MARIA SURFINBIRD
First of all, congratulations on the debut release of Sex Dream! Could you tell us how the project formed and how it's different from your previous project Surfinbird?
Thank you! I’m really excited about this band, and I still keep learning a lot of stuff! I moved to Chicago suburbs in April 2018 and I was dying to start a new band. Surfinbird hadn’t even finished recording our upcoming EP, so I did my parts here. I already had more new songs that were on my mind and were trying to crawl outside and get into the new shape of words and sounds. So here I am jamming with Zach, Andrew and Tmmie. I remember when I first met Zach I played my first and only show with Surfinbird here in Chicago the day before Jughead’s Birthday party at our friend Aaron’s house.Andrew was there too. Zach played with his band Your Boy, where Timmie plays drums. So during the afterparty I was blasting some MTX and Zach was yelling something like damn we need more MTX! In Surfinbird no one is into MTX just so you know. Haha. In between Surfinbird and Sex Dream I started an all girl band called Gigillas. No one in this band could play their instruments really good, and it was a different chemistry. No stress, no real ambitions, just fun.
Thank you! I’m really excited about this band, and I still keep learning a lot of stuff! I moved to Chicago suburbs in April 2018 and I was dying to start a new band. Surfinbird hadn’t even finished recording our upcoming EP, so I did my parts here. I already had more new songs that were on my mind and were trying to crawl outside and get into the new shape of words and sounds. So here I am jamming with Zach, Andrew and Tmmie. I remember when I first met Zach I played my first and only show with Surfinbird here in Chicago the day before Jughead’s Birthday party at our friend Aaron’s house.Andrew was there too. Zach played with his band Your Boy, where Timmie plays drums. So during the afterparty I was blasting some MTX and Zach was yelling something like damn we need more MTX! In Surfinbird no one is into MTX just so you know. Haha. In between Surfinbird and Sex Dream I started an all girl band called Gigillas. No one in this band could play their instruments really good, and it was a different chemistry. No stress, no real ambitions, just fun.
You've been living in the USA for a while now, and I imagine it was probably scary/difficult to move from your home country of Russia to live your dream. How bad was it, and how do you feel now looking back on the last year?
It is definitely my hardest decision so far. I try not to think about what happened right before I moved, cause it gives me anxiety. I miss my Mom and my cat terribly! I do believe if you have something that you truly want, you’d better go for it. Or it’s gonna eat you from the inside. There were lots of things I had to figure out before I got the green card. I’m so grateful I have the new family here, who supports me. Zach’s wife Lacey helped to find my first job, and you might be surprised, but I was really scared thinking what if I can’t understand what they say, I don’t wanna be a dumb foreign girl! Just have to admit it was really hard to start everything from the beginning. I really appreciate that people are opening their hearts for me and and let me be the part of their lives.
It is definitely my hardest decision so far. I try not to think about what happened right before I moved, cause it gives me anxiety. I miss my Mom and my cat terribly! I do believe if you have something that you truly want, you’d better go for it. Or it’s gonna eat you from the inside. There were lots of things I had to figure out before I got the green card. I’m so grateful I have the new family here, who supports me. Zach’s wife Lacey helped to find my first job, and you might be surprised, but I was really scared thinking what if I can’t understand what they say, I don’t wanna be a dumb foreign girl! Just have to admit it was really hard to start everything from the beginning. I really appreciate that people are opening their hearts for me and and let me be the part of their lives.
I met you when you were traveling to the USA just to come to punk shows. I saw you at Insub Fest 2012, and then at Red Scare's 10th anniversary show in 2015. How often had you travelled to the USA before? Was it difficult to do?
My first time was that Insub! I read on Twitter that Dr. Frank is playing, and that was it, I said fuck it, I’m going to the US. The funny thing I remember my cheeks were in so much pain when I first came to America. After just a couple days speaking English only I couldn’t even smile without feeling that muscle pain! So that time I stayed for a month and went to Denver to see The Queers, Screeching Weasel and The Nobodys! No smart phones yet that would show you where to go! Joe Queer helped me a lot, and not only this time. They took me to the airport the next day! Hey, you and me met at this Gothic Theatre too! In 2014? When The Queers played with MTX and The Lillingtons, so it’s 3 times ha!
My first time was that Insub! I read on Twitter that Dr. Frank is playing, and that was it, I said fuck it, I’m going to the US. The funny thing I remember my cheeks were in so much pain when I first came to America. After just a couple days speaking English only I couldn’t even smile without feeling that muscle pain! So that time I stayed for a month and went to Denver to see The Queers, Screeching Weasel and The Nobodys! No smart phones yet that would show you where to go! Joe Queer helped me a lot, and not only this time. They took me to the airport the next day! Hey, you and me met at this Gothic Theatre too! In 2014? When The Queers played with MTX and The Lillingtons, so it’s 3 times ha!
