The fact that Ginga is a band with big potential is something that has already been known in Austria for quite some time. After their brilliant and outstanding performance at the Popfest in Vienna last year, there was no question that Ginga is probably the most promising band of the local pop scene. With their debut album “They Should Have Told Us”, the four-member band first called attention to themselves in 2008. Songs like “Cinnamon” and “Fashion” were played at Austria’s radio station FM4 in permanent rotation. Especially beyond Austrian borders, fans were enthusiastic about these wonderful pop songs.
Unfortunately, it does not happen too often that local bands can make it outside of Austria. This does not necessarily reflect the quality of the music, but it still requires that certain something to turn the dream of an international career into a reality. According to the music critics of this country, Ginga, consisting of the singer and guitarist Alex Konrad, violinist and bass player Emanuel Donner, drummer Matthias Loitsch and guitarist Klemens Wihlidal, certainly prove that they have what is needed to establish themselves internationally.
The band has been signed by an international record label, which obviously offers bigger possibilities for the band. In addition, the band received the opportunity to support the world famous British rock band Starsailor in 2008 in Brussels, which was a historic moment. Not only did they enthuse and inspire the audience, the bass player of the band Starsailor, James Stelfox, became a huge fan of Ginga and has ever since been raving about them.
Music-wise, Alex Konrad and his colleagues move in the fields of pop, folk and rock, and succeed in creating a unique style that clearly stands out. The four musicians approach matters with rather reduced sounds. With this reticency, the songs unfold an extraordinary appeal. The individual pieces are all wonderfully arranged and sprinkled with memorable and beautiful melancholic melodies that will not leave you untouched. Noteworthy are also the very multi-faceted vocals of Alex Konrad, who, no matter whether with dizzying heights or dark depths, always gives the songs additional atmosphere and emotion.
In 2009, Ginga was ready to take the next step and decided to record the entire debut album again. This time, with the professional support of the internationally highly respected producer Daniel Rejmer, who worked with world stars such as Nick Cave and Björk. In addition, the previously mentioned James Stelfox from Starsailor supported the band in the studio and on stage as a bass player. The songs were raised in their sound to a higher level, corresponding to the international standard. The results are more than impressive and meet all the attributes of excellent pop music.
One should be careful with superlatives, yes, but from a musical point of view, the four gentlemen have everything they could possibly need for a perfect rock band. According to Robert Rotifer, one of the most prestigious pop experts in Austria, the band has the songs, the charisma, the chemistry, the necessary power and, last but not least, the look. In any case, the four musicians definitely have the potential of becoming the next big thing. We will hopefully hear a lot more from Ginga in the future.
Ginga – This Is Happening
Michael Ternai
translated from the German by Doris Miyung Brady