
Dear readers, we are pleased to offer you in this article an interview with a Moroccan artist who offers modern and personal Progressive Rock sounds. With a new album “Echoes Of Virtue” out in August 2024, we welcome Achraf El Asraoui of the Achelas project.
Hi, how are you?
“I’m doing great, thank you for asking! I’m really excited to be talking with you and sharing more about my music and the Achelas project.“
You are a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and composer, how did your passion for music and Prog sounds come about?
“I grew up in an artistic environment. My parents were big fans of progressive rock, and my father and uncle were both guitar players. I was surrounded by music, and from a young age, I was deeply in love with the sounds of 60s and 70s progressive rock bands. As I got older, I started creating my own music, and I quickly realized that what I was making
had a progressive vibe to it. Art and music were always a part of my life, and progressive rock was simply the genre that resonated most with me.“
You created Achelas, what does the name of the band mean to you, and how did the project come about?
“Achelas is a combination of my first and last name—Achraf and Elasraoui. I started the project in 2017 as a way to express my own musical journey. It’s been a personal project from the beginning, and its name reflects both my identity and the evolution of my sound. The project represents my creative vision and has been a journey of exploration, both
musically and personally.“
The new album “Echoes Of Virtue” was released in August 2024, how would you describe this work?
“‘Echoes Of Virtue’ is a reflection of my evolving sound and vision. It’s a more mature and refined album compared to my previous works. The music is rich in textures, with a balance between intricate instrumentation and emotional depth. It explores both personal and universal themes, and I hope it resonates with listeners on a deeper level.“
Progressive sounds and more, with intense vocals, what themes do the lyrics deal with?
“The lyrics in “Echoes Of Virtue” touch on themes of self-discovery, the search for truth, and the complexities of human existence. There’s an exploration of moral dilemmas, the pursuit of virtue, and the struggle between light and darkness. I wanted the album to feel like a journey, both musically and lyrically, that invites listeners to reflect on their own
experiences.“
Elaborate textures and intertwining of vocal and instrumental parts, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“The creative process for me is very organic. It usually starts with a musical idea or a vocal melody, and then I build layers around it. I love experimenting with different textures and finding ways to make each part of the song contribute to the overall mood. The vocals play an important role in conveying the emotional essence of the song, so I often work on
integrating the vocal lines seamlessly with the instruments.“
Other artists are participating in the album, what did they bring to the sound?
“One of the standout contributions came from Philipp Dauenhauer, whose solo on “Lies In Their Eyes” added an amazing depth to the track. Philipp is a fantastic musician, and his playing really elevated the song. I’m excited to share that Philipp will likely be part of my forthcoming album as well—this is a little sneak peek, haha!“
Many of your fans and our readers are wondering if there will be a chance to hear your music live, do you have plans for this in the near future, or is this just a studio project?
“I’m definitely thinking about taking Achelas live! The challenge, however, is finding musicians in Morocco who are interested in the progressive rock genre. It’s also difficult to cover the costs of rehearsals in professional studios, especially since I don’t gain anything financially from the music I release. But it’s something I really want to do soon,
and I hope to make it happen in the near future.“
Besides the band Achelas, you worked with Nine Skies as a composer and band member, what memories do you have of those experiences?
“My time with Nine Skies was an incredible experience. I was a composer and singer on the album 5.20 and also sang on The Lightmaker in the track “The Architect.” It was a great chapter of my musical journey, as I got to collaborate with talented musicians and experiment with different sounds. The experience helped me grow as an artist and deepened my understanding of the creative process.“
Both with Achelas and Nine Skies, you have released several works, how has your sound evolved over time, and how does it differ from other projects?
“Over time, my sound has evolved by becoming more refined and focused. With Achelas, I’ve really honed in on blending progressive rock with elements of other genres, making the sound more personal and unique. Compared to Nine Skies, Achelas allows me to have more creative freedom and express more of my individuality. The music has grown more
complex, but also more accessible, with an emphasis on storytelling.“
How do you see the modern music scene in your country regarding Prog and Rock sounds?
“In Morocco, people who appreciate progressive rock are rare. The scene is quite niche, and it’s not easy to find a large audience for this genre. But I believe there’s a growing interest, especially among younger generations who are more open to exploring different types of music. The challenge is that prog rock has never been mainstream here, but I remain hopeful that the scene will develop over time.“
What advice would you give to young artists approaching music with more sophisticated sounds like yours?
“My advice would be to stay true to your vision and be patient. Sophisticated music takes time to develop, and it’s important to experiment and push boundaries. Don’t be afraid to explore new sounds and ideas, and always keep learning. It’s a challenging journey, but it’s also incredibly rewarding when you create something that feels authentic to you.“
Do you have any other activities or artistic passions outside of music?
“Music is my main passion, but I also enjoy other creative outlets such as visual arts and writing. I believe that creativity can flow through many mediums, and I often find inspiration in these other artistic forms. They all help me see the world from different perspectives, which ultimately enriches my music.“
I thank Achraf for the interview, wishing him all the best for the continuation of his artistic career.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you and your readers. I appreciate the kind words, and I’m excited for what’s to come. I’m grateful for the support of fans and listeners, and I can’t wait to continue this musical journey.“
Read our review of the new album here: [Review] Achelas – Echoes Of Virtue