Friendship and effort.
In León, Guanajuato, a metal rock band emerged made by young students from a music academy. Now, from the independent side, this band is trying to resonate throughout Mexico and that is how their debut EP came about, Break Me Slowreleased on January 9 of this year. Regarding the release of this EP, we spoke with The Black Outs about this beginning and what is planned for the future.
Indie Rocks!: We are going to start the talk by talking about the fact that they are a very young project, not only because of their age, but because they were formed recently and have not been a band for long. Tell us a little about the story behind forming a group with so many members in such a short time.
The Black Outs: We started in a music academy on January 5, 2024. In that academy they do rock bands annual and there are five of us left.
GO!: Coming from a music academy, how are you doing with separating the institutional from what you also want to do as your own project?
TBO: At the beginning it was complicated, because at the academy we had everything. They offered us the toquines; That is, we almost didn't have to do anything more than play and learn our songs. Then it was like: “you look for the toquins, move the nets.” It was already all of us alone and we didn't know how to do it. It was complicated, but here we go.
GO!: You are from León, what movements are you seeing there? What is happening in the music scene?
TBO: There are many bands on the move and many young people. The academies have been a great boost, because they help us get together. As young people, the truth is that sometimes we feel that we don't connect with many people who have the same musical tastes or the same vision for the future. It's not easy to find people who want to put together a band and take it seriously; many do it as a joke. It's not bad, but when you're looking for something more formal it is difficult. That's why academies and rehearsal rooms help a lot. Additionally, there are many places in León that are very open to emerging bands. There are events, they are invited, they play their original songs and there is a lot of support.
GO!: What they mention is very important, because when talking to bands, the idea always arises that music continues to be seen as a hobbysomething that is done in free time. How do you see it, especially being so young?
TBO: Yes, most people see it as a hobbyand we believe that it is a mentality that should change. There are many young people like us who want to dedicate ourselves to this and make it our career, not just something we do in our free time. It can be a hobby and it is not bad for those who want it that way, but if someone wants to professionalize it, it should be accepted and supported. Hence also the importance of academies and these spaces.
GO!: Now they are presenting an EP that came out this year. How was the process?
TBO: It was complicated because there were several stages. They gave us creative blocks and, furthermore, we were running out of time to record the two songs. Everyone had very different ideas of what they wanted, so putting all those ideas together on the same album was very complicated for us.
GO!: Of course, each head is a world, and coming from such different spaces it must be difficult to reach consensus.
TBO: Yes, but it has gone well. People liked it a lot. We have musician friends who have told us that the proposal is very interesting. Many people have identified with the songs, which was our main objective. Just as we get excited listening to our favorite artists, we want people to jump, scream and be infected by our songs.
They have uploaded many stories to us listening to them, doing different activities, and that tells us that they are enjoying them. They don't tell us “I like it because I know you”, but rather a sincere “I like it”. Even people who didn't know us received the EP and connected with the songs, some reminded them of people or moments. On the album there is a song about heartbreak and many remember their exes, for example. That's nice too.
GO!: Sure, it's very nice that music bounces off of everyone's personal stories. Connecting is not easy at all, so congratulations on this EP. What do you plan for this year?
TBO: We want to make another album, continue playing in more places and get more fans. Being able to leave the city. Being in Mexico City is progress, but we want to play in Monterrey, Guadalajara, travel more, and be invited to play. Expand our world, our music, take it to more cities and countries.
GO!: Any dream collaborations in your wishlist?
TBO: Our dream would be to collaborate with The Warning.
GO!: In closing, what message would you like to say goodbye with?
TBO: May they never be afraid of failure. Let them follow their dreams and, if they fail, don't walk away or give up. Even if you feel like going back or giving up everything, keep going, even if many people tell you that you won't make it. Let them take risks, let them dare. The path is not easy, but when you start to see results it is very satisfying. Don't be afraid of what they will say. There are many people in the world and we are only a small percentage. Don't be afraid to dress how you want, to release the music you want, to turn up that post or try something new. Don't stay in the same cycle. Even if you are tired, keep moving forward, because at some point someone is going to see you and you are going to take off.
Listen to the debut EP of The Black Outs here:
