Dear readers, we are pleased to offer you in this article an interview with an Argentinian Progressive Rock singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer. We welcome Gabriel Agudo.
Hello, how are you?
“Hey Japoco! It’s a pleasure to chat with you. Big shoutout to everyone tuning in, and thanks for giving me the chance to talk about my work.“
You are a singer, multi-instrumentalist and not only of Progressive Rock, where does your passion for this music come from?
“Ah, my passion for music is like a wild river woven from the threads of countless genres, but Progressive Rock holds a special place in my heart. It’s not just about the complexity or virtuosity, but the sheer audacity to push boundaries and challenge conventions.
Progressive Rock challenges me to push the boundaries of my creativity. This sonic exploration ignites the fire of passion within me every time I pick up an instrument or lend my voice into a new project.“
You are one of the lead singers of Steve Rothery Band and In Continuum, what memories and anecdotes do you tell about these experiences?
“Oh man, being a part of both the Steve Rothery Band and In Continuum? It’s been an absolute blast! From backstage experiences to those electrifying moments on stage when everything just clicks, there’s never a dull moment. Singing alongside Steve Rothery, one of our ‘Prog Gods,’ has truly been a dream come true. Sharing the stage with talented musicians like Dave Foster, Riccardo Romano, Yatim Halimi, and Leon Parr (from Steve Rothery Band) feels like stepping into a rock ‘n’ roll dreamland. And collaborating with Dave Kerzner, Matt Dorsey, Randy McStine, and Marco Minnemann (from In Continuum) only enhances the experience further. Plus, both projects have given me the incredible opportunity to share the stage with some amazing musicians like Steve Hackett, Fernando Perdomo, Rick Armstrong, Jon Davidson, Lorelei, and Durga McBroom, Michael Sadler, among others. And let me tell you, the beautiful memories we’ve collected along the way make being a part of these bands truly special.“
In parallel you also have a solo career, how does the style differ in the different projects?
“Well, let me tell you, it’s like I’m the captain of my own musical spaceship diving into a magical trip of exploration, you know?
It’s all about exploring different vibes, experimenting with sounds, and just going wherever the music takes me. But, whether I’m flying solo or rocking with a band, it’s always about pushing boundaries and having a damn good time doing it!“
Your new album “Tales & Thunders” is out in December 2023, how would you describe this new work?
“Just let me tell you that nothing was planned, and all creation has flowed from chaos. Recording all the instruments and vocals, writing the music and arrangements, producing, mixing, mastering, and even daring to orchestrate was a beautiful journey out of my comfort zone that took me to new territories.
‘Tales & Thunders’ is like a musical buffet where everyone gets to fill their plate with their favorite flavors. I could sit here all day trying to describe it, but honestly, my vision is just one piece of the puzzle. Ultimately, it’s up to each listener to take a bite, savor the melodies, and decide if it’s their kind of feast. So, I’ll let the music do the talking and let the ears be the judge. All I can promise is a sonic adventure filled with tales to tell and storms to weather!“
As a fine singer, what themes do the lyrics deal with?
“Eight distinct chapters that encapsulate pivotal moments that have profoundly impacted me: the conquest of space, contemplations and inquiries stemming from the pandemic, the mystical world of Sioux shamans and their deep connection with Mother Earth, the burden of immortality, the uncertain path following the loss of a significant love, the internal exploration between light and darkness, the contemplations of a tormented alien, and the poignant climax of Romeo and Juliet.“
Several guests participate in the album, what did they bring to the sound?
“Dave Foster is an incredible musician who delivers an outstanding guitar solo in the song Voyager. He seamlessly blends his sound with the Sabbath style that I aimed to infuse into the song.
Derek Sherinian delivers a complex and talented keyboard solo in the song Nosferatu, capturing the exact moment I wanted to imprint on that section of the song. The adrenaline flowing in the hunt and pursuit of the human by the vampire in the midst of the turbulent night. The sound and style that Derek achieves are fabulous.
What else can I express about Steve Rothery? Once again, I am privileged to have his collaboration on the song “Even To The Edge Of Doom.” His guitar solo resonates with an intimate depth that few musicians can achieve, encapsulating the song’s drama and evoking the moment of death and tragedy in Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Furthermore, he contributed to co-authoring the arrangements for the bass and drums in the song’s final section.“
An intense and elaborate album, will there be a chance to hear it live in the near future?
“It will be possible as long as promoters in Europe, the USA, and other parts of the world step out of their comfort zones and have the courage to bet on a new sound like mine. Lucky for me, I’ve got top-notch musicians ready to join me if I get the chance to perform my solo stuff live, both in the USA and Europe.“
Music is constantly evolving, how do you see the future of the progressive genre?
“The live concert market is highly competitive nowadays with numerous offerings, and naturally, the most well-known artists in the genre capture the majority of the attention due to their extensive careers.
But these big-name artists were once in a position where they were lucky to have someone who believe and take a risk on them. Those courageous souls in the business are fewer nowadays, though.
The progressive rock scene is like a jungle packed with legendary heavyweights, making it pretty intimidating for up-and-comers. It’s like being a newbie bird trying to soar in a sky already lit up by rock gods. But hey, tough times breed tough artists, right?
In all these challenges, there’s room for new ideas and chances to make your mark. So yeah, it’s a crazy ride, but for those brave enough to do their own thing, the stage is set for something special!“
Do you have any other passions or artistic activities outside music?
“Yes, of course. I’ve studied acting for many years, but I’ve always prioritized my activity as a musician, which has completely captivated me. Nevertheless, my passion for acting remains alive and well.“
I thank Gabriel for the interview, wishing him all the best for the continuation of his artistic career.
Purchase the new album here:
Physical: https://gabrielagudomusic.com
Digital: https://gabrielagudo.bandcamp.com
