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35mm from December 2018.

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Lola. 2018.

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Isabel. August 2018.

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Jura de Bandera. Yecla, Spain. 2018.

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Fiestas de la Virgen. Yecla, Spain. 2018.

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Semana Santa in Yecla, Spain

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“No Mistakes, Only Happy Accidents” – An Interview with Stray Monroe

With their newest track, Stray Monroe establish themselves as “completely different musicians”. In honor of the release of their new single/music video, we spoke to the four components of the San Diego based indie rock band about their new sound, their goals, and risking everything for music.

What is the difference in sound between ‘Take It Fake It’ and ‘Happy Accidents’?

Blake: We matured a lot as musicians on this single, both individually and collectively. This was the first time we thought about the song as a whole rather than individual parts. I think the lyrics are a lot more relatable and true to life as well.

‘Take It Fake It’ was written before Brett (bassist) joined the band.. and it was also the first song that Colin, Adam and I wrote together… so from then to now, I’d say we’re totally different musicians. We’re really starting to refine our craft.

Why the title Happy Accidents?

Adam: We really enjoyed Bob Ross and his idea of “There are no mistakes, only happy accidents.” We liked the quote so much, we decided to name the song after it.

What’s the song about? What inspired it?

Blake: It’s about growing up. You’re afraid, everything in your life is changing and you try to find some solace in the unknown. Personally, I was watching all of my friends graduate college and land dream jobs when I was still unsure of my own place in life. I feel like I faced this big unknown of what comes after school… like, where do I land?

I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that! Where would you guys like to land? Blake: Brett is the sharpshooter so I’ll let him answer this one. [Laughs]

Brett: The best part about the four of us is how all share the same goal. And while I think the ultimate landing goal is to be able to make a living playing music and touring, right now we are more focused on making individual connections with people.

Speaking of connections with people, does your music have a target audience?

Colin: I would say that this new single is our way of branching out a little bit, trying something new, and hopefully reaching a wider audience. Blake: Our target audience is anybody who loves catchy and melodic indie music. For sure, I’d say our music is geared to a younger audience, but we don’t want to place a barrier on who listens to us. We definitely tried to write with a broader pallet in mind on this single, while staying true to our roots. I hope we can cast the net further this time around. You’ve told Pure Nowhere what your musical influences are, but since your music is geared to a younger audience, what music did you guys enjoy when you were (even) younger? Blake: Oh man… I’m not afraid to say I loved ‘Backstreet Boys’ when I was 5/6 years old. Some of my favorite bands before I picked up a guitar were ‘Blink 182’, ‘Linkin Park’, ‘Green Day’, pretty much anything late 90s and early 00s that used to be on MTV Videos (RIP). Adam: I think we all come from a diverse musical background. I grew up listening to a mixture of classic bands like ‘AC/DC’ and ‘Led Zeppelin’ combined with ‘The Strokes’ and ‘Oasis’. We all kind of had that 2000’s phase of rock as well. Brett: I still jam out to ‘Linkin Park’ and ‘A Day To Remember’. Colin: ‘The Who’ were the first band I remember obsessing over as a kid. Blake: I remember listening to a lot of Marvin Gaye driving in the car with my mom too.

When did you realize you wanted to be musicians?⁠⁠⁠⁠ Blake: I think I was 14. Noel Gallagher is the reason I kept with the guitar; his music helped me realize you don’t need to be classically trained to make good music, you just need some ability and lot of self-belief and drive. Adam: I picked up the guitar at 16. All of my friends were in bands and I wanted to be part of that, so I bought my first record, ‘Back in Black’ by ‘AC/DC’, and was amazed by Angus Young. Been inspired by him since. Colin: I started playing music in elementary school as soon as I had the option. The first time I remember wanting to pick up some sticks and play the full set was the first time I heard ‘Brianstorm’ by Arctic Monkeys. Brett : I think I was 12. Until this point I had always played sports, but what made me like music so much is the idea that there’s no opponent, it’s just me vs. myself. It all comes down to how hard I’m willing to work. What’s a question you’d really like to answer that nobody’s ever asked you yet? Blake: I think for me it would be “why do you choose to do something where you put your heart and soul into it (being in a band and making music) when there’s no guarantee that you’ll ever have success? Like less than 1% of bands ever taste that success.” Brett: I’ve actually always wanted to be asked this question. Thank you. I am now complete.

