Rawness, energy and noise without concessions.
The band originally from Austin will perform on May 30 at the Puebla Forum with a show that marks a new stage in his career. We talk with Culture Wars about the accelerated growth they have experienced in the last year, the process behind their debut album, their connection with the Mexican public and what we can expect from this tour that promises to be the most intense so far.
Indie Rocks!: They have been preparing this new tour that they will present this year. To start, I want to talk a little about your music in the studio. A couple of years ago they released their first LP and it had a great reception. I've also listened to their new singles. What is the process of making a song like for you?
Culture Wars: For us there is an almost religious mantra: the song comes first. We adopted that very intentionally for this album, something we didn't do with the initial EP. We want a song to stand on its own, with just two elements, like voice and guitar or voice and piano. If it doesn't work like that, we don't move forward.
That rigidity also gave us freedom, because once the song is solid, we let the band do what they do best. This way we were able to develop our own sound without pressure, simply in the service of the song. That process helped us discover the sound of the debut album.
GO!: After releasing music, they began touring with bands like Keane either Wallowsplaying to huge audiences. How did you experience that jump?
CW: It has been a long process, but the last year has been very rapid growth. In three months we went from opening shows for 300 people to playing for 1,000 or 3,000, and then for audiences of 20,000 to 65,000 people. It was crazy.
We had to learn as we went and raise our level. We are very hardworking, we rehearse until we are tired. We know we've rehearsed enough when we can play the entire set on auto and still get it perfect.
We already had millions of streamsbut you don't realize what that means until you hear thousands of people singing your songs back.
GO!: They've released several singles instead of a full album. Why did they decide to do it like this? Are there plans for an LP or EP?
CW: We always said we wouldn't release an album until there was a fan base that wanted it. Now we feel that that moment has arrived. Our debut album will be out very soon, before traveling to Mexico.
We also feel that our songwriting constantly improves. In fact, we rewrote almost half of the album because we wanted it to represent the best of us. We think our most recent songs are the strongest we've ever done.
GO!: This tour includes several countries and Mexico City. What can we expect from setlist And about the show?
CW: It's basically the debut album release world tour. The show will be focused on that album, but also on giving back the love we have received from the Mexican public, both on digital platforms and in person.
We rehearse a lot because we want to offer the best rock show possible. The energy on stage will be very high, just right to let everything flow live.
GO!: What do you personally expect from this date in Mexico City?
CW: We are excited. After a whole year opening gigs, we are now enjoying playing our own shows and watching them sell out.
Our challenge is to continue growing without taking anything for granted. We want to maintain the level and give back to people for the support they have given us.
GO!: For someone who doesn't know you yet, what song would you recommend to enter your discography?
CW: “Typical Ways” It is probably the best gateway. It is the song that connects the most immediately.
Then they could listen “Slowly” either “Bittersweet.” But we believe that “Typical Ways” hooks you from the first moment if it's your type of music.
GO!: For those who have not yet seen you live, with what mentality do you recommend going to your show?
CW: It can be with a few drinks on top, it's not the worst idea (laughs). But beyond that, we believe that people arrive with a lot of pent-up energy: anxiety, stress, even anger. Our shows have become a space to release all that.
Come ready to sing. Lately the audience sings practically all the songs, and that completely transforms the atmosphere.
GO!: If you had to describe Culture Wars in three words, what would they be?
CW: Raw. Energetic. Noisy.
Next May 30, Culture Wars will demonstrate in Puebla Forum why its growth has been so accelerated. With a debut album on the way and a show designed to leave everything on stage, the band promises a cathartic and electrifying night in Mexico City. Culture Wars has just signed with AWAL, one of the most influential global platforms for independent artists, thus marking a new stage in the band's career.
