By José Gandue @Gandour
One of the most pleasant Latin American musical surprises we heard during 2018 was the group The Siberians. His album Something of yours was included in Our list of 8 albums to remember from last year. We could describe their sound as... «Classic rock references brought into our times, and ironic and intelligent lyrics«. On the record of this band originating from Santa Rosa de La Pampa, There are clear references from the seventies, but with a revitalizing contemporary force for our times. The production is meticulous and simple, without sacrificing the necessary power to captivate the listener from beginning to end. Overall, Something of Yours It's an album with enough mystery and fun to attract fans of good music from across the continent.
Almost ready for the launch of their work in the Richards Cultural Centre, Located in the Palermo neighborhood of Buenos Aires, on March 15th, we were able to contact Tomás Cortina, acoustic guitarist and vocalist, to chat about what happened and what's next for this group:
How would you explain to a stranger what Los Siberianos sound like?
It's always difficult for me to explain that; I don't really like to pigeonhole things. I think there's a mix of things I could name as influences, but they're too intertwined. That's why my answer is always, "Come and listen to us." Although, if I had to emphasize one thing, it would be that we respect the song format above all else.
I understand the dilemma, but can you give some guidance to someone who sees you and says, "This guy must be a rocker and he must make music"? Give them something to help them get their bearings.
We make songs that maintain a level of simplicity, like those that talk about love, and we also tell stories that border on the gore or they satirize reality and society at the same time.
The sounds reflect a bit of the past but with a fresh, modern feel. There are hints of western, psychedelia, and classic rock and blues.
What musical influences do they recognize?
Neil Young, Lou Reed, Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Gram Parsons, Fred Neil, and of course The Beatles. Who doesn't? And from Spain, Los Rodriguez, Sui Generis, Virus…
Is there anything that makes making rock music in Santa Rosa de La Pampa different? Does that set them apart from the rest of the Argentine music scene?
These days, although we often escape to the Pampas, we're living in Buenos Aires. Choosing to live here also involves a more intense search, such as expanding our audience.
And I think there's something of that in all our songs, whether it's a certain melancholy or unspoken nostalgia, or a small description of our homeland, as well as moments lived there that, when viewed from afar, can be seen more clearly. All of this is inspiration for us, and often it's sparked by the mere feeling of longing.
Let's go back to the «gore»"of the lyrics. Where do songs like..." come from? My neighbor and his strange ways?
While that's fiction, it relates to situations we've experienced firsthand. And I'll leave the rest to the interpretation of our interlocutor.
I hope they won't be on the front page of newspapers anytime soon for the wrong reasons…
Hahaha no no….
Similarly, they also talk about love and other fortunes (or misfortunes). Has gaining recognition in the music scene eased their sorrows or made them more complicated?
Being recognized certainly does us good. But it seems that true inspiration doesn't arise from moments of stillness. That's why I think it neither complicates nor alleviates things. It's like a cycle. A balance.
What is a live show like by Los Siberianos?
The live show is quite visceral. Our brotherhood is very evident. It has both rousing moments and more relaxed ones. chill. From what we've heard, we're a bit magnetic, sometimes even charming or funny. Speaking of real people, right?
What's coming in the immediate future?
A tour and a second album. Probably some EPs before the album. The tour would be promoting this album we just released, and some other songs we like to play that aren't on it.