About this interview
In this 2009 interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan's Rock Show, Closure in Moscow’s Manny Zennelli talks about the band’s journey from Australia to the U.S., the struggles they faced signing with a label, and the differences between the music scenes in both countries. Manny shares how the band initially caught the attention of U.S. labels after releasing their First Temple EP and how they almost signed with Science Records before the deal fell through. This unexpected twist ultimately led them to sign with Equal Vision Records, a label they had admired for years.
He describes the stark differences between touring in Australia versus the U.S., explaining how a full Australian tour only takes a couple of weeks, whereas in America, bands can tour for months without covering all major cities. The larger crowds and the passion of American fans have been a surreal experience for the band, with Manny recounting moments when they played in front of thousands of people at festivals like Bamboozle.
Manny also discusses the culture shock of moving to the U.S., where everything feels bigger, faster, and more intense compared to the more laid-back lifestyle in Australia. He shares stories about adjusting to different cities, from the green and chill vibes of Portland, Oregon, where they are based, to the chaos of Los Angeles and New York. One of the wildest moments on tour involved seeing a man in his underwear wielding a samurai sword in the middle of the street in Pittsburgh, a sight that left the band questioning what was normal in America.
Another bizarre incident took place in Hollywood when the band’s van was T-boned by another car. As they dealt with the accident, Manny’s bandmate swore he saw Christina Aguilera drive past in a BMW with her husband. Whether or not it was actually her remains a mystery, but it added to the surreal experiences of touring the U.S.
When asked about the pressures of being on a respected label like Equal Vision, Manny acknowledges that there is always a sense of expectation, especially when being signed alongside legendary acts like Coheed and Cambria, Converge, and Saves the Day. However, he believes that pressure fuels creativity and pushes bands to deliver their best work. He also expresses his frustration with bands that prioritize gimmicks and trends over authenticity.
Manny dives into the songwriting process, explaining that Closure in Moscow operates as a collaborative unit where everyone contributes ideas. While pressure exists, especially with label expectations, the biggest drive comes from within the band, as they continuously push themselves to evolve and refine their sound.
The conversation wraps up with Manny reflecting on the band’s ultimate goal: to spread their music to as many people as possible while staying true to their artistic vision. Despite the struggles of breaking into the U.S. scene, he emphasizes that the journey itself is what makes it all worth it—meeting fans, playing in new places, and experiencing life on the road.