Doomed Confessionary: Marco L.S., Marco S., Giuseppe, Andrea & Marco G. (Deepandense)
Deepandense is an alternative/grunge/shoegaze/post-punk band based in Catania, Italy. So far, they released a live album »Let It Burn« on April 22nd, 2024. It was recorded live at Attik Records. The band is currently working on their first full-length album.
Founded in early 2022, Deepandense consists of Marco La Spina (guitar), Marco Sferrazzo (lead vocals), Giuseppe Ciancitto (bass), Andrea Longo (guitar) and Marco Giugno (drums).
Can you please say a few words about your band?
Giuseppe: We write songs for those who still have something to say, for those who don’t give up.
Marco L.S.: Deepandense is a coincidence, a need, an exasperation. A coincidence, surely, because it’s not easy to find musicians (especially in Sicily) with genuine chemistry – and especially on 22.02.2022, “the first time we got together to play!” Deepandense is a need because we all feel the urge to write music in the most natural way possible, without patterns or constraints. An exasperation, because our different backgrounds blend together to scream out all the indignation of this historical moment. We play what we are and what we feel – our roots run through noise, grunge, shoegaze, and punk from the ’90s.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Giuseppe: We don’t pay and we don’t let ourselves be dragged by trends – for us, every chord is a battle.
Marco S.: At the beginning, there were several lineup changes (on bass and drums) that caused stress and slowed down our creative process. After a few months, the lineup was set, and today, about two years later, we’re a band in perfect harmony.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Marco G.: We’ve learned to make it on our own – we produce, record, and distribute everything ourselves.
Andrea: The “no compromise” philosophy when we write. We don’t try to follow any rule in order to fit within a specific style or genre.
Marco L.S.: We’re proud of the music we play, and the music we keep writing. Playing some of our songs is truly a hallucinatory journey.
What was your biggest regret?
Marco S.: At the moment, I have no regrets. Every listen, follower, and like is the result of the sweat and love we put into what we do.
Marco L.S.: I’ve played with many bands. Maybe my only regret is not having found my current band back in the ’90s – we’d have a completely different story today.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Andrea: The “Innesko Festival,” entirely organized by some members of our band, turned out to be an explosion of pure energy.
Marco L.S.: We’ve been around quite a lot this year, all across Sicily, in truly unique contexts and venues.
I definitely appreciated the Innesko Festival, a DIY event organised by several bands in an amazing location – right under Mount Etna.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
Marco L.S.: Definitely Sonic Youth, Nirvana, My Bloody Valentine, The Jesus and Mary Chain – those are the ones from the past.
Today, I’d say: DIIV, Metz, Ovlov, Fontaines D.C., Idles, Julie.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Giuseppe: »Private Music« by Deftones.
Marco L.S.: »Panopticon« by Isis. It keeps coming back.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Giuseppe: I don’t really listen to advice – I’ve got a bad temper, I know. 😀
Marco L.S.: Never stop searching for sound – in its essence and spontaneity – with all kinds of amps, guitars, and effects, many of which are old gear, or “vintage,” as they say today.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Marco L.S.: Playing loud at night, drinking wine and smoking until dawn… then waking up somewhere in the studio.
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Catania / Sicily?
Giuseppe: We’re surrounded by “radical chic” types chasing likes – we keep our distance, even if that means not being successful. We’re trying to stand out by going outside our area, where people who work hard and think like us are appreciated and supported.
Marco L.S.: We’re all from the province of Catania, Sicily, Italy. Back in the ’90s, this place was called the Seattle of Europe for its underground bands – Uzeda first and foremost.
Today, that spark is still alive. There are many great bands playing post-punk, alternative rock, noise, dark wave… The only problem is that there are too few venues for this kind of music, and not every province on the island has them.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Marco S.: We have a live show in November, probably the last one of 2025, but we’re working on something truly big for 2026.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
Marco S.: We’ll be recording the album between December 2025 and January 2026, then we’ll take it on the road so you can hear it – but I can’t reveal anything more for now. 😉
Marco L.S.: To play around the world and keep writing music.
How can people best support your band?
Marco G.: Come to our concerts and listen to us at full volume.
Marco S.: Simply by listening to our music, sharing it on social media, and buying our records.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Giuseppe: Yes… “LONG LIVE THE UNDERGROUND SCENE!”
Marco L.S.: Yes – indulge freely in your pleasures, put down your phones, and enjoy those moments listening exclusively to music – preferably on physical format.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well