Have you guys risked everything for Stray Monroe? Blake: We all have risked A LOT being this band. Forgoing a better job, missing out on friends and parties (for shows, practicing, band stuff, etc..), pursuing a “normal” life. We put our heart and soul into this band because we believe in our music and our ability to make this a career. Brett: All four of us have made sacrifices for the band, but we all believe they serve a bigger purpose. Nothing that’s worth doing will ever be easy.

What do you love about music? What IS music to you? Colin: At the end of the day, it’s that indescribable feeling you get when you’re jamming with your band mates and everything just seems to work. When all the parts compliment each other so well, and you don’t even have to give it a second thought. Blake: To me, music is about telling a story and connecting with your audience. It brings people together. Music is my life in every single way and I honestly wouldn’t have it any other way. The feeling I get when I hear a song, or get in a room with my three brothers… it’s priceless. Adam: Music to me is an expression of who someone is. People want to express themselves and music is a perfect way to do that. I want people to hear our music and relate to it in some way. Just like how I feel when I hear music, I want to hear their expressions. Brett: I don’t think what makes music so special can be put into words. It’s something you have to feel.

If you could describe yourselves with one of your lyrics, which lyric would you choose? Adam: “Because you wanted it more but you got even less.” Colin: “I make up all these stories, and I tell everyone I’m a big rock star.” Blake: “Love it all, love without a name. I am I lost, I don’t know my place. Where do I wait?” This is just the start of the ‘Stray Monroe’ journey, are you coming along for the ride? Check out their new single Happy Accidents on Spotify, Apple Music and other platforms. Find the band on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and SoundCloud.

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Live From The Living Room – An Interview With Josh Savage

Josh Savage is a prime example that determination and courage go a long way when pursuing a dream. Supported only by a love for his craft, the singer/songwriter tours the world, recruiting supporters one living room at a time. You see, this 26 year old tours on request, booking private shows in people’s homes and performing for intimate crowds. This, according to the singer, “allows artists to find their feet and to get an idea of how the industry works before being influenced by someone that’s already in the industry. You can actually be yourself.” (sofarsounds.com)

So, in honor of his new single, ‘Ghosts’, coming out a while back — we asked him a few questions.

Can you tell me a little bit about your background, or major musical influences?

I was raised in Paris and had a classical musical education on piano and trumpet, but I became passionate about music when I was recruited to join the choir ‘l’Académie Vocale de Paris’. When I moved to Winchester (England) at 12, I was headhunted to be treble soloist for the ‘National Children’s Choir of Great Britain’ and we toured Australia and New Zealand. That’s one of my fondest musical memories. However, England’s Britpop culture, with bands like ‘Snow Patrol’, ‘Razorlight’ and ‘Coldplay’ eventually pulled me away from classical music. The first song I learnt to play was ‘The Scientist’ by Coldplay, and I started writing my own at 15.

What was the first song you wrote about?

A really cringe-worthy song about a girl I fancied in English class, when I was 15. Unfortunately, my friends still haunt me with it.

What inspires you to write music? How does the songwriting process go for you?

I’m a reserved person, so I write songs to get things off my chest that I can’t express in words. Music and melodies come first, and I let them stew in my head until lyrics come to mind.

You travel a lot; do you notice a difference between the audiences in different countries?

Germany and Poland tend to be shy, yet appreciative. I think the music comes second in America, they mainly just want to hear the (British) accent. UK is toughest of all, probably because we are desensitized by so many good bands. I know I’ve done a great show if I get a British crowd going.

Do you prefer smaller, more intimate crowds?

When I’m playing in a new city, I prefer the intimate, attentive audiences, but it’s always good to play a sold out homecoming show. Touring on your own can get lonely, but my living room hosts are very welcoming; they make me feel at home, like part of their family– I’m so grateful for that. You don’t get that touring venues.

It’s very brave for you to pursue music on the road, guided only by a love for music. If you’re comfortable sharing it, what’s the lowest point you’ve encountered on the road? And the best, happiest one?

Having my car broken into early on in Amsterdam on a 44 date European tour wasn’t fun. However, my living room show host saved the day by translating for me and directing me to the closest place where I could fix the car window quickly.

It’s tough picking my best moment on the road, there are so many! SXSW festival in Austin, Texas was insane and it was surreal bumping into artists I’m inspired by on the street. There was a living room show at a mansion in Breckenridge, Colorado where I got to ski in the day and chill in their hot tub at night when the snow was falling around me. Those two are definitely up there!

