Rough Minds - Songs Out Loud
INTERVIEW: ROUGH MINDS TALKS ABOUT "SONGS OUT LOUD" AND THE MUSIC LIFESTYLE
The brainchild of singer-songwriter and guitarist Josema Ganz, Rough Minds recently released the music video for “Songs Out Loud,” a retro-flavored song conjuring up vague memories of Oasis.
Rough Minds
Essentially, “Songs Out Loud” is “invasion music with modern soul.”
From Uruguay, Ganz’s talent on the guitar is thrilling, complemented by his feel for catchy melodies topped by one of those easy-to-listen-to voices with just the right amount of brio merged with a buoyant mood. At once retrospective and contemporary, Ganz’s sound lures listeners in by amalgamating cultural and sonic dislocations.
The video, directed by Matia Bernadá Montedónico, filmed on the streets of Montevideo, depicts the beauty of the city as Ganz meanders along the streets, playing his guitar. Unpretentious, yet utilizing state-of-the-art cinematography, the video harks back to the days when MTV made such an impact.
Rawckus spoke with Rough Minds to find out how he got started in music, how he developed his distinctive sound, and to find out what the future holds.
What three things can’t you live without?
Music, family, and dogs.
What’s your songwriting process? Melody first, or lyrics?
Melody always comes first. When I started writing songs, I used to create a chord sequence, then the guitar picks and solos, and finally the lyrics. Lately, I find myself obsessively creating rock ‘n’ roll riffs which I record on the cellphone. Based on these riffs I create the melody of the voice and the chords structure altogether and finally the guitar picks and solo.
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?
I think they will receive a naïve, genuine, and cheerful vibe. Music must have positive and uplifting energy whether you are speaking about something good or bad that has happened to you.
How did you get started in music? What’s the backstory there?
I got involved as a teenager, but it was not until I entered university when the fantasy of being a well-known musician become bigger and bigger. At that time, I decided that music is what I wanted to do not only as a living but as a lifestyle as well. I left University and started to work in any job that would allow me time and money to record my next songs.
Which musicians/vocalists influenced you the most?
I am influenced mainly by British bands from different decades like Oasis and The La´s from the ‘90s or T-Rex and The Rolling Stones from the ‘60s and ‘70s. I also like ‘50s singers like Little Richard, Eddie Cochran, and Dickie Pride.
Which artists are you listening to right now?
I always listen to Oasis as it is the band that made me want to make music. Lately, I have been listening to some rockabilly and psychobilly bands like The Cramps and The Radiacs.
What’s the story behind the name Rough Minds?
A rough mind is a concept which I created. It implies many characteristics that a person must have when he wants to achieve his dreams and goals. It is related to genuineness, courage, and honesty. A rough mind does not think about his dreams in rational terms like “If I get there great, but if I don’t it was just not meant to happen.” Nothing can stop a rough mind from reaching his goal. Failing is not an option. It is a way of living.
What inspired your new single/music video “Songs Out Loud?”
I think I got unconsciously inspired in the “There She Goes” video from The La´s. In this video, the band is just playing the song around the city. I like these kinds of videos as they have a very honest and swaggering feeling.
You’re from Uruguay. What’s the music scene like in Uruguay?
In Uruguay, most of people listen to a music genre called Cumbia which is very popular also in Argentina. Another genre commonly listened is Reggeaton or tropical music which comes from countries like Puerto Rico or Cuba.
Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?
I sometimes spend a lot of time watching Instagram content and stories.
Why do you make music?
I do it for a lot of reasons. I love to do it, first. I want to be a full-time musician and live the whole experience. I also have an obsessive songwriting mentality which makes me always want to create another melody or riff. I never feel satisfied with what I have already done.
What’s next for you?
After a couple of years of lonely hard work and loads of songs to be released, I think it´s time to form a band and get associated with a record label or other kinds of music companies. It is time to take Rough Minds music to the worldwide audience and to the place where I believe it deserves to be.
