By José Gandue @spinning zone
A tribute to Cerati, on another anniversary…
Today, September 4th, marks eleven years since Gustavo Cerati passed away. At Zonagirante, we have paid tribute to his music and legacy on several occasions., And we believe that each anniversary is an opportunity to listen to it again and remember it in all its dimensions.
That's why today we're revisiting archival material published in 2018, when it appeared CeratiSatellite , The digital album that brought together several of his collaborations with artists from different parts of Latin America. On that occasion, we spoke with the Mexican band Telefunka, who shared their experience of working alongside Gustavo and what it meant for them to cross paths with him.
What you are about to read is that interview, intact, exactly as it was published. A testimony that, despite the passage of time, still sounds fresh and confirms what we already know: Cerati was a musician in constant motion, always open to encounters and creative dialogue.
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This was originally written on August 11, 2018
Gustavo Cerati would have turned 59 today. We've missed him for four years now. However, luckily there is a way to remember his best artistic moments and we found his discography available in all available formats to sing each of his songs.
Likewise, thanks to the efforts of Fernando Travi, former manager of the Argentine legend, it is released today on vinyl and CD CeratiSatélite, a compilation of the recordings where the former leader of Soda Stereo collaborates with various prominent artists, resulting in a list of exciting productions, which includes names like Luis Alberto Spinetta, Mercedes Sosa, Lito Vitale, Bajofondo and even Andy Summers, guitarist of the British band The Police.
Amidst that catalog of stars, the Mexican experience is included, represented by the band from Guadalajara. Telefunka, who published the song in 2005 Electroshock, included on her album Cassette. This recording was made with the vocal participation of Cerati and recorded in his studio, Unísono, during his stay in Buenos Aires.
Regarding this event, we managed to connect with Giancarlo Fragoso, founding member of the Guadalajara trio, Currently residing in Barcelona, to tell us details of what happened back then and the importance of republishing the song on this new album.
Tell me details about your meeting with Gustavo Cerati. How did you approach him, and how readily did he accept?
It was incredible. We had spoken to him a few minutes earlier during a couple of chance encounters in Mexico, where we gave him CDs. But it was in Buenos Aires, where a mutual friend, Julieta di Santo, introduced us, that we became friends. That's when we discovered he had already heard our songs and even listened to them regularly.
Did you have plans to record there or was it something that came up with the opportunity?
We had planned to invite our friends (D'Árgelos, Lolo, etc.) but with Gustavo it was just a dream
Did he just accept?
So, at a dinner party. On the sole condition that it was done in Unison, his study.
Was the song already written or did they create it together?
We made it ourselves at the hostel where we were staying, a couple of days before the recording. The music and lyrics are ours.
I know the question is obvious, but I'm sure the answer will improve the context: What was it like recording with Cerati? Any highlights?
The most remarkable thing is the human and professional learning it provided us. A lesson in humility and respect.
How would you describe Cerati, after all this time?
Like a friend. It's that simple.
Are you happy that the song is relevant again with this new release?
I'm very excited. At the time, it didn't get the exposure I think it deserved. That's the price of being underground. Just being part of Gustavo's official discography now is a great honor and a huge posthumous endorsement from Gus.