I can’t afford accommodation on the road and there have often been times where it looked like I would need to sleep on the streets. Somehow though, a floor or sofa becomes available last minute and I’ve got by thanks to the kindness of strangers.

As an artist who’s gone to music school, do you feel a certain jealousy or ever think it’s unfair that people like Shawn Mendes/Justin Bieber just downloaded an app, posted some videos and then sold out Madison Square Garden a few years after?

No! They’ve made it look easy, but I’m sure they’ve had to work hard and overcome many drawbacks to get to where they are today. Luck is an important factor, no one gets by by luck alone. The video route just isn’t the path I chose, I prefer to have real life experiences.

What’s the strangest thing a fan has ever said to you? (I assume that performing in people’s living rooms, there are going to be some funny/creepy anecdotes)

Yeah, there are a fair few. I think the winner is when a fan throttled me and told me off for the show running late. It was probably a joke but it’s a bit much when it’s the first thing you do to someone when you meet them for the first time.

What’s your favourite song to perform? And your favourite lyric you’ve written?

The newest ones, so ‘Ghosts’ is my favourite song right now. My favourite lyric I’ve written is “If there’s time to think, don’t think of time” from ‘Lost in Paris.’

What’s your favourite lyric of all time?

I can’t pick, but my favourite poetry line is “Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.” by Samuel Beckett.

Do you see yourself selling out arena tours in a few years? What’s the number one place you’d like to visit/perform in?

I don’t like to set long-term goals. I take everything one step at a time. My dream is to perform at the Royal Albert Hall with an orchestra and on Later with Jools Holland.

If you had to do it all over again, would you still choose music?

Every time. I get to see the world and do what I love.

What makes you different to every artist out there?

I sell raw honey at gigs. If you want to know why, watch my music video ‘Lost in Paris’

What’s next for you?

A Central America living room tour in September followed by a two month Europe tour with singer/songwriter Tom James. I’m still booking living rooms, so get in touch if you’d like to host a show!

I don’t know about you, but I love everything about this guy’s brand. Unbridled love for music, a beautiful voice and a guitar. That’s all he needs! Make sure to check out his new single ‘Ghosts’ here

(Originally published on www.PureNowhere.com)

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The Metal Maestro – An Interview With Juan Saurín

It’s getting dark, and his electric guitar pulsates through the walls of Concha Segura theater and onto the freezing November streets of Yecla, a town situated in the South-East of Spain.

Juan Saurín, the name behind the strings, is a Yecla native, recognized and admired by his town. In the queue, his old High School teachers, family and friends blend in between teenagers decked head to toe in sleek, black leather. We catch a first glimpse of him, through the gap in the curtains behind the soundboards. He’s sound-checking; in a lunge, hair down, features brimmed with passion for the music he’s making.

PURE NOWHERE: When did you decide you wanted to be a musician?

JUAN SAURÍN: I started playing when I was 13; I was watching TV and I saw the music video for Metallica’s ‘Until It Sleeps’. I was like… dude… what is this? I don’t know, something came over me, and it was automatic, you know, I bought DVDs, started to find more bands, immediately joined guitar lessons…and since then, I haven’t stopped. It started there and won’t ever go away.

PN: What do you think you’d be doing if you hadn’t seen that Metallica video?

JS: Well… I wouldn’t be doing anything (laughs). I really don’t know, this is just the only thing I can think of doing. From the moment I started, at 13, I haven’t done anything else. I locked myself in my room, all I did was play, study, play, study… and everything I’ve ever done has been in relation to music. When I worked, for example, in a factory over the summertime, it was to buy an amp, or a guitar, or a… whatever. You know, everything I’ve done that hasn’t been directly related to my music has always been secondary.

After joining classical guitar lessons in Yecla to learn basic notions, Juan went onto studying ‘Instrument, Harmony and Composition’ at the Institute of Music and Technology of Madrid (IMT), and then graduating in ‘Modern Music and Jazz’ in the ‘Conservatori del Liceu’ of Barcelona. He graduated from ‘Music Teaching’ with the best qualification (Distinction) in the British institution, Rockschool, and was then taught by guitar prodigies like Frank Solari, Steve Vai, Andy Timmons, Joe Bonamassa,… etc. He’s been a guitarist for a few bands and artists, including a Metallica tribute band and the first The Voice Spain winner (along with being his musical director). Now, his name’s on the screen.

Two years ago, Juan presented his debut album, ‘Genesis’, in this same theater. And tonight, he’s back with his sophomore album, ‘Human’. His hometown always marks the first date of his tours. The concert begins. The ‘Human’ album cover fades into his intro video, (‘Chaos’, the origin of humanity), and he comes out, followed by his band. The power of his electric guitar makes people’s hearts shake. His hands, filled with silver rings, disappear between electric chords, and he tunes the guitar as he goes, molding it to fit his preferences. The looks of awe in the crowd reflect exactly what he is: a virtuoso musician, with a guitar that’s an extension of his body.

PN: What do you love the most about playing live?

JS: Playing live (laughs). I have such a great time that the thing I love most is just being able to have a live show. And if I have the chance to share the stage with huge musicians like those we had here tonight well… it all works out great.

PN: And… what’s your favorite song to play live?

JS: Um… (eyes widen). I couldn’t pick a favorite… I love playing so many things. The track that gets to me the most is Orion, by Metallica, which is why we played it today. It was the first time I heard a song and was like “What an anthem!” (Hand to his head) “What a track, dude, this is wild”. Every time we can, we play it live. And when I play that song, I get flashbacks from when I was little and was just starting to play guitar. So… that’s the most special song for me, but I don’t have a favorite.

PN: Your music is on the instrumental side of heavy metal. Why is that?

JS: It’s definitely my area. I like tracks with lyrics, they add something to songs… but, without a shadow of a doubt, my area is instrumental music. I grew up with it; I’ve always been a huge fan of Mike Oldfield, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and to me… instrumental tracks speak to me, I don’t need lyrics. But I do also like voiced tracks, and if you can count on voices like Neus Ferri, Alberto Scarlatta or Leo Jimenez’s… well, that’s insane, right?

PN: So many people sat down for tonight’s show… is that weird for you?

JS: Actually, in my case, since it’s instrumental metal, I don’t think this theater is an inadequate fit. I mean, I think the album (Human), is one that you can listen to, chilling at home with your headphones on… there’s a ton of layers, and details, and sections and stories… so, I don’t know. I’m a huge fan of theaters, I love the atmosphere in theaters, sometimes people have to sit and pay attention, and others, we just get them up to party however we can (chuckles).

PN: What is a question you’d really like to answer that nobody’s ever asked you yet?

JS: I don’t know, but I do know the question I don’t like. When they ask me: “So, where’s the third one?” when I’ve just released the second. Because it feels like they don’t value how hard it is to make an album. You know, the second just came out, dude! Listen to it, chill! (Laughs) I mean, it’s fine, I know they mean well, but… It feels like for society everything has to be immediate. Like, “if I don’t get this chair by tomorrow at 3 pm I don’t want it”. And, dude, when you buy a new album, you spend at least a month listening to it. Analyzing, seeing what’s been done, reading the libretto, the tracks… they gain value with listens, you know? But when you’ve just released one and they’re already asking for the next, it makes you want to say… listen to it first.

PN: Why the title ‘Human’? And ‘Genesis’? Anything special?

JS: ‘Genesis’… well, I had worked for other bands and artists, and it was the first album that I conceived for a solo career. Because when you’re in a band, you could be in it one day and not the next. In my case, I’m always going to be here (laughs) so it won’t be a problem. It was the start of a new career. And ‘Human’… I like when an album isn’t exclusively music. I’m very sixties and seventies in that aspect, you know, back then albums were a work of art in themselves: the tracks, the music, the lyrics, the meaning, the cover, the designs, everything… This album is about humanity and it’s evolution with time. It’s also about senses; it goes through all the feelings that encompass being human, and that’s transmitted by the instrumental tracks too.

PN: Is that why the cover design is a skull?

JS: Yeah, exactly, the cover is what we are. A skull that fades. So, it’s a skull that will turn to dust, it’s not anything else. Our trajectory in life is super short, and it’s like, what Gandalf said, “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us”.

Juan catches us by surprise when he announces that he’s doing something he’s never done before, whips out an acoustic guitar and brings out two cellos and two violins, three of them teachers at the local Music School, where he runs the Modern Music Department.

PN: What is music to you?

JS: Life. It’s the only thing that really gets to me, and it generates a series of sensations and emotions and ideas and stories that… you know, that I need to put out in albums. It’s a way of life, I can’t imagine my life without music.

