Andrius Mamontovas is one the biggest Lithuanian musicians, having co-formed the band Foje in 1983, he has maintained a successful solo career away from the success of Foje. Outside of music he is also an actor having acted in films like Hong Kong Confidential (2010) and Loss (2008). Besides film Andrius has had a great career in theatre most notably for his role as Hamlet. This is our interview with Andrius.
Hello! How are you?
Just back from Berlin. I was there for Superbooth’17, because I love synthesizers and drum machines.
So, what is culture like in Lithuania at this moment of time?
I’m not sure if musician is the right person to answer that question. I usually play concerts at the same date, when my colleagues are playing theirs, so I don’t get to see much. In general, we’re still looking for our identity. Lithuania has been isolated from the World for 50 years in USSR, so we’re still in the faze of copying everything western. Smaller towns are struggling to have more culture, but in Vilnius, Kaunas or Klaipėda you can have a menu, that gives you quiet enough to choose from.
When did you realise you wanted to be a musician?
Probably in my very early years. But I finally decided to walk that path when I was around 25-26.
If you could choose any song from any artist to be yours what song would it be and why?
Leonard Cohen “Halleluja”.
Do you have a favourite genre of film?
I was big horror movie fan. Now any genre is good to me, if there’s a great story, good acting, humour and memorable punch lines in the film.
If you could give any advice to a new musician what would it be?
Write a good song and all the doors will open.
Is there any certain personal rules you live by?
If you’re thinking of doing something, you will have to lie about – don’t.
If you could be reborn into any animal? What kind of animal would you be?
Human.
Describe yourself in one word.
Silly.
What is your definition of culture?
It’s an emotional environment, we’re living in.
To follow and find out more about Andrius you can follow his Facebook page here.
