What are your names?
Dmitry Ursul (Producer, Songwriter, Guitars, Synths) – INTERVIEWEE
Maya Shonia (Lead Vocals, Co-writer)
Dmitry Votintsev (Bass Guitar, Synths)
Alexandr Kovalchuk (Drums)
What is the band’s name?
Neon Tapehead
How did you come up with the band’s name?
When I was forming the band back in 2016 I wanted to create a band name which connected with the 70’s, 80’s retro vibe that we were going for. The first word that came into my head was “neon”. Pretty obvious one huh? And then I started searching fora word that would match the vibe of vintage synths and sounds, and the “tape” came to mind. I then decided to add the word “head” to conjoin with “tape” which sounded better all around. That is how it went down!
What is your genre of music?
Electro Funk, Soul, R&B, NuDisco, Pop, Retro Wave, Synthwave
Give us a little bio about you as a band.
The group is spearheaded by bonafide ‘synth-head’ Dmitry Ursul (myself) after I acquired my first synth (Roland JX-8P ’85) back in 2016, forming the group later that year with drummer Aleksandr Kovalchuk, lead singer Maya Shonia and Dmitry Votintsev on bass. With music inspired by 80’s electro funk, r&b and soul music along with early house and nudisco, our mission is to bring fresh new vibes and musical creativity by combining the finest elements of old-school era retro synthesizer music, with modern music production techniques.
What made you go into music?
(Dmitry Ursul) I have been producing music for 10 years already. The first songs for Neon Tapehead were written before the band was formed. And then, when the band was finally formed with Maya Shonia and Dmitry Votintsev all of the songs were reworked and reproduced with fresh ears and concept as Electro Funk with an 80’s flavor and modern production.
Are you signed?
Yes, we are signed to NexGen Music (US).
What is the meaning behind the single?
‘Know What I Want’ is the song about the girl who knows what she wants even if her acts or wishes are illogical or inconsistent. She goes and gets it every time! The main word behind this song is that you shouldn’t be shy with your wishes or goals. Just ask yourself about what you want right now and then go and get it! “Brrr POW!”
Describe the track in two words.
Funky fresh!!!
What was the writing and recording process like?
The lyrics for verses were written by myself in 2017 and we had some rough funky version in our demo folder. And then Maya came in and we decided to make something powerful from that pretty typical tune which it was in the beginning. Maya decided to add the hook “I get it, get it Brrr Pow” which brought a different attitude and feistiness to a song and the lyrics. After that we went to a studio and started to work on a new beat and groove for it. Now we think that it is one of the strongest songs in our set!
Will we see a music video for the tracks?
Yes, we have our official “live” video dropping with the single on November 13th. It was shot on a golf course located in the suburbs of Moscow, about 50 miles from the city. I guarantee you’ll love the video, it’s a full on, high-energy experience
Will we see an EP or Album and if so, what can we expect?
The single ‘Know What I Want’ is taken from our upcoming EP entitled ‘Never Say Never’ which is out on NexGen Music on December 4th. PRE ORDER LINK
Do you have any online shows coming up?
We don’t have anything lined up this year, however, we are currently in the process of moving our current studio to a larger location where we plan to build out a dedicated “synth room,” where we will be able to host some online gigs next year.
What else can we expect in 2020?
We plan to continue our work on next big release, release some singles and new music videos and we hope that it will be possible to play the big show anywhere on the Planet Earth when the lockdown times are over!
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
We are always up for new collaborations! You can reach us at: neontapehead@nexgenmusicgroup.com
Do you play any instruments?
Dmitry Ursul (Producer, Songwriter, Guitars, Synths)
Maya Shonia (Lead Vocals, Co-writer)
Dmitry Votintsev (Bass Guitar, Synths)
Alexandr Kovalchuk (Drums)
Who are your influences?
We have many inspirations in R&B and Soul music of different time periods: from Rick James, Kool and the Gang, The GAP Band, Whitney Houston to Bruno Mars, Chromeo and Lizzo.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Usually it comes from listening to different music from various funk and soul music artists, both modern and from the older generation. It also typically comes from working with synths or jamming in the studio. And even humming some tunes and beatboxing in the shower… 😉
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
We see Neon Tapehead becoming a household popular funk and soul band with a decent sized fanbase from all over the world. We fly all over the countries and play gigs for them, release new songs and do great music videos as well as some social media entertainment (such as online jams, Q&A etc.). Our goal is to bring good analogue vibes to people with our music and lifestyle.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Maya loves to create videos for TikTok or hang out with her friends at clubs (until COVID-19 of course). Alex loves to shoot some videos for commercials and do some sports. Dmitry Votintsev and I both love to search for new synth sounds with their collection of synths. I also love to watch old American and European movies.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more into the music scene?
Unfortunately, there wasn’t just ONE sound that influenced my decision to become a musician and later a music artist. Looking back I would say that my interest in music came on REAL strong around the age of 13 when I listened to an ‘80’s Greatest Hits’ CD compilation from my father’s collection, featuring the very best artists and music in pop, soul, funk, rock, and blues from that era.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“Do it like YOU do it!” Which incidentally is the name of one of our songs that we plan to release next year. Create your own masterpiece in YOUR own unique way…
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Love your music! Don’t do anything just because it is currently “fashionable” or “on trend.” You can be a successful artist only if you love what you do and you are sure about it. And always be yourself: on stage, at the backstage and on your socials as well!
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! Making mistakes and learning from them is a key component of becoming a success
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? To the center of the city around Kuznetsky Most street. There are a lot of lovely restaurants and bars.
2/ Who do you see first? Our relatives and friends of course!
3/What do you eat first? Some local food in one of the best places in the town!
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Hmm… Our setlist, our parts, lyrics (hopefully), to be in the present moment and get the maximum emotions from that, to acknowledge cheers from the crowd and make them bounce!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
● Facebook
● Instagram
● Twitter
