EMQ’s With Fortunato
EMQ’s With Fortunato
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with French Neo-classical Metal band, Fortunato. Huge thanks to them 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?
The band is called Fortunato, we play neo-classical metal tinged with Hard FM.
It’s been ten years now since the band was formed and we will be releasing our 4th album “From High Above”.
How did you come up with your band name?
It’s very simple, the name of the group is the name of my family. We didn’t look far to find it.
What Country/Region are you from and what is the Metal/Rock scene like there?
We are from France, from the Rhone Alpes region. We are one of only very few representatives of this type of hard rock in our region. The bands that play a lot with us are mostly cover bands and tribute bands. Unfortunately, there is less and less room for creativity.
What is your latest release?
In a few days, we will release our fourth album called “From High Above”. We have already extracted two singles from this album. As a video: ‘Until My Last Breath’ and ‘Storms Can Come’.
Who have been your greatest influences?
For my part, my main musical influence is the american band Riot. We have a cover in Fortunato’s repertoire and it’s a song by this band. For the other members, it’s very large. From blues or even country to death and black metal. But we have in common bands like Iron Maiden or Megadeth.
What first got you into music?
Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve been listening to hard rock and heavy metal. I remember being offered “Rainbow On Stage” for my tenth birthday. Then, a few years later, thanks to high school friends, I discovered Iron Maiden and this ubiquitous and very fast bass made me want to learn this instrument. I haven’t stopped since…
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Alas, most of the musicians with whom I dreamed of collaborating are deceased or “untouchable”.
Including Mark Reale, Andy Fraser, Ronnie James Dio or Yngwie Malmsteen…
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
There are so many… A Monsters of Rock cruise would be fun. Otherwise, closer to home the Sweden Rock, the Wacken Open Air, and of course Hellfest <3 ! But there are so many other festivals on a more “human” scale… Just playing Raismesfest again in the north of France would give me enormous pleasure.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
About twenty years ago, when I was playing in MZ, a fan had a giant poster printed in color and wanted to give it to me as a souvenir. I just dedicated it to him to keep for himself. And, at the time, it was really expensive to have very large posters made in full color. I don’t know if it’s that weird but it’s a very original memory anyway…
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
It’s not very original as a message but just to tell you that without you, our artistic and creative life would have less flavor. Thank you for being there and following us. There are a few who have been following my “career” for 25 years. They collect CDs and T-Shirts and put pictures of them on social networks. It’s really adorable.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
I would really hesitate between Mark Reale and Andy Fraser.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
I love creativity. Have an idea, a feeling, just a bit of nostalgia and turn it into a song. It is an incomparable pleasure for me. And, in this little underground world, I hate jealousy. There are a lot of musicians and critics who are jealous and gossip behind backs.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
I will put an end to digital platforms. They rob songwriters.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
Riot – “Fire Down Under”.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
Musically, in terms of sound and practicality, I prefer CDs. But a vinyl cover is damn beautiful all the same.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
Every gig is unique. It’s very hard to choose one better or worse than the others.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I will probably have a pub and I will organize small concerts. I will be forever passionate about live music.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Living people? For fun, I will invite politicians who hate each other, so we are sure that there would be an atmosphere. Besides, I’ll cook them canned shit… Or order McDonald’s? It’s the same…
What’s next for the band?
We will try to do the best possible promotion for the new album through “Bad Dog Promo”. And to support this new opus even more, we will try to play as much as possible in concert.
What Social Media/Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Despite what some people say, I find that the most practical media is bandcamp.
https://markusfortunato.bandcamp.com/
Jaffa Cakes? Are they a cake or a biscuit?
I don’t know, I’ve never heard of it. I’m sorry.
ALEX: Well, it seems we don’t have those here but it kinda looks like the “Pims” in France, kinda soft cake dough filled with jam and chocolate on top? We used to call them old people’s cookies here.
Ain’t gonna argue about that tho, Call’em what you want, cherry filled are the best!
SEB: I love pims!!! Am I so old? Damn…
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
Thank you for giving us this interview. I hope your readers will be interested in listening to our album.
Good luck to you and maybe see you soon on the road.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
