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MakeaStar.com: Welcome to
the finals. Did you ever think you would get this
far?
Gazpacho: To be honest,
we’re surprised we’ve gone this far. There were a couple of
very strong contestants at the end and it could have gone
either way… Fact is, we only started promoting our music four
months ago and weren’t quite sure how the public would accept
us. So you may say this is a kick-start and an inspiration to
us all...
MakeaStar.com: What do
you think it is about your song that it has gotten into the
finals?
Gazpacho: A feeling
inside that people can relate to, an atmosphere, originality,
good thoughts, lyrics, strong tune and an excellent
singer.
MakeaStar.com: Have you
been getting any e-mail from Fans? The
Industry?
Gazpacho: One or two, we
sincerely enjoy it when people tell us they enjoy what we
make. I guess it feels as if we’re providing something special
to that person. On the Industry side, we received mail from a
distributor in the States. You never know, it might come in
handy one day.
MakeaStar.com: If so,
what is the response to your song and your sound in
general?
Gazpacho: “Sea of
Tranquility” has been a ticket to our other songs on our
website. We have noticed a considerable increase in traffic
and downloads from our site as a result of this. The unanimous
favorite seems to be the song “Bravo” (which we haven’t
entered into the competition yet).
It
took us by surprise.
We thought this song was a bit too unusual for ‘everyone’ to
like.
MakeaStar.com: What do
you think about MakeaStar.com's Industry review service? What
about the equal voting power being given to Fans and the
Industry in the contests?
Gazpacho: The review
service is truly unique. An unbiased opinion, quick and
constructive critique, and the review details show that the
reviewer has been doing his/her homework with the song in
question. I’d say that would be worth the small amounts you
pay.
The equal weight in
voting is also something we appreciate. As you may gather, our
band is fairly ‘young’ to the public, and has a somewhat
limited mailing list. ‘Size actually doesn’t matter’ in this
case…
MakeaStar.com: How did
you develop your sound? Is there a primary songwriter? Is it
collaborative?
Gazpacho: It is a
completely collaborative process where everyone plays an
integral part in getting the song ‘gazpachoifide’. It usually
starts off with an idea put down by the guitarist and keyboard
player, after that ‘O’ (the singer’) comes in to set a tune,
lyrics are written around the idea of the song, and finished
off/ polished with ideas from our bass player. It really just
comes down to being friends and respecting each other (which
might have sounded tacky, but it is oh so true). We cannot
comprehend how some bands cannot be in the presence of each
other throughout an album
recording.
MakeaStar.com: Any
influences you care to mention? What have other people
compared you to?
Gazpacho: There are many
including Tori Amos, Kate Bush, Marillion, Pink Floyd, A-Ha,
Beatles, Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Yes, Divine Comedy, etc …
The reviewer thought we sounded a bit like Pulp combined with
a bit of Chris De Burgh with a hint of Peter Gabriel… I think
(and hope) that was meant as a compliment.
MakeaStar.com: What do you think sets
you apart from other Artists in your
genre?
Gazpacho: We’ve fooled
around with many styles that are probably more mainstream than
today’s sound, but they just weren’t us. It was merely a small
step towards getting the sound and style we have today, i.e.
many styles merged into one
We’re doing what we
believe in, and sticking to it no matter how it’s received. We
will continue to change and develop and make what’s important
to us, not what the latest trend is. Someone actually
commented on our music being ‘timeless’… truly inspiring to
hear.
MakeaStar.com: It’s
obvious that your recorded material is great, but how about
the live show?
Gazpacho: Live show?
Hmmm… I guess we should start thinking about that. Jokes aside, we are practicing a "showcase format" set,
as we will probably be called upon to do one, should a label
become interested.
MakeaStar.com: Are you playing anywhere anytime soon?
Gazpacho: We have no set plans for a gig yet, but are toying with some ideas.
Getting support act gigs is one...
MakeaStar.com: Have you released your music already? If so how, where and when?
If not, do you plan to in the near future?
Gazpacho:
No, our music is only available in 'high quality' demo format.
We're in search of a record deal with someone at the moment
and sending out demo's etc. to management and
A&R.
We would also need label backing to be able to record in a "fancier" studio,
which would be needed for commercial release of our music.
MakeaStar.com: Where would you like to see your music take you?
Gazpacho: Pretty sure we'll be around for a long time; no matter if millions listen
to it or one person listens to what we have to say. I can truly picture us in a shady, 'falling to pieces' shack or castle in France (depending on how things go) somewhere at the age of seventy doing the same thing. It's an addiction thing, you see. We have to make songs or we don't feel complete. Of course, being able to live off what you truly enjoy is a dream that few get to experience. Only time will tell…
MakeaStar.com: How realistic is that goal in terms of the immediate future?
Gazpacho: Judging by our recent development and the amount of good stuff we produce
these days, I'd say VERY.
MakeaStar.com: What one band would you like to follow in the footsteps of down the
road to success?
Gazpacho: Bands that have a loyal following are what we would like to follow.
We have a lot respect for the bands that have managed to stay on for 20 years with
a loyal following and have released over 15 albums throughout their career.
We'd ideally like to hold on to the same Fans throughout our lives and develop
our music further with them.
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