SOURCE – Maleza is the latest album for Bala. Can you tell us about the studio sessions and recording for these songs – and how the deal came about with overseas label Century Media Records?
Violeta Mosquera (Vocals, Drums) – We recorded it at Ultramarinos Costa Brava, the same place where we recorded Lume, so it was super familiar and easy for us: no preassure, just enjoying our time with Santi and Borja there and making some noise. When we had it recorded, we were looking for a bigger label and when the CMR offer appeared we didn’t doubt about it!
SOURCE – Where do you see the major differences between this record and your last full-length from 2017 Lume?
Violeta Mosquera (Vocals, Drums) – I think the sound it’s a little bit bigger, but where we played the most was on vocals. We tried new things like harmonizing both voices, and we have some great collabs too, like Bonnie Buitrago´s bass lines on 3 of the songs.
SOURCE – What can you say about the video for Agitar?
Violeta Mosquera (Vocals, Drums) – We wanted something simple for this first song because we think that it’s very powerful so we didn’t want to overload it, so it was simple: Anx and me playing in a garage, and a really talented skater, Valentina Planes, skating around.
SOURCE – What keeps you motivated in a music industry that can be very turbulent and ever-changing?
Violeta Mosquera (Vocals, Drums) – The music itself. The feeling of a live concert.
SOURCE – How do you balance out the activities of Bala with the day jobs/careers and family life? Do you ever hope to be able to make a living solely from your activities with the band, or is that realistic in today’s marketplace to achieve?
Violeta Mosquera (Vocals, Drums) – We think that it’s difficult to live just from music incomes, the truth is that we never thought about that because we love our other jobs, but of course it would be rad to get there. We are happy with what we do for a living and as long as it’s compatible with the band, it works for us.
SOURCE – What would surprise people to learn about the two people in Bala as far as their personalities and duties/abilities within the band? Do you believe you each have distinct roles that you fill not only as musicians but handling other business duties for the band?
Anxela Baltar (Vocals, Guitars) – Having a band that is at this point involves many more things in addition to the artistic part. Despite the fact that we have a structure behind us, we both try to be very involved in everything that the band entails. I (Anx) contribute perhaps more to internal organization, V brings ideas and creativity. We complement each other well with what each one contributes to the project. We are very different, but both are necessary!
SOURCE – What makes the scene in Spain special to you?
Violeta Mosquera (Vocals, Drums) – The variety, the amount of amazing projects you can find wherever you go, the underground culture is great too, we enjoy it a lot.
SOURCE – What else is going on with Bala?
Violeta Mosquera (Vocals, Drums) – We only want to play Maleza live as much as we can and share our music with a lot of people, meeting more bands on our way and then make another album to start all over again!
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