By José Gandue @Gandour
In 2002, two brothers, Álvaro and Alejandro Gómez, Owners of an analog recording studio and members of rock and roll bands, they decided to create a record label. We can say with confidence, looking back with the clarity of memory and the powerful sound of their productions, It changed the face of independent music in Chile. 15 years and 60 albums later, we can celebrate the survival of this company, which has brought to light an important part of the southern underground and has contributed to making the Chilean rock scene one of the most interesting on the continent. The names listed among their artists are no small matter: Big Sur, Camión, Casino, Guiso, Hielo Negro, Histéricos, Howlers, La BIG Rabia, L' Patina La Frente, Magaly Fields, Matías Cena, Pendex, Perrosky, Puñete y Los Pies Frenéticos, Ramires!, The Ganjas, The Versions, Tío Lucho, Tsunamis and Yajaira. Anyone can add it all up and realize that Algorecords It is one of the most exciting independent music projects in this hemisphere. To celebrate this moment, Álvaro Gómez (who, along with his brother, his business partner, also owns the Perrosky group), He answered some of our questions:
What's the secret to an independent label like yours reaching 15 years of existence?
I think it's mainly perseverance. We've often thought about closing it down or putting it on hold, but it's the bands themselves, and life's twists and turns, that keep you going. We've realized that Algorecords, especially in the Chilean scene, fills an important space. While there's a lot of talk about Chilean pop, we're the more rock-oriented side, with a more punk attitude.
What does making rock music mean in terms of Algorecords?
We like our bands to contribute to the style; that is, if we have a psychedelic band, we want them to be better or more interesting in their style. If they play rock, we want them to push the boundaries of the style, bringing freshness to something that's so static these days. We don't like bands that are exactly like... you know what I mean?
Is it bold to say that you guys are always looking for the cutting edge in rock?
You could say it in a certain way, but I'm not sure if "avant-garde" is really the right word. I'd say more bold, more driven, more intentional.
What do you remember about the beginnings of the label, about the bands from that time?
I have very fond memories of the first generation of bands on Algo Records. I remember a great feeling of friendship, good energy, a desire to create, a feeling that we were contributing new sounds and shaking Santiago out of its lethargy and boredom in the early 2000s. Something similar to what I feel with the bands now.
Those were bands that managed to change the face of Chilean rock, they succeeded in contradicting the image that existed at that time of the music scene in your country…
I think so. In part, we came to fill a void, so to speak, left by bands like The Ganjas, Guiso, and Hielo Negro. I think that also helped a lot. a global trend towards the sound of the era, with bands that were played on the radio, such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Hives, The Strokes, anyway.
At that time, recording in analog format was an essential part of the label. Does Algorecords still use that technology to develop its artists?
It was part of the spirit, but recording on analog machines wasn't the norm. While several bands recorded there, others preferred digital. We've never been ones to impose that kind of thing on bands, but back then, many people knew the label for that—the analog sound—and for being somewhat rough around the edges in our early recordings as producers.
Do the label's contemporary bands believe in analog or do they prefer modern technology?
I really think they prefer modernity. To be honest, at this point I don't care about the format, as long as the music they're producing is well-made. Anyway, regarding analog equipment, Perrosky's last album was recorded on it. .
How would you describe the label's international presence at the moment?
I think we're still a label with limited international exposure, although we have connections with several sister countries, such as Brazil, Argentina, and Spain. I wish there were many more.
I see that you have a Uruguayan band, Hablan por la Espalda, in your catalog. Is there a possibility of including more bands from other countries on your label?
Of course, we're open to everything. Sonic Angels from France and Go!zilla from Italy are also on the label.
Can you tell us about your plans for the next 15 years?
(Laughs) That's a tough question, because I honestly never thought the label would last this long. Like I said, it's something that's just happened organically; I really couldn't say if we'll be around for another 15 years.
Finally, in your opinion, what is the current state of rock? Is it dead, or is there still much to be said about it?
Why do you say it's dead? It's strange, a lot of people tell me the same thing. I don't think it's dead. I've said it before: For us, it's like an ancient snake that's just shedding its skin. I think we clearly need to rethink things, and that's what we're aiming for at Algorecords.