Sofia Gastaldo
1 → Véd
Long term project on the Veneto Region
Interviewer: Listen, you specifically chose this spot within the Rivolta space. What was your reasoning behind that? What kind of personal connection do you have to that place?
J: Let’s say there are several factors. On one hand, it kind of happened naturally. I've been close to the music world since I was a kid — it's part of my life, almost a necessity. But I don't want to focus on the personal aspect, because I'm part of a collective and I don’t want to center everything around myself. I chose that space because it's one of the paths I can dedicate the most attention to at the moment. But I'd rather not make this conversation about me.
Interviewer: That’s a perfectly valid answer. It's not necessary to speak only about one's individuality...
J: Exactly. I think saying “Oh, I do it” isn’t the point. Maybe I handle the relational side of things, but without the community, I couldn't do what I do — and vice versa. So I don't want everything to be pinned on one person. We're against that mentality. Of course, there are people who take on different responsibilities, but we're a community. Then, there’s also a personal side. That space is now a recording studio, but until a few years ago it was an office. I remember, as a student, it was one of the places I’d go to take a nap before catching the bus home. So there’s an emotional connection and also a political one: creating a safe, open space where anyone can make music. Our informal motto is “Here, we make music — not mainstream bullshit,” because we want music to be a way of coming together, of being with one another. It comes from tribes, from gathering around one thing — the notes, the music. I think it’s important not to forget that, especially in today’s music scene, where people tend to only look after their own garden instead of collaborating with others.