It is an honor for us to welcome Álvaro Urquijo and Ramón Arroyo today, who have no doubt filled our lives on countless occasions with the songs, lyrics and guitar sounds (among other things) that their hands and souls are capable of creating
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First of all, I'd like to take advantage of your kindness to learn more about your opinions and experiences for all our readers, who are passionate about music.
An absolutely personal style that makes its creators recognizable at first "sight." This is undoubtedly one of the things a musician and artist must achieve: creating their own style and making it clearly recognizable. Where does your secret lie?
A typical question, but one that never stops interesting any musician trying to make their way in the professional world.
How did you get started in music, and when did you decide to make a living from it?
For most of us, music is a great hobby, an enjoyment as listeners that little by little leads us to learn how to make it, how to play an instrument, compose, etc. Years ago in Spain there were no schools for jazz, rock or the variants that were called "modern music," which was considered not very serious. All this forced us to combine "serious studies" with "the impossible." Without quite knowing how, one day you find yourself playing on a stage, getting paid for it and even with the chance to record an album. From there comes the big leap of choosing to do what you love seriously, with all the risks that entails.
From a guitarist's point of view, what are your influences, and which guitarists, in Spain and internationally, are your favorites?
When it comes to guitarists, the influences are countless. From the first vinyl records to later, more rigorous research, I could talk about different styles. For acoustic guitar and "fingerpicking," I'd mention Mississippi John Hurt, Davey Graham, Merle Travis and Chet Atkins. In "bluegrass," Doc Watson, Clarence White (the Byrds), Tony Rice. Playing "slide," from Robert Johnson, Ry Cooder, David Lindley, Duane Allman, Jerry Douglas... In electric "country," James Burton, Albert Lee. The whole English blues generation: Peter Green, Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Mick Taylor, David Gilmour and of course the originals, T-Bone Walker, Freddie King, Albert Collins... and Chuck Berry and the great Hendrix, and any guitarist who brings something special to a song, from George Harrison to The Edge.
Virtuosity without the ability to communicate is often of little use. Conversely, even without enough technique, a musician who can tell a story through their playing has already won an important battle. What would you recommend to readers to improve technically and, above all, to gain that ability to convey something?
Technique is, in my humble opinion, only a vehicle for expression. Music without emotion is pure gymnastics; however, good technique can help us express ourselves better.
As for instruments: I've heard all kinds of opinions from great artists who think in opposite ways. For example, some say you don't need an expensive instrument (or to spend money) to play; what matters is the magic. Others, however, believe that a musician will feel more comfortable when the tool they work with guarantees confidence and the results they expect, and so it's essential. What's your opinion on this?
A good guitar is always a safe bet, especially live, but from the first bluesmen, through J.J. Cale and his old cheap Harmony, to the newest bands, you can play with anything if you have good ideas.
Speaking of guitars: Fender, Martin, Gibson, Guild, Rickenbacker... Do you think the classic "traditional" brands are ultimately the definitive choice, or are new developments and brands offering what musicians need?
Any guitar can be good if it suits the style of music we want to play. The legendary brands have better and worse periods, but let's not forget that they invented and everyone else copies. Between a Fender and a Gibson you'll find almost every sound. However, there are always innovators: in electronics, materials or design, like Lowden in acoustics or Parker in electrics, to name two examples.
What do you look for in an electric guitar? And in an acoustic?
Countless factors come into play when choosing a guitar: materials, construction, electronics, tuning stability, durability, string action, etc.... but in the end the most important thing is the SOUND (and that we like it, of course).
What uses can you get out of a 12-string guitar?
To understand what a twelve-string guitar is, all you have to do is listen to "A Hard Day's Night" by the Beatles, or the Byrds (Roger McGuinn's Rickenbacker), or Leo Kottke on acoustic, and in Spain Amaral or, of course, the complete discography of Los Secretos!
What do you think of Korean, Mexican, etc. manufacturing, which lowers the cost of instruments? Are they a good option for beginners, for everyone...?
In Korea, Mexico and even more so in Japan, better and better instruments are being made, with excellent finishes and good sound. From the overseas branches of Fender, Gretsch, PRS, etc., to original brands like Ibanez, Yamaha, Cort and others, there are options for any budget. I have quite a few...
Better a guitar multi-effects unit that can do everything under the sun, or a good tube amp and three specific pedals?
With multi-effects you get more different sounds; however, it's hard to beat the warm, round sound of a good tube amplifier. Here too, it depends on the type of music you're playing. I'd recommend combining an amp and a multi-effects unit to get the best of both.
As for your recordings, what are you working on now?
Right now we're working on our live shows, in several formats: an acoustic trio, the band itself and the "Con cierto sentido" lineup with a twelve-piece string section.
Studio or live, which do you prefer? Where can we see Los Secretos, and on what dates?
You can enjoy the studio just as much as playing live, though in a different way. There's the magic of inventing in the studio and there's the thrill of playing in front of an audience. To see Los Secretos' dates, it's best to check our website. www.los-secretos.net
Finally, as always, it's our custom to leave an open space for our guest artists to freely and openly share their advice and opinions for everyone passionate about music, who may be somewhat discouraged by how hard it is to learn and to make a professional career of it.
The world (sometimes the little world) of music is as complex as any other, and there are too many variables beyond our control. The personal side, our dedication, perseverance, musical judgment, trying to do things better and always with heart, and never ceasing to enjoy it even in the worst moments, ideally with our friends, could be a small recipe for hanging in there. And, of course, never stop listening to music.
Once again, on behalf of the entire ISP Música team and our readers, we thank you for your courtesy, kindness and for sharing the experience you've built up over so many years. In a musical way (sincerely and respectfully), thank you, Álvaro and Ramón.
