By José Gandue @Gandour Photos @rocioaguirrev e @ignacioorrego
Elisa Montes has a turbulent history. She has traveled halfway around the world before landing in Santiago, Chile, and forming her punk band. Her band, under the name of Slowkiss, It's really good, amazing we could say. Well-rounded songs, with a fine sound, powerfully distorted guitars, and tremendously catchy melodies and an attitude that leaves no doubt they're not here for banal speeches or half-hearted actions. If it were up to their band, the entire "Establishment" would be trembling, fearing its end. Having released their latest single, called In Vain, recorded in Argentina with the participation of renowned producer Alejandro Taranto, They have continued to gain notoriety among the specialized press, and the group is preparing intensely for everything that's to come. Therefore, and with some eagerness, we must confess, we set about tracking down Elisa and bombarding her with our questions:
What is Slowkiss?
Wow, that's tough. The truth is, Slowkiss has no limits, but it's about struggle, strength, awareness, and the inner world. It's an alternative punk band where we truly don't set limits on what we want to express. What we do care about is having lyrics with substance that people can relate to and that ignite the spark of change. We have different kinds of messages; there are songs about love, heartbreak, feelings, emptiness… and others that are more about social protest.
Tell me a bit about your story. I understand you've lived in different countries and have had quite an eventful journey.
Yes, it's true… I'm from Bilbao, I'm Basque, but because of my mother's work we traveled a lot around the world. Ghana, Hong Kong, Chile, Morocco, Costa Rica, etc… A life in constant change… making and unmaking. I started studying music in Hong Kong. I recorded my first song in Madrid. I formed my first band in Santiago (Laughs)
And now the band is based in Santiago. How does it feel to be part of the Chilean rock scene?
The truth? It feels lonely… There are a lot of rock bands… but the scene and the industry are incredibly tough. The trap and pop scenes are more vibrant.
Why do you think that happens?
I believe 100% is something the media—and more profoundly, the media control exerted by governments—is responsible for, in fact, dumbing people down. I'm sure that if the focus of "fashion" were on making people more aware, everything would be very different. With so much suffering in the world, they feed people empty art that distracts them from what's truly important.
So you think rock music is still an element of rebellion, an anti-establishment statement?
Punk, at least.
To be provocative in my question, is punk still alive at this point in the twenty-first century?
So far I haven't heard of any genre disappearing (laughs). There will always be people who believe in struggle and freedom. Not everyone is content with what they try to force on us.
What is the role of women in that struggle?
I believe we are the protagonists… because, as we see, humanity hasn't been able to achieve enough. Now is our moment. Humanity has always abused its power, and we see how the world is now.
Let's talk about music now. What's the difference between what Slowkiss does and what thousands of other bands in the genre have already done?
That's a complicated question… the public should answer it. Every band is different, every artist. We might play music with a more "old-school" feel, but we do it in this era, with new technology and everything that comes with it. We're not aiming for a vintage sound or anything like that.
What influences do you recognize?
They are endless… alternative rock, punk, hardcore… The Cure, Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins, Hole, Ramones, Pixies, Paralisis Permanente, many… a whole world of bands that I always forget to mention (laughs).
Is there anything outside of those styles that you'd like to confess?
Confess? Haha, I'd never feel bad about appreciating any kind of band... there are great artists in every style, I admire many. Honestly, I like everything.
Tell me something from the past and something that has recently captivated you.
From Aretha Franklin, Bob Marley, Violeta Parra, uuuff… Pavarotti, who knows (laughs). Music has no limitations.
What's next for Slowkiss?
We have a very busy, well-planned year ahead. Last year we decided to be more organized and started by recording three songs in Argentina, which will allow us to release singles until we launch the full album in August. We just released In Vain A lyric video is available on all digital platforms, and the official music video will be released tomorrow, Thursday. We have some live sessions and concerts next week. Right now, we're in post-production for the entire album. In May, we'll be going into the studio to record the remaining tracks, this time here at Estudio del Sur with Tim Picchetti, so everything is on track for the full LP to be released in August. We'll be releasing another single in July, before the album launch.
Are there any plans for tours in Latin America?
Yes, we want to do a tour at the end of the year… we're working on it.
