MEET: Amistat
photography Pat O’Hara
words Jethro Bennett
photography Pat O’Hara
We had the chance to chat with Josef, one half of the band AMISTAT.
An indie-folk band compromising of twin brothers, Josef and Jan, AMISTAT are based in Australia and have embarked on a number our tours throughout Australia and Europe, earning them a dedicated fan base.
In 2018, they released their EP, ‘Nostalgia’, and followed this offering with, ‘Something Wrong’ and ‘Far From Home’. They have recently dropped their new single ‘Love and Light’, a beautifully gentle track that is emotive, passionate and poised.
AMISTAT will be on tour around Europe and the UK later this year.
For those who are new to your music, can you introduce yourselves?
My name is Josef. Together with my twin brother, Jan, we form the band AMISTAT. We were born close to Munich (Bavaria), raised in Italy and spend the past 8 years living in Australia. Our parents are both originating from the Czech Republic/Australia.
When did you decide to form the band AMISTAT?
AMISTAT was formed 7 years ago when we first moved to Australia. We wanted to start our own project and play original music rather than keep on covering other artists music.
Does being brothers help with the creative process when writing songs? Do you come from the same place creatively?
Yes and no. We are very different from one another and draw inspiration from different things. When coming together to elaborate on an idea, we do always find together, though. There is a sixth sense we share being twins, which makes things easier for sure.
What message do you want listeners to take away from your music?
Every song comes from a different place and therefore has a different meaning. The reason why we write and play music, in general, is to make a difference in this world and to inspire others to do the same. Showing people that anything that you’d like to achieve is possible if you go after it wholeheartedly is of paramount importance to us.
‘Love and Light’ is the new single. Can you explain what inspired the song?
‘Love and Light’ was inspired by the recent environmental changes and the rising pollution of the oceans. The relationship between us humans and every other living creature and how we must treat one another with more respect and compassion again.
You have performed sold-out tours across Europe and Australia. What has been your favourite memory from doing this?
To be honest, there have been so many incredible memories we have made over the years. A stand out was definitely the supporting tour we just did with the Sons of the East. We became really close friends and just had the best time travelling in Europe and the UK with them.
What artists inspire you? Do you have an overall favourite album or band?
We grew up listening to Cat Stevens, The Bee Gees, Elvis and Simon and Garfunkel who all had an influence on the music we write today. Mumford and Sons, Damien Rice, Ben Howard and very recently Lewis Capaldi are artists that have inspired us over the last few years. The biggest influence by far has definitely been Ben Howard’s album “ Every Kingdom”. It’s a masterpiece! I don’t think anything has ever been created that’s moved us more. ( Mumford and Sons album “ Babel” is up there with it for sure). Ben is one of those artists that channels from some other world and that comes through in his lyrics and melodies.
photography Pat O’Hara
Do you have any plans for the rest of 2019? (for upcoming tour dates, click here.)
Our latest EP will be out the end of September, which will be taking us on tour throughout Europe and the UK in November and December.
Stream AMISTAT’s music by following this link. You can aslo follow AMISTAT on amistatmusic.com as well as on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.