We chat with guitarist Olmo from Italian Four-piece rock band Spleen
10th January 2025SPLEEN ARE: Samuele Riccucci – Guitar and Vocals, Matteo Innocenti – Drums and Backing Vocals, Olmo Fantini – Guitar and Backing Vocals, Alberto Sanna – Bass
Spleen are a fierce and feisty Italian four-piece. Earlier this year they signed with renowned rock label Contempo Records and are now fully fired up and set to unleash a darkly charged collection of music and live dates- and maybe raise a little Hell whilst having a good time! The band released their own take on the iconic track “Making Plans For Nigel” to some acclaim late last year. The track is taken from their upcoming, yet-to-be-titled debut album – set to land in early 2025. What made you want to cover “Making Plans for Nigel” by XTC?
Making Plans for Nigel is a timeless song. We consider XTC’s sound very innovative, and we can easily relate to the meaning of the lyrics.
It’s such an iconic track: how did you go about putting your rock ‘n’ roll twist on it?
We definitely felt some pressure given the importance of the song, but the process of creating the cover was spontaneous: we tried to bring our own sound to the track without straying too far from its essence.
What’s the buzz been like from your fans about your take on it?
The fans are happy with both the song and the music video. As I mentioned before, we were surprised by the number of young fans who were already fond of the original track.
Apart from XTC, which other legends or bands have carved their initials into your sound and style?
Just to name a few: Misfits, Black Flag, Descendents, Fugazi, Circle Jerks, and Minor Threat have been hugely influential for their aggression and attitude. As for grunge, bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, and Stone Temple Pilots play a big role, all seasoned with a good dose of Foo Fighters and Smashing Pumpkins, and finally a touch of stoner with Queens of the Stone Age and Kyuss.
Are there any other classic anthems you’ve got your eyes on for future covers?
We really like Buena by Morphine and Smile by Nat King Cole…
You’ve just played a couple of dates in London- How did it feel to rock out in such an iconic city? Will you come back?!
The concerts in London were like a dream: the crowd was amazing, and the people were wild! We’ll definitely be back as soon as possible!
What’s the best part about performing live for you guys? How do you gear up for your gigs?
The connection we create with the audience, seeing people let go of conventions and go wild with us for an hour, is incredible. Beyond our instrument setup, we usually bring props on stage, like our “Prig,” a mannequin we’ve brought with us many times during performances.
What’s the lowdown on the current rock scene in Italy? Are there any up-and-coming bands that are catching your ear?
The Italian scene is alive, even though there’s a lack of venues to play. We love the “Punkcake,” and you should keep an eye on the “Grandi Raga” and the “Ejent.”
How do you keep the connection with your fans strong off-stage? Any unforgettable fan encounters that left an impression?
We try to build a community, meet fans, hang out with them, and have fun together. We often organize after-parties after our shows. There have been a couple of unforgettable moments with fans like when we were recognized and asked for a photo at a Descendents concert. It was one of the first times it happened, and we were far from home, which made it even more special. Another emotional moment was seeing young Florentine bands start covering some of our songs. These guys feel more like peers than fans, they’re super young and already killing it! (Ferrovie Hardcore and Ortica).
Outside of the music world, what inspires you? Any hobbies or interests that feed into your creativity?
In the band, some of us love cinema, some are passionate about history, others about sports, philosophy, and art… Everything inspires our music.
We’re hyped for your forthcoming album! Give us the inside scoop —what kind of sonic adventures are we in for?
The spleen sound is still in its early stages. Expect a darker, more experimental, and aggressive album. We’d like it to be a concept album, but we can’t reveal more just yet… Stay tuned!
Please tell us you’ll be touring the UK in 2025!
Follow us on social media (Instagram and Facebook @spleensound) we’ll be announcing big things soon!
What golden nuggets of advice would you toss to aspiring rockers trying to break into the scene?
Try everything, try it all, and have fun. If life feels like a cell, then music is the key to escape.
