Bologna is a fascinating city. How does the city influence you in your work?
I do not live in Bologna but in a town nearby called Reggio Emilia, but I go to Bologna quite often for concerts, for example. I come from a big, industrial city (Warsaw) and living in a small Italian town is a very different experience, which has some pros and cons, but in general Reggio Emilia is a lovely, relaxed place, with a beautiful architecture in the center mostly. I get inspired by the nearby hills and other natural places as nature around is incredible and romantic. We often go for trips with my partner. One of our favorite places is a giant rock called Pietra di Bismantova, a truly magical spot. Also, I love to go to the seaside in Liguria as well as natural thermal baths in Tuscany, like Petriolo.
Can you give us some insider tips about the city? What should be seen?
I kind of replied in the previous question, I would recommend going outside the city:) However, in Bologna I like very much a cultural space “Raum” run by Xing. It’s a very peculiar architectural space and the people who run it are super cool and have a very fine and interesting curatorial style. In general, walking around the city is a very aesthetically pleasant experience and there is amazing food and wine by every corner.
What traditions and techniques influence your work the most?
I feel like I’m kind of a blend of many. I have spent most time studying traditional Indonesian music, particularly from Java Island and Indian Hindustani Classical Vocal, so I would say these have influenced me the most. I also listened to a lot of western classical opera when I was a child as my mother used to take me to the opera house almost every weekend.
How do you start a new composition and how do you incorporate different styles into your work?
It happens quite intuitively; I just have a melody in my head, and I sing it out loud. If I feel it has a vibe and brings me nice feeling, I elaborate. My choices are mostly related to my sense of aesthetic, as well as If sounds give me a pleasant feeling, such pleasure I seek is in relation to a kind of spiritual fulfillment.
How does your work as a researcher influence your music?
It influences it in a sense that I can broaden my palette and bring in sounds that are more in tune with my true spirit. That I have a sense that my choices are not limited to my cultural upbringing and the place where I come from. I feel like researching other cultures musically allows me to express myself as a universal being, a citizen of the whole world.
Who styles you for videos and live performances, and how do you choose your outfits?
I style myself as I trust my own taste the most – I collaborate often with costume designers. Most of my outfits from the past two years were created by my friend and an incredible talented artist called Atelier Planeta. She created my costumes for special premieres and one-off productions, also I have one, a bit more casual dress from her which I love because I can do many different things with it and wear it every time different.
On 16.11.2024 you will perform live at the Sonic Territories Festival in Vienna. What can the audience look forward to?
I would say, it will be something special as I will be weaving this sounds in the air out of the place and one of a kind as I perform each concert differently and each for the space and audience. I hope to bring some beautiful and relaxing vibes. I will also run an imaginary vocal workshop on the day before so If You are interested You can apply via Sonic Territories website.
Your website shows that you travel a lot and play live. What is particularly important to you when performing live, and where do you prefer to perform?
Yes, I love to travel, it gives me a lot of excitement. For performances it is important for me that there is a good atmosphere, that people treasure the music and the beauty of experiencing it in this special way, which is a live performance, music created in a real moment and just for this moment. I like when everyone put energy to create something beautiful and special – aesthetically, spiritually, and technically. Something meaningful and uplifting. I appreciate the most when the venue is sort of historical architecture with a natural reverberation, as well as vast or theatrical spaces with scenography or picturesque spots in nature. Also, the light is significant.
What role does imagination play in your music?
It is the core of my creation, everything I compose comes from my imagination in a sense that is a blend of my travels and inner and outer experiences. Dreams play a big role in my life as well. I often find myself in a kind of spaced-out zone, filled with visions and hypnagogic experiences.
How do you feel after a live performance?
It depends on the circumstances, but mostly it’s a high feeling, very blissed and excited. Quite often I need some time to be able to have a normal conversation again and kind of get back to earth.
What else do you have planned for 2024?
I am playing live shows around until the end of November and for the winter season I’m planning some new research trips, most probably to Lombok Island. I’m also going to stay in Rome for the whole October so I’m excited to explore this area and nearby peculiar locations.
Antonina Nowacka – www.antoninanowacka.com, www.instagram.com/antoninawidt/
Antonina Nowacka has performed around the world in concert spaces and galleries, such as Lincoln Centre in New York, Barbican Centre in London, Cafe OTO in London, Silent Green in Berlin, Centro National de las Artes in Mexico City, La Casa Encendida in Madrid, Bourse de Commerce in Paris, BOZAR in Brussels, Maison de Lorette in Lyon, PONEC Theatre in Prague, National Museum in Warsaw. She collaborated with acclaimed artists and producers such as Agnieszka Polska (Plan Tysiącletni), Nicolas Jaar (Weavings), Sofie Birch (Languoria).
Releases: Lamunan (2020) Mondoj | Vocal Sketches from Oaxaca (2021) TakuRoku/Cafe OTO | Languoria with Sofie Birch (2022) Mondoj/ Unsound | Sylphine Soporifera (2024) Mondoj
Sonic Territories Festival: Since its inception in 2018, Sonic Territories has evolved, always transforming, always seeking new connections and innovative expressions. Guided by a spirit of freedom, we have adapted each edition to the ever-changing landscapes of music and art, reflecting cultural, technological, and social shifts. www.sonic-territories.at
