Hailing from the principality of Monaco, the noise rock and dance-punk outfit known as ShitNoise has been carving a unique sonic path since their formation in February last year. The genesis of ShitNoise featured Alexandre Michel on guitar and Aleksejs Macions on vocals and drums. Their creative journey began at the Centre Culturel Prince Jacques in Beausoleil, where they joined forces to craft and record their inaugural track, “Hazardous Bitch,” released in May 2022.
On June 6, 2022, ShitNoise unleashed their Shit City EP, which introduced Rebecca Bartocci Mesa to the band. The momentum continued as they dropped their debut album, Moments Before Drowning, in April this year which marked the departure of Alexandre Michel and Rebecca Bartocci Mesa from the band, with Tim Aringazi then joining the line up. Subsequently, ShitNoise released a series of singles, music videos, and new live performances featuring Paul Albouy on drums and percussion.
The band draws inspiration from various sources, with a significant nod to the Irish noise rock band Gilla Band, who influenced their sonic direction. Other influential artists in their eclectic mix include IDLES, Viagra Boys, Daughters, The Locust, Rage Against The Machine, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Lovejoy, The Sonics, Lightning Bolt, Mhaol, The Blood Brothers, Death Grips and Död Mark.
Now, ShitNoise presents their latest single, “Feeling Ungwee,” in anticipation of their forthcoming full-length record titled Good Luck (Welcome To Hell). The upcoming album sees frontmant Aleksejs Macions channel his inner rage, serving as a defiant response to individuals who have wronged him in Monaco.
“Feeling Ungwee” opens with a moody drum pattern, quickly joined by a brooding bassline that sets the stage for Aleksejs’ slick, processed vocals. However, the song soon explodes into a high-energy alternative rock frenzy, driven by a dynamic guitar riff and pulsating drums. “Feeling Ungwee” is an electrifying burst of noisy rock energy, driven by its infectious groove, ferocious bite and Aleksejs’ commanding vocal delivery. The track progressively builds in intensity, with impassioned vocal screams and a cathartic grunge-inspired outro.
Lyrically, the song addresses the frustration of dealing with people who refuse to listen, especially when it is most necessary. Drawing from personal experiences, Aleksejs Macions vents his thoughts on toxic friendships, overconfident individuals, and disruptive schoolmates, capturing a universal feeling of frustration and rebellion against indifference.
As ShitNoise gears up for the release of Good Luck (Welcome To Hell), they’re set to play a live show at La ZonmĂ© in Nice, France. We caught up with ShitNoise to find out more about their musical journey so far, their new single “Feeling Ungwee” and what they’ve got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with ShitNoise below.
Hey guys, how’s things?
We’re grand, we have been rehearsing this week for our upcoming show at La ZonmĂ© in Nice, France. Thanks for asking!
How did you get together as a band?
That was back in February 2022. There is this music school I go to called “Centre Culturel Prince Jacques” (Prince Jacques’ Cultural Centre). That’s where I met Alexandre Michel. We shared similar tastes in music and jammed there often, that’s where we formed ShitNoise and wrote our first singles and our first EP, Shit City. Rebecca Bartocci Mesa joined the band during the recording sessions of the EP. I was the “drummer” back then, hahaha. Sadly, Alexandre and Rebecca left the band now, but we have Tim Aringazi and Paul Albouy to the rescue. We are now two guitarists (me and Tim) and a drummer (Paul), I’m also the vocalist.
Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?
It’s gotta be Gilla Band! Super underrated band. One of the best music acts I ever listened to. Their music is super unique and their guitarist inspired my style of guitar playing a lot! I met Dara Kiely (the vocalist) twice at both Gilla Band concerts I went to. He enjoys ShitNoise’s music a lot! I gave him CDs! When I saw them in Turin (the second Gilla Band gig I saw), he told me “By the way! Oranges DO exist!” (that’s a reference to a ShitNoise song). Super cool moment.
For me, personally, when I started music, I was inspired a lot by Daft Punk, Aphex Twin, Marshmello and Billie Eilish. These inspired my solo music a lot. Later on, I was more inspired by AC/DC and Queen, then Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine, then System Of A Down and Slipknot, then calmer stuff like Larry Gus and Gorillaz, and now noisy stuff like Gilla Band and Viagra Boys
How else do you find inspiration for your music?
Theme-wise? Real life. Our songs are about people (especially in Monaco) that just act like total prats. Fake friends, bullies, all that kind of stuff. We just try to make fun of them, for example in our songs “Mustard Dessert” and “Yours Truly, Bastard!” (Shit City EP). We basically draw inspiration from personal experiences and emotions. It’s a way for us to channel our feelings and experiences into our music, shaping our sound and lyrics.