PN: How would you introduce yourself to readers of Pure Nowhere in the US?

JS: Well, I’m a huge fan of their musical culture. Actually, I was in New York a few years ago, and I didn’t want to come back (laughs). When I walked into the JFK and heard George Benson as background music, I was like… dude, this isn’t normal. They have such huge musical culture. We went to the Blue Note to listen to a Big Band; there’s always some incredible band playing there. There’s a lot of respect for music over there. I said I was a musician and they seemed amazed. Because they knew… they know how tough it is, how fucked it is to be a musician, it’s super hard. It’s an intense career choice. You have to always give it 200%. You can’t do it any other way. Their way of seeing music and their way of seeing show business… I admire it so much, and I’m sure that it’s not just me, but everyone that makes rock and modern music… for us, American musical culture is the highest point. It’s the origin of everything.

PN: Would you like to play there?

JS: Tomorrow. If I could.

So, you know what to do now. Stream ‘Human’, stream ‘Genesis’, stream Juan Saurín. We wish him all the success in the world.

Find him on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.

(Originally published on www.PureNowhere.com)

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In The Mirror

As they looked in the mirror, they were amazed to find two completely different people smiling back at them.

The reflective glass had remained in the same crippled basement since the beginning of time, where cobwebs had taken on the repulsiveness of decrepit and disheveled lace. The fine strands were no longer white, but hung heavy with grey dust; they had been torn by the wind that blew unhindered through the window frames, hanging in clumps to contrast the artistry of the arachnid’s original masterpiece.

The siblings stared down, surrounded by a cloud of certainty and calm affirming that the object before them was a photograph. A cloud that was, of course, violently swept away with an acknowledging nod from the reflection, and replaced with blood-quenching fear. Ashton took a gobsmacked glance towards his younger sister, in hopes of the vision behind him being an illusion, but when his expression was mirrored, he froze.

“No, no, kids, don’t be frightened,” a deep male’s voice consoled. The man was dressed in a charcoal leather jacket, with thickly padded shoulders, and his onyx hair was pushed back with an exceeding amount of hairspray. Visions of Danny Zuko crawled into Lauren’s thoughts; she wondered if the whole thing was an attempt at a comedic setup.

“We’ve been waiting here for half an hour, thank God you two finally came down!” The girl in the glass squealed, pushing her weight onto her toes and swirling her vermillion polka dot dress to the sides.

Ashton couldn’t utter a word, yet surprisingly, his sister scoffed and turned around. “Mum! We get it. Ha, ha, we should appreciate 70’s culture– very funny! You can turn it off now!” The figures in the reflection exchanged amused glances as Lauren firmly set her hands on her hips, feeling superior.

“Laur– What are you on about? ’S everything alright down there?” Their mother’s voice rolled down the stairwell, in a high-pitched and concerned echo. Her daughter’s eyes widened as she gulped, muttering incomprehensibly and inching closer to her lanky brother.

Ashton ruffled his chestnut hair and confidently stepped towards the glass. He noticed the mirror had a patina of age over the bronze frame, as had the surface of the piece. He ran a finger over the cool surface, feeling its ragged ridges and grooves and the layer of dust that fell against his tanned fingers. His dark eyebrows furrowed, as he wondered what device lay behind the animated portraits.

“You two aren’t frightened! That’s swell. You see, we’re the you of a past generation– or, for us, the future generation,” Danny Zuko’s lookalike explained, smirking amusedly at the siblings, “we’re here to say ‘Hello’ and keep history alive.”

“Oh yes, that’s right, ma’ brother!” The girl’s reflection declared cheerily through a Southern accent, delicately removing a necklace from her dress’ pocket and winking, before tossing it into the twenty first century. The locket splashed through the glass, as if the antique mirror had dissolved into a puddle of silver, and the reflection of the two characters vanished.

The siblings stood, transfixed, as the jewel casted an ethereal glow on their juvenile faces. The golden necklace held a diamond that was polished and cut to perfection, which bounced rays of rainbow light over the dim basement with a radiance of its own.

Before they could process the events, the glass magically sparkled back to life once more–

The siblings smiled, as two completely different people stared back, amazed, as they looked into the mirror.

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There are so many things I want to do, but I end up doing not much.

Celine. Before Sunset.

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jo stockton (audrey hepburn)’s photoshoots in “funny face” (1957)🎈

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Simone De Beauvoir at the deux magots, París, 1944