Podcast #055 COMPLETO

Creating the Perfect Band

Introduction to the Concept

• The discussion begins with a humorous take on forming the perfect band, highlighting skepticism towards bands that include keyboardists.

• A question is posed about how much one would pay for this hypothetical band's concert, suggesting a price range of €150 to €200, indicating curiosity about their musical style.

Podcast Dynamics

• The hosts acknowledge their playful nature and welcome listeners, setting a light-hearted tone for the episode.

• Borja Menteaga introduces an interesting device called a "finger stretcher," which adds humor and personal touch to the conversation.

Game Plan: Creating the Ideal Band

• The hosts plan to engage in a fun exercise similar to previous discussions where they created an ideal guitarist. This time, they aim to create the perfect band.

• They emphasize the importance of defining musical styles before selecting members for their ideal band.

Musical Styles Consideration

• Three musical styles are proposed: jazz fusion, metal, and blues. This eclectic mix aims to create diversity within their ideal band.

• The hosts debate over including salsa or merengue but ultimately decide on focusing on metal and non-metal categories for simplicity.

Structuring the Band

• They outline potential roles in their ideal band: vocalist, multiple guitarists (three), bassist, drummer, and possibly a keyboardist despite initial reservations.

• A key point is made regarding the foundational role of drummers in bands; they assert that "a band is only as good as its drummer," emphasizing rhythm's critical importance.

Supergroup Metal Drummer Discussion

Choosing the Right Drummer

• The conversation begins with a debate on selecting a drummer for their metal supergroup, emphasizing the need for someone physically imposing or versatile.

• One participant suggests including Virgil Donati, known for his fusion projects that incorporate metal elements, as a potential candidate.

• Marco Minnemann is mentioned as another option due to his experience with bands like Necrophagist and his ability to adapt to various styles.

Notable Mentions in Metal Drumming

• Saint Reyer from Death is highlighted as an influential figure in death metal drumming, particularly noted for his work on the album "Human."

• The discussion acknowledges differing tastes in drummers, suggesting that both Donati and Reyer could coexist within their supergroup's lineup.

Bassist Selection Process

Deciding on a Bassist

• The group shifts focus to selecting a bassist who can complement both metal and non-metal styles.

• A consensus emerges around choosing one bassist from each category (metal and non-metal), leading to further deliberation.

Finalizing Choices

• After some back-and-forth, Víctor Gen is proposed as the ideal bassist due to his versatility across genres.

• There’s excitement about Gen's potential contributions despite not having seen him play metal specifically.

Guitarists: Finding Contrasting Styles

Guitar Selection Criteria

• The participants agree on needing two guitarists who can handle diverse roles within the band.

• Josh Meher is suggested as one guitarist; he’s recognized for his adaptability but may not traditionally fit into the metal genre.

Pairing Guitarists

• A challenge arises in pairing contrasting guitarists who might not typically collaborate. This leads to humorous suggestions about unlikely combinations.

Discussion on Ideal Band Members

Concept of an Ideal Band Lineup

• The speaker expresses a desire to witness the creative process of composing music, highlighting the excitement of collaboration and experimentation in band dynamics.

• A discussion arises about potential members for a hypothetical band, considering current musicians like Se Reinar (drums), Víctor Buten (bass), and Josh (guitar).

• Various guitarists are suggested, including Rafael Trujillo and Cory Wong, emphasizing their unique styles that could enhance the band's sound.

Musical Style and Influences

• The conversation shifts to the importance of selecting musicians who fit well together stylistically; there's a playful tone as they brainstorm combinations.

• Mohamed Swichmezh is mentioned as a guitarist whose technique would complement Josh's playing style, showcasing the blend of influences in their ideal lineup.

Legendary Musicians and Their Impact

• A personal anecdote is shared about encountering Mohamed at a festival, illustrating his legendary status within the music community despite stepping away from performing.

• The impact of Cristian Mmer is acknowledged; he is noted for his exceptional solos but often goes unrecognized compared to other artists.

Vocalist Selection Criteria

• The group discusses what type of vocalist would suit their band. They consider clean vocals only, leading to humorous suggestions like Mónica Naranjo due to her powerful voice.

• There’s light-hearted banter regarding Mónica Naranjo's talent versus other famous singers like Stevie Wonder, indicating respect for diverse musical backgrounds.

Finalizing Band Composition

• An amusing story about meeting Mónica Naranjo adds depth to the discussion while reinforcing her significance in Spanish pop culture.

• As they finalize their dream band lineup, they emphasize creativity over ego, suggesting that collaboration could lead to groundbreaking music.

• Miguel Espinosa is proposed as a keyboardist alongside another talented musician; both are recognized for their skills and friendship with the speaker.

Discussion on Musical Influences and Group Formation

Exploring Musical Preferences

• The speaker expresses admiration for a singer who resembles Stevie Wonder, mentioning the band Dirty Loops but struggles to recall the vocalist's name.

• A conversation ensues about various musicians, with a specific mention of Jesús Molina as a preferred choice for collaboration.

• Rick Wakeman is introduced as another influential figure, highlighting his solo work and contributions to progressive rock.

Instrumentation Choices

• The group discusses adding unique instruments to their lineup, considering options like the chalaparta, a traditional Basque instrument.

• The idea of incorporating tribal elements into their music is suggested, referencing Sepultura's metal style.

Finalizing the Band Lineup

• A humorous exchange occurs regarding potential extra musicians; suggestions include a violinist and Michael Brecker on saxophone.

• Clown Core is mentioned as an interesting band with notable saxophonist talent that could enhance their group's sound.

Concert Pricing Discussion

• The speakers contemplate how much they would pay for a concert featuring their ideal band lineup, settling on €150 to €200 as reasonable ticket prices.

• They discuss the potential experience of such a concert versus the risk of it not meeting expectations due to musician chemistry.

Naming the Group

• As they wrap up their discussion, they consider naming their hypothetical band but struggle to come up with something creative.

Discussion on Spanish Music Groups

Overview of Various Music Groups

• The speaker mentions Spanish groups like "Tarzán y su [ __ ] madre" and reflects on their search for a place to perform, indicating a vibrant music scene.

• References are made to the group "Mercromina de Albacete," showcasing regional diversity in music styles within Spain.

• The speaker expresses admiration for various musicians, emphasizing that many talented artists were not mentioned, highlighting the richness of the music community.

• There is an invitation for listeners to suggest names for their supergroup, fostering engagement and interaction with the audience.

• The speaker conveys satisfaction with the current selection of groups discussed, suggesting a personal connection and appreciation for their work.