Guitarist Alexander Kitaev introduces us to Sibefor, in an interview where he talks about the band’s beginnings, the way they give birth to songs, gear, influences, and more.
How did you go about forming SiBefor?
SIBEFOR was formed back in 2010 by two experienced musicians tired of clichés, of bands copying each other with the aim of making original music never heard before.
What does the name of the band mean, what do you refer to?
It’s a combination of three words. Our music is for experiments, harmony, of what is inside.
Describe your songwriting process. What are the biggest challenges you face when writing music?
It all usually starts as bass and drums. Alberto and Ivan spend much time together; they understand each other without any words spoken and they pushy enough to polish the grooves until they shine. At this point of time, we add guitars, vocals and keyboards, revise constructions, order of the parts etc.
The biggest challenge? To put some interesting stuff in, mix some unusual ideas without making music too much elaborated.
Do you tend to follow any pre-defined patterns when composing a piece?
We believe that Music itself leads you to the right form. It will show you the way if you attentive enough.
What kind of gear do you use for recording your music?
Yamaha drums, paiste cymbals, warwick bass and amps, Paul Reed Smith guitars, Mesa/Boogie amps.. Various effects, keyboards, samplings pads..
How would you describe SiBefor’s music to someone who didn’t hear you before?
Unique sound, mystique atmosphere, pure emotions. A mix of rhythmic alternative and progressive rock, eastern melodies and contemporary melodic rock is what drive this music beyond familiar genres and forms.
Which bands or artists influence your work with SiBefor?
Somehow those who listen our music associate it with acts like System of a Down, Muse, HIM. Yet it’s a mystery why.
What are you up to these days?
Playing live. We just started getting out of our hometown. Playing around Baltics countries and Finland. And getting ready for some bigger tours to Spain and Italy.
Where do you draw your inspiration from and how do you go about channeling it into writing?
Live performances is what really inspire us toward new horizons. You get back from live shows to rehearsal room full of energy, filled with ideas and willingness to create. At this point most of our best pieces were born.
What is your view on technology in music?
Technology is a two-sided coin. Modern technology dramatically facilitate recording process, gives you tools which previously were used by elite musicians exclusively. However, with these amount of cool new tools it’s too easy to forget that it’s not technology who make music, it is you.
What are your plans for the future?
We are about to start a crowdsourcing campaign with hope to raise some money to record our first real LP. If we are lucky enough to cover half of studio costs, we will barricade ourselves in a studio for the whole summer. This means new album out by autumn, followed by whole Europe tour, I hope.
Sibefor online:
Progarchy 