EP by the end of the year – in taste of 'Klucz'. We'll see if it changes anything... Get ready for heavy dissing on Youtube!

Second standard question – it might be interesting with you due to your age difference – your favourite Warsaw-based band? Favourite record? Gig? Zine? - Everyone please write it down!

M: Post Regiment 'S/T' vs. Dezerter 'Underground out of Poland' and zine – Wonder Years, obviously.

Franek: Record – Agni Hotra 'Protect your friends' EP, gig: Straight Edge fest '95.

P: Coalition, Sunrise (both bands), Locals only, Wonder Years (zines), gig: No Turning Back in Wetlina/last gig of Sunrise – it was the essence!

DOUBLE VISION

http://www.facebook.com/doublevisionhc

http://www.doublevisionhc.blogspot.com

http://www.doublevisionhc.bandcamp.com

http://www.myspace.com/doublevisionhc

MACIEK WOLAŃSKI

http://www.maciekwolanski.com/

ELEPHANT SKIN RECORDS

http://elephantskinrecords.com/