EMQ’s With Eduard Banulescu

EMQ’s With Eduard Banulescu

Hello everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with Romanian multi-instrumentalist, Eduard Banulescu. Huge thanks to him for taking part. 

What is your name, what do you play, and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

My name’s Eduard Banulescu. I play everything on my records, but not very well. Except the guitar. I used to learn Kerry King riffs when I was a kid and thought I’d introduce them to folks. 

I’ve been playing in Punk bands for most of my life. I’m now trying to release my solo records with the kind of speed and consistency that would frighten the boys in The Lizard Jizzard. My music sounds like Syd Barrett got forced to start a Grunge band.

How did you come up with your band name?

Eduard Banulescu? Oh, kind of came to me in a dream. It was either that or Salajan69.

What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?

I’ll tell you, folks back in Romania really love their Extreme Metal. I think that it might be the country’s history, or the fact that you can’t really make up the lyrics. In fact, if you don’t play Metal, there’s a fine for walking around Bucharest with a guitar case. 

What is your latest release? (Album, EP, Single, Video)

It’s a nifty little number called Long Time Ago. I think it should be made mandatory that everyone in the world hears it. It’s a song about refugees, about borders, and about commitment. I also do a gnarly guitar solo, so don’t fear it being too heavy. 

Who have been your greatest influences?

I haven’t told a lot of people this. But, my body has long ago been taken over by the spirit of Syd Barrett. What I do now is just channel Syd’s ideas into music. Which is kind of hard because he keeps suggesting we “tune the chips to E”. 

Anyway, I also like Slayer.

What first got you into music?

I was facing a life spent mostly in the correctional facilities back in ol’ Romania. Let me tell you, don’t let anyone tell you that crime doesn’t pay. I was wearing tailored suits, smoking fine cigars. But, the money was getting to be a problem. I decided choosing a different career path, one that doesn’t involve money. Becoming a musician seemed the obvious choice. 

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Gnawa musicians from Southern Morocco. 

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

The Gnawa Festival in Essaouira, or the Download Festival.

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Death threats! But, it’s not that uncommon.

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Buy my music to keep me off the streets. 

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Chris Cornell. Have you heard that guy sing? 

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

It’s one of the last refuges for weirdos, poets and mystics. But, I hate tuning a guitar. 

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

The business model of the last 30 years is faulty. You’d need to redesign everything and provide more value to the listeners. Greed killed it. Speaking of that, I would also make myself stinking rich. 

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

“Reign In Blood”, “Operation:Mindcrime” and Syd Barrett’s “The Madcap Laughs”.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Cassettes are the best because you can fit them in your back pocket and still get the sense that you own a physical representation of the music. But, don’t knock downloads. Music piracy has done a lot for us. Do you think modern bands would’ve heard as much music without it?

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

It’s always the next gig. It has to be the best I ever play.

If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?

Criminal. I’d be combing the beaches of West Africa looking to avoid prosecution. 

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

I’d invite Layne Staley, Johnny Thunders, Keith Richard, Lou Reed and Lemmy, and say “Ok. Who’s game for some liquorice tea?”

What’s next for the band?

Releasing two new EP’s, “Bontida” and “Berlin”. Both are superb. Will also be releasing some standalone singles. Will be travelling North Africa and picking up great, new ideas. Buy the music from the Eduard Banulescu Bandcamp, please! 

What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

Hit “Eduard Banulescu” into your Instagram, Facebook, Twitter etc. and you’ll be met with the old Metal Lord himself. Or, if you’re old-fashioned, go to my Bandcamp page and purchase the digital record. It helps!

Jaffa Cakes! Are they a cake or a biscuit?

You should never refuse a stranger offering you one either way.

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Every time you take a sip of your beer something terrible happens in the world. Are you going to allow that to happen? Buy my music! Let’s put some hope back into the world. 

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.