What’s been your highlight of the year so far?
Our tutorial on “How To Be Noise Rock” blowing up, kind of. It was crazy! We never expected so much attention to that video. We posted a couple more tutorials and they weren’t as successful. I guess people just liked it more. Also, the release of our debut album, Moments Before Drowning. We had a couple of shows supporting this release. People, surprisingly, liked it a lot!
What do you love about the Monaco music scene?
Monaco doesn’t have a big music scene. Most musicians/bands here play Jazz. There are some heavier bands, of course, but not as many. Most people that I know listen to Jul and stuff, that pisses me off.
What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?
Imagine this: sitting in your car, which is on fire, on an empty, endless highway, driving 200 km/h, with âSave Your Soulâ (Moments Before Drowning) playing on the speakers at full volume. Yes. That. But realistically? A live setting. A night club, on a Friday evening.
How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?
We started out with noisier and more hardcore stuff, but now we are trying to incorporate more commercial elements into our music. The new album is still noisy, but we try to not add too much noise.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?
Definitely Gilla Band. Or IDLES. Or Viagra Boys.
How did you find making your new single “Feeling Ungwee”?
Creating “Feeling Ungwee” was a fun process. The song is kind of about a guy that has been bugging me for years now. He was basically making fun of me while he wasn’t even any better. I won’t be stating any names. The recording sessions were quick for this song and this album as a whole. It was a gratifying experience to see the song come to life, and we’re proud of the final result. The word “ungwee”, by the way, came from Private Peaceful, a book by Michael Morpurgo. Big Joe, a character in that book, says that word when he’s found a church tower by his brothers. In a way, it’s a small wink to that book.
What message did you want to get across with this release?
“Feeling Ungwee” carries a message about the importance of active listening and empathy. It’s a reflection on encounters with people who choose not to engage or understand, whether they are annoying friends or people that act like they’re better than others. The song aims to highlight the significance of respect for others. We want our fans to recognize the value of truly hearing others and fostering genuine connections. It’s a song that basically tells the listener “Don’t be a prick. Don’t act like one. Love others.”
What can we expect from your upcoming record ‘Good Luck (Welcome To Hell)’?
Firstly, noise rock mixed with grunge, shoegaze and other genres. We have a Punk Blues song on there, Cowboys In Shorts! Secondly, a very personal narrative. The whole thing talks about bad experiences. People never understood me and my personality. It’s about all the assholes I met in Monaco who mocked me just for being the person I am. They called me different names, mocked my style of clothing, and my taste in music, and even compared me to people I don’t look like. With this album, I basically yell “F*CK YOU” at all the people that made me feel like I felt back then. A “persona non grata”. An outcast. This album made me feel more confident in myself. Get ready to embark on a sonic odyssey with us!
What artist have you been listening to most recently?
A lot of Idles. They just released a new single, Dancer, and I’ve been listening to it for a month now. It’s just so amazing. I also pre-ordered their upcoming album, TANGK, on vinyl. I’ve been also listening to a lot of Bring Me To Horizon, Daughters and The Blood Brothers.
What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?
Firstly, obviously, we hope that people enjoy our music. But more importantly, we hope our music resonates with our fans on a personal level. We want people to find solace and empowerment in our songs, knowing that they are not alone in their experiences. We want our fans to release their emotions while listening to this album. We want them to dance. We want them to sing. We want them to scream. We want them to be themselves.
What’s been your favourite live performance so far?
Oh, definitely the Gilla Band concerts! But I also enjoyed JoĂŁo Selvaâs performance in Beausoleil. He was always super happy-looking. Always had a big smile on his face. He motivated me to continue music!
Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?
I think this one’s kind of obvious, hahaha. Gilla Band, IDLES, Viagra Boys. Where? At the beach, because why not? That sounds fun!
Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?
Be yourself. Do what you love. Don’t listen to what other people say, especially when it’s negative stuff. Express yourself.
Finally, what do you have lined up for 2024?
We plan on releasing the new album, and hopefully people will like it a lot! It’s a super personal record to me. I’m sure that somewhere, there’s someone who can relate with my experience.
Watch the music video for Feeling Ungwee below
More from Interviews
INTERVIEW: TATE SEDAR drops “Take It All Back”
Born in San Francisco, raised in London and now based in Los Angeles, TATE SEDAR has spent much of his âŠ
INTERVIEW: Cinematic conceptual album from INYO
Coming out of Los Angeles, newcomer INYO is an artist whose musical vision is informed by a desire to explore âŠ
INTERVIEW: Brand new single from Thomas Azier
Dutch singer, composer and producer Thomas Azier has spent the last twelve years making an impression in the European music âŠ
