Dear readers, we are pleased to offer you in this article an interview with a Spanish band with a Psychedelic Fuzz Rock sound, with a new album due out in August 2024. We welcome Free Ride.
Hi, how are you?
“Hey, we’re doing great. We’ve been super busy with the release of our new album, and we’re all pretty excited about it. It’s great to be here and talk about our new work with you!“
You offer a mixture of Psychedelic and Fuzz Rock sounds between the past and present of the genre, how did your passion for this music come about?
“We’ve always been drawn to music that’s a bit unconventional and explorative. Growing up, we were inspired by classic bands like Pink Floyd, Cream or The Stooges, but we also love the 90s and the grunge explosion. We like to connect with the past adding our own modern twist, creating a bridge between different eras of rock.“
Your new album “Acido Y Puto” is out on August 09, 2024 via Small Stone Records, how would you describe this work?
“This album took almost two years and a half. We had almost the whole album ready to record by 2020, but then the pandemic came along and we decided to take our time to make arrangements and write the rest of the songs. We aimed to create an album that feels both classic and novel, balancing the retro psychedelic influences with modern production techniques. Unlike our first album, which sounds very vintage and dirty, this album has a more modern and powerful
production, but without losing the vintage essence. We recorded and produced the album ourselves, while the mixing was done by Matt Gougherty, a producer from Chicago who did a spectacular job. We have never sounded as powerful as we do on Acido y Puto.“
Both the music and the vocals are intense, what themes do your lyrics deal with?
“Our lyrics explore a variety of themes, many of which revolve around personal experiences. Depending on the time in which they are written, they speak about different topics and they usually reflect the personal moment of that time. Some
tracks touch on more surreal and abstract concepts, while others are more grounded and direct.“
Vocals and instrumental sections intertwine to create a sophisticated psychedelic sound, how does the creative process of your music take place?
“Our creative process is usually pretty simple. Borja records a demo or has a new song in the works, shows it to the rest of the band and from there we start rehearsing it. Then we usually add vocals and final arrangements until we are satisfied with the result.”
Have you extracted a single with official video “Space Nomad,” do you have plans for more?
“Yes, Space Nomad captures the adventurous spirit of the album, and the video adds a visual dimension to that experience. We definitely have plans for more videos. We’re already working on the release of the next one, which will showcase a different side of the album, much more direct and powerful. The song will be Outsider, one of our favorite tracks from the album.“
Many of your fans and our readers are wondering if there will be a chance to hear the new album live, do you have plans to do so in the near future?
“Absolutely! We’re itching to get back on stage and share these new tracks live. We’re planning a tour for later this year, starting in Spain and hopefully branching out across Europe and beyond. We’ll be playing some of our favorite venues and are working on creating a live experience that truly reflects the album’s energy and vibe. Keep an eye on our social media for updates on tour dates and locations!”
Spain has a great musical tradition, how do you see the modern Rock scene in your country?
“Spain’s scene is flourishing and incredibly diverse. There’s a lot of exciting stuff happening right now, and there are incredible bands that I think are not taken into consideration enough. Bands like Green Desert Water or Electric Valley should be huge, but hardly anyone knows about them and they are real gems. Festivals, local venues, and indie labels play a big role in supporting emerging talent. It’s an exciting time for rock in Spain, and we feel that our generation is contributing something truly special to the cultural landscape.”
What advice would you give to young artists approaching music with a sound like yours?
“Stay true to your vision and embrace the process of experimentation. Don’t be afraid to take risks and push boundaries, that’s what makes psychedelic and fuzz rock so exciting. Find your voice, and let it guide your creative journey.“
You have released a few works since 2018, how has your sound evolved over time?
“Our sound has evolved quite a bit since we started. In the early days, we were experimenting with different styles, trying to find our identity as a band. Our earlier work laid the foundation for our current sound, but as we’ve grown, we’ve become more experimental with our arrangements and production techniques, incorporating more diverse influences and sounds. Each release has been a step forward, building on what we’ve learned and experienced. We feel Acido y Puto represents the culmination of that evolution, capturing our essence while also paving the way for future explorations.“
Do you have any other passions or artistic activities outside music?
“Definitely! We’re all pretty passionate about various forms of art and expression. Some of us dabble in visual arts, like graphic design, which often influence our album artwork and stage visuals. We also enjoy film and literature, finding inspiration in stories and imagery that resonate with us.“
I thank Free Ride for the interview, wishing them all the best for the release of their new album and the continuation of their artistic career.
“Thank you so much for having us! We appreciate the support and can’t wait to share our new album with everyone. See you on tour!“
Pre-Order the album at the Small Stone Recordings Bandcamp page HERE
Lineup:
Borja Fresno Benítez / Vocals, Guitars, Synthesizer, Percussion, Sitar
Víctor Bedmar Lam / Bass
Carlos Bedmar Lam / Drums