In the vibrant realm of progressive rock, Accauno emerges as a dynamic force, weaving visionary lyrics and eclectic styles into their musical tapestry. Comprising Andrea Tosini (vocals, guitar), Mattia Paneroni (bass), and Giuseppe Pianese (drums), the Italian power trio embarked on their musical odyssey in 2010. Prog Sphere delves into the soul of Accauno, unraveling their inspirations, creative processes, and reflections on the ever-evolving progressive rock scene.
The band is a part of our recent “Progstravaganza: Harmony in Complexity” digital compilation with the song “Sinapsi.”
Embarking on a Progressive Odyssey
Prog Sphere: So, Andrea, tell us about the genesis of Accauno. How did your journey in the world of progressive rock begin?
Andrea Tosini: We formed in 2010 to perform original songs in Italian. We have always had a great passion for pop-rock, singer-songwriter, and progressive rock. The diverse artistic experiences of each of the three of us have allowed us to create an eclectic and constantly evolving musical proposal. For every new song we compose, our goal is to break the rules we have codified for the previous ones, and this working method seems akin to what artists have done to make progressive rock a genre of reference.
“Sinapsi”: A Collaborative Symphony
Prog Sphere: Let’s talk about “Sinapsi,” the featured track on the compilation. What’s the story or inspiration behind it?
Andrea Tosini: “Sinapsi” is based on a chord progression suggested by Mattia on the acoustic guitar. However, each of us contributed to giving it its final shape and arranging it, making it what it is now. It’s a collaborative piece, where each of us merged our ideas and creativity to create a collective composition. We also wanted to document a moment in history by adding audio inserts from Italian news broadcasts to the piece. Although it is an instrumental piece, we believe it carries the deepest political message among those presented in ‘Punto di fuga’.
Heterogeneous Creativity: The Making of “Punto di Fuga”
Prog Sphere: Your creative process seems quite diverse. How did it unfold in creating your latest album, “Punto di Fuga”?
Andrea Tosini: The creative process that characterizes Accauno is heterogeneous. “Punto di fuga” includes both songs composed by me and arranged by all three members, as well as songs developed together through improvisational processes.
Inspirations from Diverse Horizons
Prog Sphere: Your music showcases a fusion of styles. Who or what are your major influences in progressive rock?
Andrea Tosini: Our influences are many and diverse. Each of us carries a myriad of listens ranging from contemporary classical to jazz, from easy listening to the most extreme forms of progressive rock. The common ground for all three of us is King Crimson, a band that we consider our most important source of inspiration for creativity, independence, and the constant need to emancipate itself from its own past.
Navigating Challenges in the Musical Tapestry
Prog Sphere: Every artist faces challenges. What have been the challenges for Accauno, and how did you overcome them?
Andrea Tosini: The challenges in the musical field are always numerous and diverse. Foremost among them is reaching the highest number of listeners with one’s music. That’s why we have always been attentive to convey our artistic message through as many communication channels as possible and are constantly exploring new media.
The Ongoing Evolution of Progressive Rock
Prog Sphere: How do you see the progressive rock scene evolving, and what role do you believe your music plays in that evolution?
Andrea Tosini: Rock, like any other form of artistic expression, arises from an innate need to convey one’s emotions. This is the reason that drives us to continue giving our best, even though it is very challenging in these times to say something new and, above all, to pique people’s curiosity.
Revelations in the Musical Journey
Prog Sphere: Share with us some memorable moments in your musical journey so far.
Andrea Tosini: The memorable moments are undoubtedly represented by the conflicts that have allowed us to reveal ourselves to each other as individuals, showing our convictions and weaknesses. Each of us, during the composition of the songs, during the endless rehearsals to represent them at their best, during the work in the recording studio, has demonstrated absolute intellectual honesty and fidelity to the cause, pursuing the attempt to share their vision with others when it seemed best for the group. It has not been a simple process, but it has made each of us better.
No Favorites, Only Growth
Prog Sphere: Do you have a personal favorite among your own compositions?
Andrea Tosini: We cannot point out a favorite song of ours. It would be like asking a parent to choose their favorite child. Each of our creations carries within it a long process that has brought us together and made us grow. We owe who we are now to each and every one of our songs.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Projects
Prog Sphere: Any sneak peeks into upcoming projects or collaborations?
Andrea Tosini: We are creating material for the upcoming album. This requires continuous refinement of what has already been done and countless efforts to give complete shape to new ideas. We already have five pieces ready, which we really like and believe represent a new milestone reached by the group, a step forward from what we have done before. Now we have to work hard to complete the project, as we think we are only halfway there. In the meantime, we would love to have the opportunity to perform these pieces in front of an audience, to begin testing people’s reactions to this new phase of Accauno. We will be playing live soon, and then we’ll know.
Compiling Harmony: The Compilation Experience
Prog Sphere: How has the experience been for you, being part of our compilation?
Andrea Tosini: Being part of a compilation can be stimulating as it helps us understand how the compiler perceives us and how they think we can fit into a coherent project. This will give us the opportunity to listen to like-minded artists who will undoubtedly inspire new aspirations. Last but not least, we consider it important to have the chance to be heard by a large number of people.
A Message to Curious Audiences
Prog Sphere: What message would you like to convey to your fans discovering your music through this compilation?
Andrea Tosini: We hope that our music can pique the curiosity of listeners, allowing them to delve deeper into what we do. Our pieces are very diverse from one another, so listening to just one track may not provide an adequate idea of who we are. However, this, too, is a stimulus. Where there is curiosity, there is life.
Quickfire Insights
Prog Sphere: Dream collaborations, Andrea?
Andrea Tosini: Robert Fripp, Joe Jackson, David Sylvian, Steven Wilson.
Beyond Music: Influences Beyond Sound
Prog Sphere: Any non-musical influences finding their way into your music?
Andrea Tosini: We are passionate about literature, cinema, and anything that challenges our curiosity.
Instrument of Choice
Prog Sphere: If you had to pick one instrument (besides your primary one) to master, what would it be?
Andrea Tosini: Piano, trumpet, cello.
Favorite Prog Album
Prog Sphere: What’s your all-time favorite progressive rock/metal album, and why?
Andrea Tosini: “In the court of the Crimson King” (1969). This album seems to come from an alternate dimension, as it is shockingly original. Played by young musicians at the beginning of their journey, it appears to be crafted by seasoned instrumentalists and brilliant arrangers. Each track is remarkably innovative, having nothing to do with anything done before. Yet, it’s so enjoyable to listen to, so full of inspiration. This album is important for so many reasons that it’s difficult for us to express in a few lines. It represents a significant milestone for human creativity, destined to be a source of inspiration for anyone who listens to it, even years from now.
Non-Musical Influence
Prog Sphere: Are there non-musical influences that find their way into your music? (e.g., literature, art, science)
Andrea Tosini: We are passionate about literature, cinema, and anything that challenges our curiosity, instilling in our minds the doubt of being very small humans. Poetry, furthermore, represents for us a form of direct and immediate communication. Moreover, we have developed an artistic collaboration with the Italian poetess Myrna Bongini, who has enriched us both in the creation of “Punto di fuga” and in the presentation of live performances combining music and poetry.
Closing Harmonies: Final Thoughts
Prog Sphere: Any final reflections or thoughts for our audience?
Andrea Tosini: We hope that our music can please you and transport you to distant worlds. It would be wonderful to serve as inspiration and contribute to fueling the curiosity of those who listen to us. For us, this is fundamental and gives us the strength to continue creating something new.
For more about Accauno visit their official website, Bandcamp, Facebook, or Instagram.
