Gogol Bordello: Ready to go to the next level

A few hours before the appearance of Gogol Bordello as headliners at the Vibe Stage of Rockwave, we just talked on the phone with Elizabeth Sun, which in 2004 joined the band as a percussionist and dancer (and to help with vocals at times).

We talked with the very sweet and friendly Scot at 9:15 pm, an hour before their appearance in the Optimus Alive Festival in Lisbon. New Gogol album, new videoclip, cooperation with Ruck Rubin and opinion of Greece in our conversation below:

-Would you like to tell us some things about your new album "Trans-Continental Hustle", which was released last April.

ES : It was produced by Rick Rubin, who is an amazing producer and we did it in Malibu. And it’s great, mostly influenced by Brazilian, South American, Latin sounds because Eugene moved in Brazil so he was influenced by that sound. It has more percussion and that kind of energy.

- How was your collaboration with Rick Rubin? He's an amazing producer!

ES : Our cooperation was fantastic! Really fantastic. He was in here with us every day. He's a very intuitive human being. He would go in and everybody would go in and play their parts and he would sit there and listen and feel it and really feel the music rather than go in and go "Oh my God we need to do this, and this, this, this...He's a very slow relaxed person. Which I think it is a very important in this kind of creative person, you can't rush these things and so it was a very very beautiful experience for us. Really inspiring.

- This is your first album in a major record label. Why did you decide to leave from Side One Dummy Records and choose American Recordings? Was it because of Rick Rubin or something else?

ES : No, it wasn't just because of Rick. That really didn't have much to do with it. I think the band is all about evolution and we were ready to go to the next level. We love SideOne Dummy Records and they're very close to us, we hung out with them, but it was time to move on to the next level.

- You became famous in Greece and other Countries with your previous album "Super Taranta!" (2007). Do you believe this is your best album?

ES : Yes I think it is. But what is the best? Every album is different, each album emotionally will always be different, but we are very proud of this album. Very very proud! And it is the best maybe yeah! Whatever that means ... We love all our albums. Every album is special in its own way. Absolutely.

- You are in Lisbon now, and you'll play in Optimus Alive Festival in an hour. How are things there?

ES : We just got here, a few hours ago from Spain. We came from Spain this morning and we went to sleep because we were jet lagged... (laughs) and came straight here. Now the festival, we're going to go on stage. It's very beautiful here. We played here last year, it's very very beautiful, by the water. The weather is beautiful. But we're really looking forward to Greece, because we all love Greece. I have a special spot for Greece. I love it!  I've come before and spend some time there, it is so beautiful...

- After you, Pearl Jam will be on stage. Would you like to tell us what's your opinion about Pearl Jam?

ES : I have not seen them and i don't think we will be able to see them tonight either, because we have to leave right after our show to catch the flight to Greece. Basically, the reason we will miss Pearl Jam is because of you... (laughs)

- Greek fans love you very much. Is there something you would like to say to them about tomorrow's show?

ES : Well, hello to the Greek fans. We love you very, very much! You guys really love to party and you have a great vibe. Tomorrow is gonna be a lot of fun! And we can't wait to see you, we're really excited to come and join your company...

- You have toured many countries in the world. Could you distinguish the American from European or Asian audience? Are there similarities or differences?

ES : Yes it certainly is different ... (laughs). You can see the difference in every country you go to. And it's always most fun being in the Mediterranean , Spain, Italy, Greece. Every country is special for us. I really love these areas. Their real fiery energy! People enjoy themselves and are free to really be free to enjoy themselves. And music. And they're welcoming and understanding, musical. And how important it is in life. Because other societies are a little bit more conservative in how they express themselves when they're in a concert. But the energy is amazing in Greece for sure!

- A few days ago, you filmed in L.A. the music video for your new song "Immigraniada (We Comin 'Rougher)". Is this your first single? And when will we see this video?

ES :  I'm not sure when you're going to see the video, to be honest. I really don't know, cause we just finished it. Naturally it's gonna come out soon. It is going to be a really great video you guys are going to like it... (Has to go for makeup)

ES : Thank you. Will you be there tomorrow?

- Yes I'll be there.

ES : Please come over and say hello.

- Thank you very much Elizabeth! We wish you a nice concert today. See you tomorrow.

Gogol Bordello appear in a few hours at Rockwave, as you can see in the following schedule:

SUNDAY 11 JULY

TERRA STAGE

SKA-P 23:15-00:30
The TerraVibe Park is transformed into a lush green Football field 21:30-23:00
Massive Attack 19:30-21:00
Peyoti For President 17:00-18:00

VIBE STAGE

Gogol Bordello 20:30-21:45
John Angelakas 3 18:00-19:15
Ska Bangies 16:00-16:45

Doors Open 15:30