By José Gandue @Gandour
Everyone has their own way of starting out, of beginning their recording career. There's always time to break the rules and say that the way others did it can go to hell. There's always a machete to clear a path in the jungle. In the case of the Argentinian group Nena Echo It began with a solo album by its singer, Sofia Miranda, and then decide to present themselves as a band and make their next album from a live recording (full video of the performance included), to demonstrate from the beginning that it is a group with rage, boldness and style. Nena Echo is raw elegance, possessing a shameless intensity that holds nothing back, no hesitation in unleashing her power on stage. Sofia, embodying her role on stage, assumes her duties with a sexy, haughty, and defiant air. She knows she has a trio of musicians behind her, backing her up with the same ferocity she displays. Nena Echo can dare to claim her place. in a rock scene like Argentina's, which, while respecting all its classics, needs to reposition itself at the forefront of the continent. And for this, it requires new sound possibilities such as those we present in this article.
We took advantage of our Skype meeting to talk with them. Here are their words:
What is Nena Echo about?
Nena Echo is something much bigger than us. Formally, it's the project of Sofia Miranda, in collaboration with Pedro De Matteisen on guitar, the Chilean Bruno Urbina on drums and Pablo Torres on bass.. A proposal that seeks to seduce through sound, poetry, and imagery. Sometimes it's the name of the character who embodies the songs, other times we imagine her as a deity. The voice of a universal woman.
What does Nena Echo sound like?
It sounds like a girl who knows what she wants, it sounds like teenage debauchery, it sounds like good porn.
Does that description fit any concept related to good rock and roll?
Yes, exactly, I think our music is sometimes extreme in its forms, that's why lately I say we make porn rock
Her recording career, so far, has been peculiar. First, there was an album that we could, at least formally, call a "solo" album (released under the name Sofía), and the next one, now using a band name, was a live recording. It's rather strange, isn't it?
No, not for me. Bowie did it too, among other artists. The name is the result of a stronger artistic transformation that wanted a more peculiar and impactful name.
Do the people who follow you manage to get into the story you're telling them?
It's great that you're talking about the idea of a movie; our fans understand and follow the plot. More and more of them are comparing our songs and shows to Tarantino or Lynch movies.
Is it really that intense?
Life is as amazing and intense as everyone's life is. And the artist's role in the story is fundamental for the audience. We're really excited about what started happening with the songs… I get goosebumps when they sing them.
Two questions: How do you see the current Argentine music scene? And, in addition to that, how does Nena Echo fit into the current Argentine music scene?
The current scene lacks conflict, that's true. I see a lot of noise and very little substance. I think other Latin American countries are contributing more. I feel like we've become stuck in the past, just like in our social and political life. Nena Echo doesn't fit into the current Argentine music scene; she's unsettling. New things here are unsettling, especially when the lead singer is a woman.
So, who will respond to the band's proposal? Is there a chance of being served by those who still follow the old rules of Argentine rock and roll?
That's where our work comes in, to touch and reach the hearts of each person. I like to think there's still a spark.
What is the best comment you have heard or read about your work?
Lately we've had the honor of receiving feedback from artists we admired and still admire, finding something genuine in our music that reminds them of the best eras of Argentine rock, the eighties, the nineties, Soda Stereo, Cerati… In short, times when things were happening… Lovers of our music feel a strong connection with the lyrics; they're drawn to the delivery, the tone, the frenetic rhythm.
Which bands in the scene do you feel are going down a similar path, and that can help to renew the Argentine rock scene?
We love and follow the work of Andrea Álvarez, who is and continues to be a pioneer of movements in Argentine music, The differences It was a great find too, rule We love them too; in all of them we find artists and a sonic identity.
Would it be an exaggeration to say that Nena Echo is part of the proposals that will take rock out of these territories of its comfort zone?
That is our highest goal. It's good to rethink our comfort zone. In today's discourse, anything goes: the dissolution of form, the questioning of everything… it all feels "outdated." Now, far from continuing to produce content mechanically, we seek to revisit the interplay between form and content. In that sense, we are very romantic.
