Interview Marcela Bovio (Stream Of Passion)


"A War Of Our Own definitely is a progressive album with lots of bombastic passages"


(June 2014, text by Martien Koolen, edited by Peter Willemsen, pictures from website of the band)



Recently the Dutch gothic rockers of Stream Of Passion released their fourth album called A War Of Our Own. This album was made possible by crowd funding. It probably is their most progressive and melodic album so far. At this moment the band is on tour to promote the new studio album. However, singer and violinist Marcela Bovio had still time to do an interview for Background Magazine, so here we go.



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Marcela Bovio
Could you tell me how A War Of Our Own was received by the press?
“The album was received very well as most of the reviews I have seen and read were very positive. I truly believe that A War Of Our Own is the best album we've made so far. The sound is perfect, the production is great and the songs are excellent as well, so we are all really happy with this new album.”

Does it still bother you whenever you read a negative review about a new album?
“Yes, it still hurts in a way, but you can't please everybody, so, it's just a personal opinion. The best thing to do is to forget about it as fast as you can.”

Would you please tell our readers some more about the album title?
“Of course, all the songs on the album deal with certain aspects of struggle like for instance disease, war, terrorism, drugs, and so on. So, we thought that this title would really suit these topics, but A War Of Our Own is not a concept album.”

You have been on tour to promote the album. How were the new songs received by the audience?
“The audiences really seemed to like the new songs; there were even some sing along moments already, although the songs were really new.”

The new album contains more songs with Spanish lyrics. What was the reason for that and what's the difference in singing English or Spanish for you?
“Well, English is a more direct language while Spanish is really emotional for me as it is my mother tongue.”

Could you imagine that you'll ever sing songs in the Dutch language?
“You never know; it might be an option, but at this moment my Dutch isn't good enough to give it even a try. You'll have to wait a couple of years, I think.”

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What are the musical changes on A War Of Our Own compared to the previous CD?
“It's definitely more a progressive album with lots of bombastic passages. Moreover, I think that most of the songs are more complex and more melodic.”

I sadly missed some guitar solos; these can only be heard during the last three tracks of the album.
“Yes, I can imagine that if you like guitar solos that you might be a bit disappointed; but it wasn't done on purpose. It just happened to turn out this way. You can't force a guitar solo into a song just because you need to please the guitar freaks.”

Do you still get remarks about the possible influences of bands like Within Temptation or Epica?
“Not anymore! I think that we have a sound of our own now and especially with this new record we have moved away from the sound of the bands you mention. Of course, there will always be interfaces as Stream Of Passion, just like Within Temptation and Epica, is a female fronted rock band, but I think our sound is rather unique.”

Maybe that unique sound is due to the production of Joost van den Broek.
“Yes, I think you're right. Joost did a wonderful job, again. He also wrote stuff and together with us we made the record complete.”

What is the ambition of Stream Of Passion?
“Well, to have fun and to enjoy our music as we play the songs on stage. Maybe we would like to become a completely professional band, so that we all could live from our music and performances, but at this moment that's not possible yet.”

Are you willing to compromise with regards to your music in order to become more commercially successful?
“No, that's not an option.”

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From L to R: Eric Hazebroek, Johan van Stratum, Marcela Bovio,
Jeffrey Revet, Martijn Peters and Stephan Schultz

What is your favourite track on the album?
“Of course I like all the songs, but maybe Don't Let Go belongs to my favourite songs as it is spontaneous and very melodic as well.”

Do you intend to release a single from the album?
“Unfortunately I can't tell you anything about that just now, but I think it will be difficult, especially money wise.”

What do you consider the hardest work, singing or writing lyrics?
“Definitely writing lyrics; I think that lyrics are important so they need to be good.”

Do politics play a role in your lyrics?
“Not really, the lyrics are more about injustice. The songs are more to activate people and support them in taking initiatives to realize their dreams and live their life in a better way. So, in other words, make the difference yourself, do something, stand up!”

Thanks for your time, Marcela.
“Thank you, Martien, tot ziens.”

More info about Stream Of Passion on the Internet:
       Website
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       review concert 12-Sep-2009







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