By José Gandue @Gandour
Bogota's contemporary music scene continues to grow, and proof of this is the poster that the Yavería festival will display which, in its eighth edition, will showcase a new wave of local acts with fresh and exciting sounds over its three-day run. A prime example is the group Overfly, who released his first album a few months ago, Cellophane Garden. Regarding their performance at the event, we spoke with Juan Calderon, the group's leader, to learn more about their work:
How would you describe the sound of "Sobrevolar"?
Our sound is characterized by the contrast of very organic acoustic elements and electronic sounds that seek to provide a musical backdrop to the moment between wakefulness and sleep.
Do you have any kind of label you like to use when talking about your music?
I think it's difficult to label the music one makes; in a way, it's like limiting it. I don't use any kind of label to describe or categorize my music.
Does he feel his music flows that freely? Without borders?
And I flow with the music; sometimes it's a little difficult for me to put limits on what I'm creating in terms of genres. Let's say today I'm listening to some R&B, and tomorrow I might be super obsessed with a math rock band. And I feel like doing everything. But it also has a lot to do with where the sound itself of what you're creating takes you.
What was the recording process like? Cellophane Garden?
It was quite a long process. These are songs I'd been working on for about three years, but for various reasons I hadn't been able to finish them. Towards the end of 2017, I saw the opportunity and started working harder on recording them with the help of friends. I recorded everything in my room, in different sessions. I usually found the time in the early morning hours when I was more alert and focused.
Do those schedules affect the musical outcome?
A little bit, yes, that's what I'm saying, it's like the soundtrack to that moment when you're falling asleep. Reality and dreams blend together, and the difference between the two becomes somewhat strange.
What is the live performance of Sobrevolar like?
We are two guitars, two voices, a bass, keyboards and drum machines that give the show a different feel
What kind of emotions would you like the audience to feel at your concerts?
We want to take them somewhere else, to leave the body aside and experience more from within.
Let's talk about Bogotá. What's your take on the local scene? Do you identify with what you see?
It's growing, but I think to become stronger we need to unite more. And I like that several genres are being explored that weren't very common here before, and that enriches us all, both the musicians and the audience.