We spoke to Duende de Gaia, a duo made up of two girls, Rocío and Ana, from the south of Spain.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Even though it may sound boring, we are two simple girls, with a common passion that is music. We love spending hours with our guitars creating melodies. We also adore travelling, especially discovering new places and people. We really appreciate spending time with our loved ones.
When did you start developing a passion for music?
From an early age music has surrounded us mainly thanks to our parents. They really were avid music lovers. So, undoubtedly, we ended up attending music school and music conservatory since we were little girls.
What artists did you listen to while growing up?
Our favourite artists were (and some of them still are) Joaquín Sabina, Luz Casal, Serrat, Ana Belén, Pablo Milanés and Mercedes Sosa. Also, we really like Paco de Lucía and Lole y Manuel.
How would you describe your music to someone who has not heard you before?
Good vibes, harmony with nature and positivity. We hope for a better world and for the understanding of all people. We think you can feel all those intentions and expectations in our music.
When you recorded Meraki, what do you wanted the album to convey?
We wanted Meraki to encourage contemplation and reflection. To appreciate and be thankful to life and above all to radiate the listener with positive energy.
Do you have a pet instrument that you have not yet been able to use in any of your songs?
So far, we have been very lucky and we already have some of them in our tracks (grand piano, flute, violin). But… there is one in particular, the accordion, that we hope to have in some songs the future.
Which artists are you most enjoying listening to right now? Do they influence your work?
At this moment we listen to El Kanka, Rozalén, Carmen Boza, Pedro Pastor, Mr Kilombo and Patricia Lázaro. They are a model for us, and we really enjoy their music and how they give voice to some important topics. And, of course, they influence our music in many subtle ways.
Which of your songs work best live?
Our audience always ask for “Ave Fenix”, as it has a very powerful message and it’s message is universal and reaches a lot of people. “Lastres” also works quite well, because it is very catchy and gives you good vibes.
Have you had to make any sacrifice in order to achieve your musical career? Have you encountered any difficulty along the way?
All beginnings are complicated. Of course, our first concerts were to small audiences, and sometimes we offered our music to some venues and we had no reply at all.
That’s why right now we can really appreciate everything that we have achieved. We enjoy the deep connection that we have built with the fans.
With whom would the collaboration of your dreams be?
We are open to suggestions and invitations, provided that we are musically compatible and that the song’s message is built around positivity.
Do you have any rituals before or after your concerts?
We hug each other, and in an exercise of creative visualization we imagine the concert beforehand and our connection with the audience. We pray for a little luck and we hope to have a good time.
When you studied at the Music Conservatory, would you have imagined that you would end up making and playing this musical style?
The truth is that classical music as well as singer-songwriter music have been our favourites from the very beginning. So it was not a surprise at all that we ended up creating music the way we do.
What are your plans for the future? Do you want to try new styles?
We don’t have any particular plans, as we surrender to illusion, emotion and we find our inspiration directly from the muses.
