The Moog - Hungary's next big thing! :)
Interview with singer Tonyo "The Baron" Szabó
By Christopher Duda
(SugarBuzz Toronto)
Hailing from Hungary, The Moog plan to overtake the world with their brand of powerpop and harmony. These swindlers might just pull the rug out from the sleepy feet of ilk like The Strokes and Hot Hot Heat; proving that rock and roll really has no boundaries. I had the opportunity to chat with The Baron about the past/present and future of life with The Moog.
1.Tonyo, what is the scene like in Hungary?
Tonyo-Since Hungary is a small country and not really into Rock and Roll, the scene is quite small but the kids are enthusiastic. We have some great bands but because Budapest is not in the centre of the world, they’re not really known outside of Hungary. If you want to learn more about the Hungarian indie scene check out these sites:
http://www.myspace.com/gumipop or http://www.myspace.com/indiehu
2. I might be naive but I can't actually think of any band that had any degree of success that came out of Hungary. Are there any? Will you be the first with the support of MuSick recordings?
Tonyo-Well we have some bands that made a name for themselves in Europe. I would mention for instance Superbutt, Yonderboi, Neo and Amber Smith. These bands usually tour Europe, mostly Germany, and the Benelux countries. We are the first band who is given the chance to break the U.S. Therefore; we’ll try to live with this opportunity.
3. Naming your first record The Clambake EP after the only Elvis movie that bombed is an interesting choice for a title. Are you an Elvis fan and have you spotted him in Hungary?
Tonyo-We found it funny to choose this title (for our demo) because the Hungarian music scene was not open to the music we played. Therefore, our failure seemed obvious at the beginning. Nevertheless, our debut album will disprove this...hehehe
4. You have a power pop sound. Who influences you and whom are some of your favourite personal listening traits?
Tonyo-We like some powerepop bands like Blondie and Cheap Trick but our main influences come from 60`s bands like Beach Boys, Beatles, the Sonics, the Kinks... some punk bands like Ramones, the Clash and some contemporary bands like Blur, the Strokes, Moving Units and Muse.
5. What are your feelings about touring the U.S.A in 2007?
Tonyo-All of us are excited. This is going to be the time when we’ll have a chance to live the life as we have seen in the movies since we were teens!
6. Having Jack Endino work on your debut album must be a great high for the band. Are you influenced by his past work?
Tonyo-Of course, we all love Nirvana’s "Bleach"! We used to play songs from this album in our high school band - from which I was fired, by the way, because I didn’t know the lyrics...heheheh) I personally really like Hot Hot Heat’s first album which was produced by Jack Endino too.
7. Young female fans are crazy over you guys. Are they your biggest fan base and if so would you like to move beyond that?
Tonyo-I think it’s not our decision. Our debut album will prove that our music is not just for girls. However, we have nothing against having a big female fan base...hehehe
8. Tonyo why do they also call you the Baron?
Tonyo-Because this is the coolest name, I could find for myself. If there’s a cooler option please let me know... :)
9. Are there plans for The MOOG to tour with another MuSick Records label mate?
Tonyo-Well, nothing yet. For new bands, there’s no point in playing alone (without better known bands) so perhaps we’ll be able to play with other bands and maybe with MuSick bands too.
10. What do you hope the future brings for the band?
Tonyo-Girls, drugs, money, success...haha I don’t know. I’d be happy if we can make some more good records (the first has just been finished and it kicks ass) and more tours in the future.