I started coming back almost every year, my friends were more into going somewhere by the ocean, but me and my heart were all about music, so I came back in 2013 to see Screeching Weasel again, The Dictators and Angry Samoans at Reggie’s! Aw I remember how Angry Samoans played Baby One More Time, it was great!! In between I think it was Kobanes show somewhere in the city, and The Lillingtons at Beat Kitchen. Me and my friend Vovik had to wake up early to be able to drink some beers before the show, cause it started at noon. I met lots of local punks there! I continued coming back for a while, and now I have my own band here!
When did you begin writing songs, and where does your love of music come from?
I started writing my own songs when I was around 18. I remember taking some guitar lessons when I was in the middle school, like 1 or 2! I was bad! I couldn’t trust the teacher and I always had a feeling they’re showing me something I don’t need and don’t explain it enough, but I was like this in almost everything.
I started writing my own songs when I was around 18. I remember taking some guitar lessons when I was in the middle school, like 1 or 2! I was bad! I couldn’t trust the teacher and I always had a feeling they’re showing me something I don’t need and don’t explain it enough, but I was like this in almost everything.
The moment you fall in love is hard to catch! I just know that I was feeling happy if I stayed home dating my records instead of going out having some real conversations.
We've collaborated on songs before and your style is very unique. How did you develop your own songwriting style?
Thanks!!! I wish I could ask you back!! But it’s my interview haha. Ok, all my songs are something that needed to be born, they’re killing me from the inside to let them out. I’ve always been too sensitive, therefore there are lots of broken hearts in my songs. They said I was emo kid playing punk rock, but I would say it’s the twee pop influence. It’s a charming sadness, like you mix the Ramones with the Pastels, they’re all connected. Let’s do more songs sometime!
Thanks!!! I wish I could ask you back!! But it’s my interview haha. Ok, all my songs are something that needed to be born, they’re killing me from the inside to let them out. I’ve always been too sensitive, therefore there are lots of broken hearts in my songs. They said I was emo kid playing punk rock, but I would say it’s the twee pop influence. It’s a charming sadness, like you mix the Ramones with the Pastels, they’re all connected. Let’s do more songs sometime!
You are always very enthusiastic and positive but I'm sure your live hasn't been easy - how are you able to project such a positive vibe despite life's many challenges?
I try! I do yoga, look at kitty pictures and eat tons of chocolate!!
I try! I do yoga, look at kitty pictures and eat tons of chocolate!!
Did your impressions of the USA change since you've been living here a while? Do you feel that Americans misunderstand Russia?
I always try not to have any expectations about anything, that helps me a lot not to get frustrated. So far I only see that my Americans don’t like Russian food! I noticed here people are always curious about what are you, where are you from, they always wanna tell you I’m this and that. In Russia they all act the same, like they’re Russians, even though they could look different.
I always try not to have any expectations about anything, that helps me a lot not to get frustrated. So far I only see that my Americans don’t like Russian food! I noticed here people are always curious about what are you, where are you from, they always wanna tell you I’m this and that. In Russia they all act the same, like they’re Russians, even though they could look different.
The Russian pop punk scene is alive and well, and has produced many cool bands. Who are some of your favorites from Russia? What is the scene like there?
I like Skulls, Angels and Sluts. Hehe they’re really good, they’re more like Nofx punk though. The Dumbheads from Belgorod are good! My friend Bagi and his band Cretin Boys, Screaming Brain, Kotik (means kitty in Russian). I’m pretty sure there are more, I just never felt I was the part of the scene.
I like Skulls, Angels and Sluts. Hehe they’re really good, they’re more like Nofx punk though. The Dumbheads from Belgorod are good! My friend Bagi and his band Cretin Boys, Screaming Brain, Kotik (means kitty in Russian). I’m pretty sure there are more, I just never felt I was the part of the scene.
Russia seems like a scary place to many of us here - brutal, cold, violent, lawless, dangerous - these are stereotypes that some believe. Are you offended by this at all? And what do your Russian friends think of the USA?
Haha it always makes me laugh! People here who don’t know me think I’m Polish. I’m from the Southern part by the Black Sea, it is warmer than here in Chicago! The times have changed, Russia is not that dangerous like you think, it’s just the language barrier and some different habits. So, if you go there they would be curious about you and they would find the way to communicate even though their English or your Russian could be pretty bad! They would definitely party with you and get you drunk. My friend like the US, some of them have been here before, others are thinking about visiting me. The only thing is the situation has been really bad recently, and I don’t even mean the virus right now, but before. People could wait for their visas to get approved for almost a year or never get approved and just lose their money.
Haha it always makes me laugh! People here who don’t know me think I’m Polish. I’m from the Southern part by the Black Sea, it is warmer than here in Chicago! The times have changed, Russia is not that dangerous like you think, it’s just the language barrier and some different habits. So, if you go there they would be curious about you and they would find the way to communicate even though their English or your Russian could be pretty bad! They would definitely party with you and get you drunk. My friend like the US, some of them have been here before, others are thinking about visiting me. The only thing is the situation has been really bad recently, and I don’t even mean the virus right now, but before. People could wait for their visas to get approved for almost a year or never get approved and just lose their money.
