By José Gandue @Gandour
It's very nice to run into old friends along the way. Guas (at that time he called himself Joker) I met him a little over twenty years ago because his band at the time, Electric Candy, He was trying to make his mark on the Buenos Aires pop scene, and some of his musicians were collaborating with a popular group at the time., Juana La Loca. For some crazy and inexplicable reason, I ended up witnessing a recording session at the prestigious Panda studio, where they produced a demo that circulated among friends. A few years later, Guas moved to Barcelona, where he joined other artists and formed several bands that toured Europe. Upon returning to Argentina, he decided to pursue his solo career, with simple, precise and beautiful songs, with lyrics written in a direct way that anyone can understand immediately. I think many will feel that way when they hear their two EPs, It was tourism. (2017) and his recently published I only came to provoke., that the themes of Guas They have enough intimacy to feel that what he sings they have heard before in the most necessary moments. The listener may not know him personally, but might feel that Guas knows details of his life with precision.
We have taken advantage of some time off he has taken in his hometown, Chacabuco, two hundred and thirteen kilometers from the Federal Capital, to talk about their present and, why not, some details of their past:
What is Guas?
Guas is my stage name and solo project that took shape after I returned from Barcelona, where I had lived for 11 years. I started writing songs and, with the collaboration of musician friends, I began recording them.
What sound do you have in this solo project?
I think they're songs that have a personal sound. There's folk, there's pop, and that tango feel that we Argentinians have always creeps in.
At what point did you decide to pursue a solo career?
Many songs came out, and it seemed to me that it was quicker and simpler to record them myself and go out and play them.
What are your songs about?
About life, about death, about friends, about love, and about stories that emerge through words.
Are you aware of how simple and straightforward they end up being?
They just come out like this (laughs).
Is this the best moment of your musical career?
Yes, absolutely. I'm much more involved in the process from composing the song, recording it, and producing it.
How do you see the current state of Argentine pop rock music?
I think it's good. There's always been a lot of musical activity here; there are bands and solo artists that I really like.
Like what?
He killed a motorcycle policeman, Indios, Estelares (bands) and Rocco Posca, Mauro Conforti and Martian life (solo artists)
What remains of the old days of Eléctrico Caramelo and of your experiences in Barcelona?
From everything that has been done, there remains nostalgia, friendship, learning, and acceptance, to adapt to whatever new things come our way.
What does the future hold for Guas?
I'm currently rehearsing a lot for upcoming shows. I'm also pre-producing new songs. One was already recorded in Barcelona during December and will be produced by Celestial Bums, my musical brothers from there. The plan is to release a single around May.
Is there room to vacuum up large items?
Yes, always. I'm working on this project every day right now; I believe it's the only way to keep creating bigger and bigger things.