Almost Famous: Moscow Olympics don’t want to be rockstars

Notable music blog The Yellow Stereo gave them a good review. But who are the Moscow Olympics? A Google search doesn’t reveal much, except that the band comes from the Philippines and is named after the title of an Orange Juice song. Despite the band’s efforts to keep a low profile, their album Cut The World has been a coveted masterpiece in music blogs all around the world. Released under Swedish label Lavender Records, the album has seven dream pop tracks, songs that have put the band on the world’s indie map. Since its release in April 2008, record labels from the USA, Germany and Japan have also picked up the album, and are releasing it in their respective countries. Besides that, Moscow Olympics also have a 7” single, ‘Still’, which is released by another Swedish label, Fraction Discs.

Formerly called The Lubitels, original members AJ (guitar, vocals), Melanie (bass) and Dino (drums) decided to regroup as Moscow Olympics in 2006, and recruited Jojo (keyboards) and Richard (guitar). The band name transpired off all of the members’ love for post-punk band Orange Juice. “It’s also because it seems that Melanie has a little fixation/obsession with all things Russian,” says the band.

When listening to the music of Moscow Olympics, dream pop and shoegaze immediately come to mind. But the band ultimately have a more simpler approach to their songs. “We'd like to think that what we do is still ultimately ‘pop’ songs. Preferably played very, very loud and sung with a whisper.” It is these hushed vocals in their songs, coupled with swirling melodies that have gotten the band a well-deserved buzz.

A lot of bands crave for the fame that comes with making good music, but Moscow Olympics have chosen to lay low. “We've always wanted to keep a low profile and we're perfectly happy staying as a small band. Aside from the fact that we don't really have the time and means nor the desire to promote extensively, we all have day jobs and consider the band as a fun hobby,” they reveal. The band adds, “While we enjoy playing live occasionally, constant gigging is not something we necessarily love. We just like getting together and hanging out as friends, listening to records and making music. We were just really happy about having been released at all and could only hope that a few people like the songs. The good reviews from blogs like The Yellow Stereo were an added bonus and it totally blew our minds.”

For now, Moscow Olympics are on a hiatus because all band members have other commitments. But rest assured, you’ll hear more from the band as they’re planning to release a couple of new singles, hopefully within the year. Other than that, their lives will go on as usual. “We all still have to do our jobs and pretty much earn a living!”

Words Jolyn Photos Moscow Olympics
www.myspace.com/moskva80

*Taken from JUNK's November 2008 issue