An introduction to the second featured band here on World Music, the swiss “alco” pop band The Dentals! Really a great band and an awesome interview!
First, all about them in their song “I Am An Artist”:
World Music: How did it begin?
The Dentals: Two of us – the masterminds of the band – have met in the waiting room of a local dentist. We don’t like dentists, not at all, but it felt it was the right name. Especially as in the first few years our music was quite painful too.
World Music: What was your favorite experience in the band?
Roman: Well, we don’t have groupies so…
Fabio: YOU, don’t have groupies! Probably the favourite experience has been the recording of “Tennessee”, our first proper album.
World Music: Who inspired you to your music? What were your influences?
Roman: I grew up with bands like Pavement, Manic Street Preachers or Palace Brothers – Indie/Lo-fi/Britpop/Grunge and I still love all that stuff. Later I discovered an Australian label called “Candle Records” which used to release lots of excellent music from bands like The Lucksmiths, Anthony Atkinson or Darren Hanlon.
Fabio: I used to listen to all the American Punkrock and Emocore bands years ago. Later I got interested in Postrock and bands like Mogwai, Explosions In The Sky or The Appleseed Cast which has influenced my style of playing the guitar a lot. My more recent favourite records are a lot closer to the sound of the Dentals: Indiepop bands such as The Lucksmiths, Death Cab for Cutie, Seabear etc.
World Music: Where are you playing live the next time?
The Dentals: June 29 in Lucerne, Switzerland. Our big CD launch party.
World Music: Where can your music be bought?
Copies can be ordered or downloaded through the usual stores like Amazon, iTunes etc. But you should also be able to order the album through any good record store worldwide. It’s definitely worth to own the actual CD as the booklet is full of pretty images and it can also be used as a stylish beer coaster.
World Music: What’s your motto?
Roman: If the glass is only half-full, fill it up!
Fabio: I am a golden god.
World Music: Why are you called “The Dentals”?
Fabio: It’s paying homage to the pretty good band The Rentals.
Roman: And it’s because we both would have liked to become Dentists. Unfortunately we’re not smart enough.
Fabio: But it’s mostly because the band was “born” in the waiting room of a dental practice.
World Music: What are your favorite foods and drinks?
The Denals: We only eat healthy stuff because we need to look slim and beautiful to distract from the fact that our music sucks. OK, maybe we also like good beer and wine…
World Music: What are your favorite singles?
Roman: Singles? I prefer albums, singles are something for DJ Bobo.
Fabio: Give Me A Second Chance, A Song Not About Beer
World Music: And the last question: What are your plans and projects for the future?
The Dentals: Saving the whales! One typical thing about the dentals has always been the fact that we don’t have a plan. And it’s very likely this is not going to change. We will play some more concerts, we want to make a karaoke DVD of our album and then it’s about time to start writing new songs again.
World Music: Thank you very much for this interview.
The Dentals: Thank you very much for this interview too.
World Music - the Music Journey 