By José Gandue @Gandour
For the past few months, the Chilean music scene has been talking more and more frequently about an artist who, Until recently, he didn't shed much light on his work. We can frame their work within contemporary pop, although, when listening to their songs, we feel that their music contains a strong personal ingredient that makes them different from the rest. José Biggs, a 34-year-old man, who has just released his first 3-song compilation, simply titled Biggs Ep, has managed to attract attention with his material and especially with their high-quality videos. We interviewed him looking for specific points to understand the good work of his craft (And, believe me, there's a lot to unpack):
You're 34 years old and you're releasing your first solo album, what stopped you from starting your career earlier?
My development really began at age 12, when I started to have a huge interest in music. I formed bands in school, started with the guitar, and composed songs. Later, I studied at the conservatory., I was making contemporary atonal music for several years. I premiered works in Chile, Latin America, and Europe. Then I dedicated myself to composing music for television and, at the same time, I quietly wrote my own songs, not showing them to anyone. Then my mother died, and I started performing on some small stages, little by little. I made two albums (which I keep under lock and key) that preceded the EP and LP that are on the way.
Why are those two records stored away? Weren't you convinced by them?
I kept them because they were too personal. One became a tribute to my mother. It was more than just an album; it turned out to be luminous, in English, and sounds like music from the 60s. The other one was so dark that you couldn't see anything. This current work is the culmination of a seven-year process. A journey through my music, without thinking about anyone else. I delved deeply, I went to very dark places…
How would you describe the sound of the released material?
My own. Pop that subtly incorporates Black music, like soul (which means soul), and my songs come from the soul. I think there's a sound that's current, organic, fluid, and powerful.
Do you identify with what we can boldly call the current Chilean pop sound?
Yes, but also no. I think that what I'm doing isn't being done by any other Chilean., Or at least in a 100%. However, I'm still part of Chilean pop, and that's fine, although perhaps I'm part of a "new Chilean pop" that doesn't have many precedents. It's not Javiera, it's not Gepe, it's not Denver, it's not Astro, it's not Alex at all. It's Biggs…haha.
Do you identify with the label "pop artist," with all the weight that entails?
Sometimes you have to generalize, and in that sense it's okay. I'm not a rock artist, so pop is fine. Labels are often ambiguous, but that's how people understand them. Perhaps we are what others see us as; we create what we create.
Speaking of that: You clearly take great care in promoting yourself with well-produced videos. How important is that visual aspect to you?
Extremely important, because I put everything I have into the music, into making sure it's polished, into making sure it's 100% Ok for me, so the videos are a complement and I can't allow them to look bad or careless (unless I want to do it on purpose). I would love for every song I release to have a music video., But it's impossible, because there aren't the resources or the time. Generally, a polished product takes a long time to produce, and careers are long, so over time I hope to have a lot of clips. Besides, I get involved in the creative side and in the production as much as I can. I would love to one day make a music video directed by me. Who knows, maybe later.
What are your songs about?
About the fears that hold you back (another reason why I'm only just now publishing my songs), about death, about investigating because it enriches, about understanding or at least trying to.
How has your relationship with the public developed?
Well, it's been really smooth going. There are people who have followed me for years, back in those years of relative silence (because I sometimes played live), and they also knew me from the songs I wrote for Alberto Fuguet's films (those I did release). Now, with this new project, new people are coming in, they're hooked, they're interested, and that's been great. Many people identify with my songs because everyone has had fears that have prevented them from doing what they really want.. Everyone has had «"UFOs in their rooms"». Everyone has told him «"You're leaving"» To someone, or to a feeling, or to an object…anything. Everyone has said it to themselves. «"Take the risk and cross the river...there's always some water to be found."». There are people who don't connect with themselves, and these songs have even resonated with them.
How would you describe your presentations?
I also consider them polished. I've rehearsed with my musicians for years to achieve a quality sound that reflects the content of the recording live. I like having different formats. I've recently been performing as a duo, which sounds very different from the recordings. I like to blend simplicity with complexity, and these formats help with that. I also feel that live performances are about being very close to the audience, and the music should resonate with people.
What plans are in place for the future?
Playing in Chile, touring abroad, releasing the LP, always writing new songs. What's next is reaching as many people as possible and having them receive my work well., to continue giving my all for my career.
