Curses & Jennifer Cardini

In conversation.

Known for his blend of Rock and Roll’s hard edge and incorporating elements from early 80s music genres like New Wave, Post Punk and New Beat, Curses keeps pushing the boundaries of these references with an emphasis on ghostly vocals and guitars on his second album “Incarnadine” out this March on Jennifer Cardini’s label Dischi Autunno. Out today his new music video for the song ‘Miriam‘ directed by Jordan Hemingway, which is a homage to the iconic character of “The Hunger” film featuring femme fatale Jess Maybury. Miriam is a character trapped in eternal loneliness forever searching for a love that can last the test of time. A battle between her internal desires and external reality. In the same way Curses music is caught in a push and pull between the melancholic beats of the past, contrasted with a contemporary and sophisticated production.

Where do you guys answer us from and what is your current state of mind?

C: We are in a cozy Italian restaurant in Prenzlauer Berg, I had orecchiette with salsiccia e broccoletti and Jennifer had fusilli with pesto and bresaola. Feeling satisfied and close to a food coma. 

Jennifer, you came from the South of France and Luca you were born in New York. Do you think there are shared music memories/influences between you guys? Do you believe that the external environment shaped your taste in music and if yes, how?

J: Coming from the south of France, close to Italy, we definitely share some Italo-Disco connections.
C: We also both come from the rave scene, and dressed like weirdos in the 90s.

How did you two meet?

J: Through a friend that thought we should work together.. he had heard Luca’s album and knew we’d get along.
C: People for many years assumed we were already friends actually ha!. It wasn’t until 2018 or so that we finally linked up and the rest is history.

You both seem to have common cinematic obsessions. If your collaboration was a movie, what would it be?

J: I think Klute would be a good one. It is very stylish, has something perfect in the cinematography and light.
C: Anything 80’s really.

Who or what inspires you the most every day?

J: To be honest, it changes every day. From a feeling to a discussion with a friend, to something you read. It’s so vast. Something you realise you’re influenced by something way later. The impact hits you later.

How would you describe your current musical DNA?

J:  Italo Body Music!
C: Romantic dark club everything!

Describe for us an unforgettable moment from your journey as an artist?

J: Thank God there are so many! Every time I play at the Panorama Bar, it’s very special and a strong connection with the crowd. Recently, Lighthouse and Blitz!
C: It’s so hard to limit to one. But recently, we had an insane live gig in the forest of Granada for the Ritmo Festival. Full moon, climbing and dancing in the trees.

You both are feeding a dark aesthetic that talks a lot, acoustically. Have you ever thought about getting deeper into a visual concept?

C: Well, of course. We both are heavily focused on matching together the visual aesthetic with the music. I personally design all artwork for my Curses releases.
J: And besides Curses and his wife doing some artwork for Dischi Autunno, we are even working with a designer, Basile for releases. Visuals are important.

Could you share the last track you’ve been listening to today?

J & C: Umberto Tozzi, ‘Gloria’ is pumping real loud in this Italian spot right now.

Some exciting upcoming things/releases we should be expecting from you in the near future?

J: We’ve got a lot of releases coming up. Next one is from New York Based- Facets, Kendal and a new Pablo Bozzi! And hopefully a new intermezzo Compilation.
C: The music video for my album single, Miriam directed by Jordan Hemingway will be dropping soon, as well as 2 mega remix packages with remixes from Matisa, Shubostar, L.F.T, INFRAVISION, Vladimir Schall, Günce Aci and more!

The ‘Incarnadine’ album is a dialogue between the inner self and outer, and romance of eternal and immortal existence. Hence the first track ‘Miriam’ being a ballad to the vampiress main character in The Hunger book and film from the 80s. How do we make an emotion timeless?

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