Fvzz Popvli gave an interview to Eleni Leonida, due to their upcoming appearance in Athens 7th-8th of March at Heavy Psych Sounds Fest.
Eleni Leonida: Fvzz Popvli was formed in Rome in 2016 by Pootchie and Datio. I have to tell you that Rome is my favourite city in this world! I have lived near Piazza Navona for nearly 6 months and I am always trying to find reasons to visit!
Can you share the story behind the band’s formation and the inspiration for your unique name?
Fvzz Popvli: I’m glad you love our noisy but beautiful city!
Our name is about an ancient latin slang “Vox Popvli, Vox Dei” which means the voice of the people is the voice of God. Basically Fvzz Popvli means the fuzz of the people.
Eleni Leonida: Your sound blends heavy riffs reminiscent of Black Sabbath with the raw energy of garage punk bands like The Stooges, infused with 70s psychedelia. Which artists or bands have been the most significant influences on your music?
Fvzz Popvli: For sure we are mostly influenced by our 70’s trinity: Black Sabbath, Cream and Jimi Hendrix Experience.
Τhen, we can go on with Stooges, The Misfits (Danzig), till Agent Orange in the 80’s. Of course also the 90’s bands like Mudhoney, Dinosaur Jr, Soundgarden ecc… And of course stoner bands like QOTSA, Kyuss, Fu Manchu.
Eleni Leonida: Can you walk us through your songwriting and recording process? How do you develop your distinctive heavy fuzzy riffs and psychedelic soundscapes?
Fvzz Popvli: First of all, it is necessary to listen to a lot of music and play different music styles. Τhen there is the experience which is very important for forging nice music. Another thing, which is really particular about the songwriting of this album, is that we did almost everything between March 2024 and July 2024 and it was so natural for us, it was super easy to write “MELTING POP”.
E. L.: From your debut EP in 2017 to your latest album “Melting Pop” released in February 2025, how do you feel your music has evolved over the years?
F.P.: Well, we always did what we wanted and what we had to transmit genuinely from our music. Τhis was the philosophy behind the first 3 albums. With “Melting Pop” we worked mainly for the audience and to make more new fans possible, is a recipe for all but it still has our signature well engraved.
E. L.: You’ve toured extensively across Europe, sharing stages with bands like White Hills, Black Rainbows, and Ufomammut. How have these experiences influenced your live performances and musical growth?
F.P.: Well, when you had the chance to play with bigger bands or older bands than yours εvery detail is precious. Ηow they do the things from the soundcheck to the final stages of a concert. It’s always a good thing for learning and improving. Especially from Black Rainbows, I learned a lot from them.
E. L.: You’re set to perform at the Heavy Psych Sounds Fest in Athens this March. What can fans expect from your live show, and how do you feel about playing for the Greek audience?
F.P.: Very excited! It is going to be our first time in Greece, and we’re really looking forward! For your expectations, get ready for an explosion of nasty and fuzzy riffs. I’m pretty sure that you gonna have fun!
E. L.: Your latest album, “Melting Pop,” has been described as a blend of sludgy and noise rock grooves. Can you tell us more about the themes and creative inspirations behind this record?
F.P.: Well we wanted to take the ingredients we like more, but it has to be a careful process doing an album which moves around different rock styles. The risk is to not be understood, is highly possible perhaps better take care. About the inspirations we get inspired by movies we like, and funny facts and characters from the pop culture, another reason why “MELTING POP”.
E. L.: As a power trio, how do you manage the dynamics of your music to create such a full and immersive sound?
F.P.: I personally love trios in different music styles as well, is all you need and sometimes more people in the line-up is too much. I don’t believe in duos isn’t enough. Honestly, it feels so natural that we just do it, sorry I don’t have a better answer for you.
E. L.: Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or tours that fans should look forward to in 2025 and beyond?
F.P.: Yes, 2025 will be pretty packed with tours and festivals, and in March everything will start!
E. L.: What message would you like to convey to your fans in Greece and worldwide as you continue your musical journey?
F.P.: We’re looking forward to play in Greece for the first time ever, we’re very excited about it! And about the worldwide we can’t wait to hug all the people we know from the scene and to meet new friends!
Grazie Mille, ragazzi! Ci vediamo presto al locale! Ci sarò!
