Hey, can you tell us about your upbringing and early life experiences that shaped your path as a musician?
One of the experiences that was life changing for me and set up the basis of who I am as a guitar player, was a Guitar Workshop I attended when I was 17. Walter Giardino was performing and he just blew my mind away. The very same day I grabbed my older brother’s guitar and I started to play non-stop for hours. Basically, I taught myself how to play after that day.
What are some of your fondest childhood memories related to music?
Everything started at home. As a kid one of my biggest influences was my older brother, he used to play guitar and inspired me to start playing too. I remember I used to stay at home grounded and during that time we would play some records and every once in a while he would teach me a new riff. He was the only member of my family who supported me at that time.
The first riff he taught me was the intro of Black Sabbath’s A National Acrobat. Playing that for the first time in my life made me feel so powerful, it’s a feeling that can’t be explained but I still get it when I play what’s on my mind. Then, I started to play for many hours a day until I was finally able to play the solos I admired. Basically I learned to play alone until I was older and I finally got the chance to study music professionally.
That’s why I believe that no matter how hard your journey is, you have to keep fighting for what you love. I’ve learned that you have to face life with a heart of steel, never giving up on your dreams.
What have been the most significant challenges you’ve faced as a musician, and how did you overcome them?
One of the challenges I have come across as a musician is staying motivated and inspired. These projects usually take a lot of time and perseverance, and as musicians we have to believe that our music is worth the sacrifice.
Sometimes it feels like you are swimming against the flow, we live in a society that is not supportive to all musical genres. It’s hard not to lose your way, when even your family doesn’t believe in you.
You have to stay truth to your self so you don’t have regrets!
Can you share some of your hobbies and interests outside of music that helps you relax and recharge?
I like to use my free time productively and I try to stay active. I enjoy live music, learning to play new instruments and participating in guitar workshops.I really enjoy watching classic Films, I consider them an expression of art, one of my favorites is Bram Stoker’s Dracula by Francis Ford Coppola. From time to time, I also enjoy playing video games. I’m a fan of different classic titles and their soundtracks such as Castlevania. A source of musical inspiration, no doubt!
“The Journey” is a captivating song. What inspired you to write it, and what was the initial spark of creativity?
I have been working on my first album as a composer, producer and interpreter for the last couple of years. It has been an amazing road, but at the same time, it has been very challenging. It takes a lot from you, you gotta lose your fears and dream big, because only if you believe it, then it can happen. So, I wanted to include a song that represents all those moments in life when you decide to fight for your dreams and follow your own journey, with its ups and downs, and twists and turns.
Can you take us through the lyrics of “The Journey” and the emotions you intended to convey?
The Journey is about a young musician that decides to follow his path in life, facing his fears and going into the unknown. He doesn’t know what destiny has in store for him or where he could get, he only knows what he should do because it makes him feel alive.
Can you describe the atmosphere in the studio when you were recording “The Journey”?
This song features Atheris Energy and Lukky Sparxx. It was the first time we all worked together and it went smoothly, it’s like everyone knew exactly what to do. We all were excited to hear the final outcome and we just couldn’t be more satisfied with the results.
Are there any standout moments or memories related to the production of this song that you’d like to discuss?
Yeah, It all started when I opened a new Guitar Pro file and I began to play the notes C, F, Bb… but the strike of inspiration actually came a few days before, when I visited my Luthier’s guitar workshop, I went to pick up my guitar and he was listening a record that just blew my mind. The sound was fresh but yet nostalgic, the album was Endless Summer by The Midnight.
So, when I opened up the new file and I started playing I wanted to get a similar feeling, at first I thought it sounded like Michael Jackson (haha), but with time it finally went the direction I wanted. I had never done a song like “The Journey” before, it’s the first time I came out of my comfort zone. I usually play rock and metal but I’m very pleased with the results.
Have there been any memorable fan reactions or stories related to “The Journey” that you’d like to share?
When my fans reach out to me and talk about how The Journey makes them feel when they listen to it, it’s very rewarding. Knowing that it actually takes them to another place and brings back memories of their own journeys, is just amazing!
What kind of feedback or comments from fans have meant the most to you regarding “The Journey”?
“Lovely, catchy, melancholy track”
“Dreamy synths, pleasant vocals”
“Exciting, cosmic atmosphere”
“Nice soundtrack, great 80’s vibe”
“The track is dreamy and has a sci-fi feel”
How do you define success in the music industry, and what are your personal goals and aspirations?
For me success means being able to do whatever is on your mind and never regret it. It means to still be standing after all, proud of who you are for not letting go of your dreams. And being a motivation for others to do the same, to fight for their vision.
Finally, what’s next for Wino Gandara in terms of your music career, and do you have any future projects or releases in the pipeline?
I’ll be releasing my next single called “Ad Astra” by the end of November. It will be available on all digital platforms. Also, I’ll be releasing the musical video on different platforms such as Vevo.
“Ad Astra” will feature Lukky Sparxx on the vocals again and me on vocals. and you’ll be listening to the first of many songs featuring Alessandro Bertoni on the keyboards. This song is going to rock you from your chair into a world of machines taking over humanity.
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