What was the beginning pint for your music career? How did it all start?
I was lucky that my mother discovered my musical talent from a very young age and encouraged me with music classes from the age of 6. At 13 I recorded some vocals for the first time for a techno song by my DJ cousin. At school, I always sang at the ceremonies and participated in festivals with other schools. One day some older boys invited me to sing on the album of their Metal band, Dogma and from there my unstoppable career began. Since then I have had several bands and participated in many projects and groups of all sorts of music,I’ve also been a vocal coach and worked on advertising jingles, my life has always revolved around music. In 2014 I decided to form SlowKiss, which up to now is the most mature project and of which I feel most proud and represented.
Was there any bumps on the road? What kind of challenges did you have to deal with?
Many, especially for having developed in Chile where there is very little music industry, in general it’s a very difficult country for art and although there is a lot of underground cultural movement there is very little market. It’s difficult to reach the radio or mass media because they are very monopolized and there is no interest on their part. So sadly people in general only have access to reggaeton and trendy pop. Plus the fact of being a woman, that in a world of men you will always be the last option and you’ll live having to prove your value. The world of music is not spared from sexism and the role of women is highly sexualized. In any case, we follow our convictions and focus on trying to connect with people through our music and shout that we are much more than meat.
What was the most fulfilling and satisfying moment so far?
We have several of those haha, we’ve had such good times together. I think that one of the most important milestones is our last album Patio 29, we went through a lot to make it possible. Then the Lollapalooza CL stage was a beautiful moment. But without a doubt the tours, the moments in which we travel together, we get to know new places and new people, that’s what gives us life. From our tour in Europe last October, there was a very exciting concert at the SupaMolly in Berlin, a communication with the audience that gave chills. One of the best things about being in a band is that you experience very deep and beautiful emotional moments.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Alternative rock. An energetic and deep sound, with a lot of guitar and a very powerful female voice experimenting with all sorts of rock, with an old vibe but a new sound.
What is your creative process like?
We have gone through many working methods and creative processes through the years. Our new LP was made completely in the pandemic, we made the demos remotely, each one recording at home, also making it the most collaborative album of sK where everyone participated much more. Then in the midst of the pandemic and with masks on, we went to record in the studio… crazy. No matter what happens, you have to find a way to recover from the situation, so we’ll always be open to new ways of working in order to continue playing.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The first thing I would change is the regulation of digital platforms and the payment of artists. More than a showcase for music, it is a business for platforms that do not pay well or make artists visible fairly.
The 2nd thing that I would change is the low participation of women’s bands. I would like to see many more girl bands on the billboards at festivals and everywhere. Claim our space.
If you were asked to give a piece of advice to upcoming bands, what would that be?
I would tell them that it is essential to love each other a lot, admire your peers, be a cohesive group and always stay active. To grow as a band you have to take it very seriously and work non-stop because nobody is going to do things for you, you have to find your place. Don’t be discouraged by bad comments or haters, they will always be there. Learn from your mistakes and don’t give up, it’s a long road and very sacrificed but full of satisfaction.
What has been the best performance of your career so far?
I think it depends on how you look at it or who says it, but for me one of the best SlowKiss shows was last October 14 at the CLL in Lille, France. I think the great connection we had with the people that gave it their 100% is unforgettable, drops of sweat fell from the ceiling and walls and at the end of the show Ale even did crowd surfing, people really enjoyed the show. The feedback from the audience was incredible and it filled me with energy and strength to continue, we live for moments like that.
If you didn’t become a musician, what would you be doing now?
Without music I would be lost or dead, it’s my life. If there was no music I don’t know what would be of me. The truth is that I have never imagined my life doing anything else and when I sometimes get down and think of quitting it makes me really sad. Maybe I would withdraw from society and live far away on the beach in some remote part of the world, being self-sufficient and living by my own rules.
What is new with the band at the moment? What are you currently working on and would like to share with the world?
We have been dedicated to finishing our new album K.O which is in the Mastering process.
We hope to have the 1st single and video clip soon. Meanwhile we are preparing our next tour to Europe this spring/summer 23′. If you still don’t listen to us, you can find us on Bandcamp or YouTube! Cheers!
