Summer with 'Alchemy': An Interview with Agnieszka Świta
1. What was the beginning of your involvement in 'Alchemy'?
As you probably know, 'She' was my and Clive’s first major musical undertaking though we had released 3 EPs before leading up to 'She' release in 2007. It marked the beginning of my musical career… Consequently I moved to UK and literally lived above a studio for a year developing the concept testing the 'She' material and recording demos with Clive. Being aware of just how long it takes between the first creative spark and actual fruition we started talking about our next project while working on 'She'. To begin with it was all about finding the story which would feature a strong female character for me, adventure, suspense, the battle between good and evil, love and hatred, twist of action. So we walked around the nearby lake almost every day digging in the literature in search of something that Clive would find as inspirational as 'She'. We went through all the Victorian novels and it was obvious that women are mostly depicted as passive… they cry and scream but don’t really move the action forward… there was no room for a character for me. There was only one obvious conclusion. I said to Clive ’Why don’t you write the story yourself?’ And he did.
2. What is your first memory connected with 'Alchemy'?
Unfortunately very sad. Our collaboration with Metal Mind, our record label, was going really well and we were already promised they would release 'Alchemy'. Sadly, Metal Mind’s boss, Tomek Dziubiński passed away. He was one of those people who are always full of energy and optimism; you never expect them to go… I remember when Clive called me with the devastating news and we talked for over two hours remembering how supportive Tommy was of our music. There is one particular memory of Tommy that Clive particularly cherishes. While on tour he got a terrible message that his father fainted… and Tommy without any questions whatsoever organised Clive’s flight back to UK. Those are unforgettable defining moments that show what a great person Tommy was. Suddenly he was not a part of our musical world anymore - which obviously put a question mark all over 'Alchemy'. Fortunately, Metal Mind with Mariola Dziubińska and Darek Świtała continues what Tommy started. Thank you for your support and professionalism.
3. How did your life change while recording and just before the Katowice show?
My life is permanently linked with music. I live in London about an hour away from Clive and the studio. Depending on our schedule we either rehearse, record or plan our next undertaking… or most recently we have been working on my solo album ‘Sleepless’. Preparations for 'Alchemy' shows have been exciting and very intensive. A lot of effort went into the costume design because they are an important part of the expression. I wanted to use the same outfits for the DVD and the full theatrical performance in September this year so that involved planning ahead and ensuring they are suitable for both. A month before I would rehearse every day… there is lots of lyrics and spoken parts too - which was not the case with 'She'. In rehearsal room we would practically talk to each other using the parts form 'Alchemy'. I remember opening the drinks cabinet after David said to me ‘You try over there and I’ll check the desk’… which is what he says in 'Alchemy'’s 'Unwelcome Guest'. It was really funny.
4. Do you expect September theatrical performances to be more difficult than the Katowice show?
It is going to be an incomparably different experience with a choir, scenery and choreography. I am certain that the audience will reciprocate the energy I put in my performance; kind of action - reaction law. I always go back to last year’s 'She' shows, especially Friday and Saturday night. The audience was mostly made up of rock fans…people having great time…. me having the time of my life on stage… you never know what comes first but I expect the same level of emotions. Also in September we are doing a few nights so when the show is over I will know I will be Amelia again the following evening.
5. Do you think 'Alchemy' will impact on your career in the future?
The start of my collaboration with Clive really marked the beginning of my music career so 'Alchemy' is the next step and another aspect of what we do. We met seven years ago and we have been working together ever since. He refers to me as ‘my leading lady’ and I cannot image my life without his music. He is an incredibly respected musician by both fans and performers and I feel honoured that he chose me to work with…We recorded three EPs, three double albums ('She', J'ourney’s End' and 'Alchemy') and two DVDs. We are currently working on my solo album ‘Sleepless’. Clive is my producer, keyboard player and the author of the title track. He also has been my key influence in terms of how I think about music and composition. So as you can see all my music life is connected with Clive.
6. What will you remember most about the Katowice show?
Meeting with fans and their kind words. On day to day basis I am in the middle of rehearsals, recording or writing, I worry about the final outcome, if everything is going to go the way I have planned, if I remember all the lyrics, if my corset stays fastened while I breathe in... All those little things add up and it is easy to lose the sight of the fact that there is an outside world of people who actually buy and love my music… that it brings them joy. One fan told me after the 'Alchemy' show ‘What you do for music is the best thing in the world’. If there is at least one person who feels that way my sleepless nights and days of rehearsals are worthwhile. I thank everyone who shared their emotions with me after the show.
