The Mantra ATSMMTalk about newly released album "Ghost Dance"

and how a Portuguese artist played an important

part in one of their songs.

How did the band form?

The Mantra ATSMM was born because of a necessity. We are

friends since chi ldhood and we shared many things.

We played in two different bands and one day we realized that

we had common ideas and ideals about music, so we decided

to start The Mantra ATSMM.

Where did the name of the band come from?

Our name is a “ collage” of images and things that inspire us.

We are not used to reveal the meaning of every single word,

but we can say that Mantra comes from the fascinating oriental

cultures and “ Spotless” is taken from the title of a beautiful

movie directed by Michel Gondry.

You have just released a new album titled "Ghost Dance".

What's the concept behind it?

The Ghost Dance is a rel igious movement and a ritual of the

Native Americans. The concept behind “ Ghost Dance” is

about the mystical, the sacred and the deep connection with

nature that you can find in the imaginary of every population in

the world. We are deeply inspired by the tradition and the folk

legends that we have in our city, l ike the Vesuvis or the

exorcising carnival masquerade and the historical meanings of

these traditions. I n every part of the world you can find this

magic connection and it's wonderful how different cultures

share universal and ancient feel ings.

One of the songs featured is "Trieste". Is this one of the

signs that you are getting even more in touch with your

Italian origins?

Absolutely. We have always been “ big fans” of our country

and, even if i t's not evident, I taly and Naples have always been

a big influence into our music. We are fascinated by its culture,

history and beauty, by the ancient folk music and the great

masters of this century l ike Ennio Morricone or Nino Rota.

What's the concept behind the song "Helder Pedro

Moreira"?

H elder Pedro Moreira is a dear friend, a fantastic Portuguese

artist. H e's the author of the artworks of our albums, from the

first EP to "Defeated Songs". One of his works inspired the

music and the lyrics of the song, which is about dreamy

images of trees, flames and brides.

What are your favorite albums at the moment and looking

forward to?

We listen to every kind of music, with no prejudice about the

genre or the “ commercial” aspect. I f i t's good music it feeds

our minds. Recently we are l istening to Nneka, a great soul/hip

hop artist, some folk bands l ike Other Lives and Fleet Foxes.

Would you like to come to Portugal?

Sure that we would! We have never been there and we'd love

to come, play and discover the people and the beauty of your

country. So. . i f someone have interest to book us or to contact

the band just email us!

Design & Interview: Rick

Photos courtesy of The Mantra ATSMM

Visti The Mantra ATSMM at:

www.facebook.com/themantraatsmm

themantraatsmm.wordpress.com

and artist Helder Pedro Moreira:

http://www.helderpedro.com/

"Ghost Dance" is now available

for purchase at:

http://www.rarenoiserecords.com/

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