South America + Sweden = Party times...
Ever since the Oh Sees first blew everyone’s mind back in 2008, we’ve been treated to a parade of psychedelic, Hawkwind-style jam bands; from the sensual overload of Aussie hippie-rockers Tame Impala to darker, more Sabbath like hypno-rock of bands like Hookworms and Blood Beach. When it comes to sheer weirdness, however, few even come close to Swedish rough-necks Sudakistan.
I first saw them when they played the Sex Beet afterparty at last year’s 1234 Festival. As well as being the first band I’ve seen to have a bongo player and not completely suck, they sounded like an unholy mesh of the Hawkwind, Earth, Wind and Fire and one of those Peruvian buskers. Made up of members who hail from Chile, Argentina and Venezuela, but based in Sweden, their dedication to actually trying to make gigs fun makes them a walking, talking antidote to all those bands who just stand there and try to act cool. Screw those guys...
A1. "Dale Gas" - SUDAKISTAN by PNKSLM
So you’re mostly from South America right? How did you end up in Sweden? What’s Scandinavia got that South America hasn’t?
Maikel: We came to Sweden under a witness protection programme. We can't really talk about too much.
Juan: In Sweden it's easier to find women but harder to find drugs.
What possessed you to start a garage rock band?
Micho: I wouldnt call us a garage band.
Maikel: Someone recently called us "Samba Pachanga" which I like
Micho:We started the band to make some noise and have some fun really
What’s the story behind the name Sudakistan?
Maikel: Barra came up with it, it doesn't really mean anything in particular, but "Sudaka" is a racial slur used by Spanish people towards South Americans.
What influences your sound? There seems to be a whole Hawkwind meets Santana thing going on.
Micho: It's hard to say, we never really sat down and said we ever wanted to sound like anything in particular.
Maikel: We have a strong Latino rhythm in our songs, and then we all individually bring our own personal touches.
How’s the reception been in England so far? Are people actually dancing for once?
Maikel: People are way more receptive here than they are in Sweden, and we have made a lot of really good friends along the way who have helped us out a lot. People definitely dance more at the shows here which is more inspiring.
Last question - why did you call your latest single ‘Dale Gas’? Is it a tribute to the humour of Dale Winton?
Arvid: Absolutely, Supermarket Sweep is huge in both Sweden and South America.
Barra: It's pronounced "Daly" - and it's an expression we all use a lot. It's a very positive saying like "let's do this" , that translates as "full speed."
Sudakistan play the Shacklewell Arms this Friday
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