Among accomplices and colleagues, punk is enjoyed more.
No need to describe it too much, Biznaga is a group established in punk with more than 10 years of recording history. Their music, like a good punk band, comes from DIY. In an interview, we spoke with its members, Alvaro, Jorge and Milkyabout his next visit to Mexico, the changes in the way we consume music and the fusion between art and activism.
Deciding to form a band may be the simplest and most possible dream of any young person, and even the most natural and expected. However, ensuring that this band lasts with the essence with which it was founded is complex. “For me, a band, like any creative cell or entity, responds only to the need to communicate a series of ideas and emotions, and that's it. It is a vehicle to express oneself, an expressive and creative vehicle, and I think that is the motivation that ultimately drags people to set up a group,” he shares with us. Jorge as a reflection on the creation of Biznaga.
Meanwhile, in the words of Alvaro. “Basically, Jorge and I were fed up with our lives and we couldn't think of a better way to try to cope than to form a band. Shitty jobs, shitty life, surviving in Madrid, and through the band we channel that energy.”
The band, some time after its creation, was joined by Milky. “I think that in our personality is the fact of always doing things with friends and colleagues. Since we were little we liked bands and those usual formations, like drums, guitars, bass… And I also realized that one of the most incredible things about the week was hanging out with our colleagues, whether they were Biznaga 12 years ago or with other projects I've had, and being there rehearsing with four or five people, which is something fabulous. I have always thought that sharing it and being four is much more enriching, and throughout these years I think we have learned a lot from each other, not only in terms of musical references, but also literary, film and, what do I know, craft beers.”
And at this point and with all the time that has passed, BiznagaMore than a band, it is a group of colleagues, friends and accomplices. “I suppose everyone has their own personality and leans more towards one side, but in reality we all like a lot of different music. Yes, there are people with more marked tastes who perhaps tend more towards one style than others, that's normal. Milkyfor example, is crazy about Jamaican music,” he shares Jorge.
Musical diversity is what nourishes Biznaga and, now, Madrid is full of new projects that surround and add to the band. “I think we are in a very good moment, but a few years ago I also thought so, what happened is that there wasn't that much guitar music, that had been lost a little, the fresh sound was not that of the guitars, you know? And now I think that that has returned and we, who have been playing with basses and guitars all our lives, are excited that that sound is present again,” he shares Milky.
To refer to these new projects, Alvaro share. “I do see young people, young people who are picking up the guitars, something that hasn't happened in a long time, right? I see that there is a scene of young people making guitar music that for a while did not exist, and that is appreciated. In fact, our concerts kind of lacked those young people who are now starting to come; when I say young, I tell you people who are 19, 20 years old.”
However, it is common to find contrasts in the audience at concerts in Spain of talents closer to the mainstream and punk Biznaga. “For example, what does Rosalia or that type of moves, which is even playback Many times, I do see a lot of mobile phones there. With us, people do slam. Even many times, when we have finished a concert and are looking at the stories Where they have labeled us, we say: 'Damn, how few there are.' There are very few, and that is a good sign, because people were paying attention. I think people are fully involved in our concert,” he shares. Alvaro.
We are definitely not in 2012 anymore, times have changed and music is no longer consumed in the same way as then. However, to Biznaga He cares little about responding to formulas for immediate consumption. In the words of Alvaro. “In general, we are a group that is only interested in making songs that we ourselves are happy and satisfied with. Songs that we would like to hear. So, if that meets the expectations of Spotifybecause until 15 seconds you don't monetize, good. If not, then fine too. We are going to look for the best possible song. Sometimes they are more immediate, sometimes they are not so immediate. So, yes, we are in the world, we know what the reality is around us and we are not impervious to it, but I think that in general we are not a group that is very affected by these new modes of consumption marked by channels and platforms.”
And his music has always advanced with social protests, since, as he shares Jorge. “As artists, or well, call it what you want: creators of songs, artisans of songs, makers of songs… when it comes to putting words to that music, we look at our surroundings, at reality. Whether to describe it or to sublimate it, we start from reality. So, in reality there are beautiful things, beautiful things and things that are shit.”
To which the musician adds. “It's a good opportunity, isn't it?, the music channel to put certain messages and realities into circulation that can acquire greater power than if you simply see them in a news story.” So, “politics is in Biznaga because we are political beings after all. So, that's there. It is not the only facet that defines the group, obviously. “The definition would be quite poor if it were only as a political group, but without a doubt politics is important in this group.”
To end the interview, Milky shares a message for those who attend his concert in Mexico. “Moshpit of strawberries no. Moshpit who teaches, who knows what punk is. But with respect.”
Don't miss out on Biznaga in Room (B) of the Indie Rocks Forum! November 28th!
