Today we’d like to introduce you to Franco Rakigjija.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Franco. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
The Hand of Gavrilo is a band that never really had a beginning, it’s a collective that’s in a constant state of flux. The name is derived from a man who some would call a terrorist while others an idealist, his name is Gavrilo Principe.
In simplest terms, his actions were the catalyst of WW1. What this band tries to examine is when, if ever, is an action right? In the end, reality is what you make it, and in that, it’s best to find its meaning on your own and not through the pages of history, for as Napoleon once said: “what is history but a fable agreed upon?.” Question everything.
Has it been a smooth road?
Music or art itself, in my opinion, is born through struggle. It comes from the need to express an idea when words simply aren’t enough. It’s never truly easy but that’s what makes all the more interesting.
To top it all off, artists are often labeled crazy and weird for who in their right mind would chase an idea that they’re constantly criticized for, hardly ever receiving recognition and considered a waste of one’s time? That would be us, and for that, we gladly raise our glasses to the naysayers and say fuck you.
We’d love to hear more about your band.
It’s a band that is apparently very difficult to pronounce at the end of the day, and yet one that is loud, provocative, and hopefully disruptive in the best way possible.
We’re in the midst of releasing our second EP titled “Static” very soon. It’ll make you happy, angry, sad and best of all, shake your booty. Please keep your eyes peeled ladies and gentlemen.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
San Diego is a curious place. It’s considered America’s finest city, yet it’s juxtaposed by having harbored some of the most aggressive, groundbreaking and genre-defying music in the U.S.
Art is alive and well in this city, that much is true, but what it lacks is spaces that foster creativity and growth overall as we see the closure of more and more venues that represent our community on a broader scale. Really this seems like a problem that most cities in the U.S. are facing today, replacing cultural icons with apartment complexes and shopping malls. It begs the question of when enough is enough and just how those who are affected will react…
Contact Info:
- Email: thehandofgavrilo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @thehandgavrilo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehandofgavrilo/
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