Important question: Can you please explain your love for kittens? (Hello to Katie Kittenheart, I hope you are reading this).
hahahaha! Awwwwww! I’ve been surrounded by cats all my life! This is the first time ever I have a dog! Cats are the best anti-depressants! Perfect creatures! My kitty died when she was 22, she was the best cat ever!! A year before I left to the US me and my Mom got a cat again, we didn’t plan on doing this, it just happened, and I fell in love with him, my little baby Joey! I miss him so much! Kitties are better than humans!!! Trust me!
hahahaha! Awwwwww! I’ve been surrounded by cats all my life! This is the first time ever I have a dog! Cats are the best anti-depressants! Perfect creatures! My kitty died when she was 22, she was the best cat ever!! A year before I left to the US me and my Mom got a cat again, we didn’t plan on doing this, it just happened, and I fell in love with him, my little baby Joey! I miss him so much! Kitties are better than humans!!! Trust me!
You've achieve a lot as a musician and have overcome many challenges in order to accomplish your goals. Where does this intense passion come from? What are your ultimate goals?
It really sounds like it’s not about me! I have so much on my mind what I wanna do. Sex Dream has just begun! I wanna record a twee pop album finally!! Me and Marky Kobane have just finished recording the twee pop song, while practicing social distancing, he did the drums for me and I did everything else. So I’m excited! I love passion! In everything! I also can feel the demons inside me who won’t let me stop until me/they get what WE want haha.
My ultimate goal is to become the new teenage idol!
It really sounds like it’s not about me! I have so much on my mind what I wanna do. Sex Dream has just begun! I wanna record a twee pop album finally!! Me and Marky Kobane have just finished recording the twee pop song, while practicing social distancing, he did the drums for me and I did everything else. So I’m excited! I love passion! In everything! I also can feel the demons inside me who won’t let me stop until me/they get what WE want haha.
My ultimate goal is to become the new teenage idol!
Is Chicago the place you'd like to remain, and what's your plan for the future as a US resident and musician?
I never know what’s gonna happen next. Chicago suburbs is my new home now. I do love New York a lot. There are so many places I wanna visit. We’ll see! My dream is to live by the ocean. Or it should be not that far. I used to go swimming at the Black Sea every summer since I was a kid, I still have this craving. I wanna learn more every day, so my music won’t stop breathing.
I never know what’s gonna happen next. Chicago suburbs is my new home now. I do love New York a lot. There are so many places I wanna visit. We’ll see! My dream is to live by the ocean. Or it should be not that far. I used to go swimming at the Black Sea every summer since I was a kid, I still have this craving. I wanna learn more every day, so my music won’t stop breathing.
Has the pop punk community in the USA embraced you and made you feel welcome? How does it feel to receive some recognition in the American scene?
I’m still surprised everytime it happens if I talk to people, whose music is my main influence in punk rock! I’m really grateful that they are being so nice! When I fell in love with the Queers I would never believe that one day I would actually talk to Joe Queer! I was sitting there in Krasnodar watching some Screeching Weasel videos with my friend, he was a huge fan! We were talking about how we start a band call it Pink Nipples. Omg, I wish he was still around.
I’m still surprised everytime it happens if I talk to people, whose music is my main influence in punk rock! I’m really grateful that they are being so nice! When I fell in love with the Queers I would never believe that one day I would actually talk to Joe Queer! I was sitting there in Krasnodar watching some Screeching Weasel videos with my friend, he was a huge fan! We were talking about how we start a band call it Pink Nipples. Omg, I wish he was still around.
I still can’t believe it’s all real or I have some recognition, do I? It still feels like I’ve just started!
How do your Russian friends back home feel about your journey to the USA and your success in music. Is your family interested, and do they miss you a lot?
My Mom and my grandma are everything I have. I miss them a lot. They support me. My Mom went to school for piano, so when I started playing guitar she could tell me easily if there’s something wrong. Ha! My friends in Russia support me too! Last November I went to Russia to visit my Mom and the kitty and we even played a couple shows with my girl band Gigillas. I had been dreaming to start an all girl band since I first heard Spazzys haha. I don’t know why but it’s totally different connection! I love that!
Ok, thanks for all the questions! I wish us to stay healthy and enjoy whatever we all are doing sitting at home right now!
My Mom and my grandma are everything I have. I miss them a lot. They support me. My Mom went to school for piano, so when I started playing guitar she could tell me easily if there’s something wrong. Ha! My friends in Russia support me too! Last November I went to Russia to visit my Mom and the kitty and we even played a couple shows with my girl band Gigillas. I had been dreaming to start an all girl band since I first heard Spazzys haha. I don’t know why but it’s totally different connection! I love that!
Ok, thanks for all the questions! I wish us to stay healthy and enjoy whatever we all are doing sitting at home right now!
Cool interview! I'm listening the Sex Dream EP almost every day!
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