Miguel Angel Vidal - I do not like 
Miguel Angel Vidal, a founding member and leader band's own voice, gave me a few minutes of your time to answer my trivia music lover and pseudo journalist. Among other topics, Miguel Angel told me about your musical tastes and his current political stance. Dear reader / listener, throw a look at this conversation, and judge for yourself if the years have put out the fire Rebel Michelangelo or, conversely, have stoked giving greater strength.
"Manifesto", released in 2006 and is the last studio album of his own voice, bears a title quite significant. For this reason, when you hear their songs, hopes that the group refers to a "manifesto" political or aesthetic. But that does not happen on the disk. Why then put "The Manifesto"?
"The Manifesto" comes from an excerpt I took and edited by Kandinsky, who is from the early 20th century. It was a manifesto of the artist taking a position on the matter of art. At that time, there was a tendency of artists to make their work a means of political and ideological expression. This is the story of the song "The Manifesto." And it was the title of the album because the production of voice and posture of voice was not superficial or oblivious to what happens in their environment. Own Voice In his lyrics, has always wanted to convey a message that is committed to something. The mode does not have to be a direct speech or pamphlet or refer to a particular political event. Upon recognition of self and perspective about society. I still think that artists play an important role in society. I think it's important that there is a nuance in the rock, there are different types of bands to express things in different ways and talk of his time.
Now, on disk there are issues that touch the political issue. For example, "Invisible", which refers to people in society are neglected, who have no voice of protest and state law and ignore them. This is based on a personal fact that I spent at work. And I started to think about it. AND I added references to Manuel Scorza, featuring a character who is invisible because the people and the authorities do not listen. There is a song called "carbonmonofluoride" which talks about the race issue, about people who consider themselves more than others. "The Ripper" is existential roll. It's about the masks. What we see people are masks. Do not know what is in them. "Terrible melody" refers to songs that one would affect him collide. "Glasses yellow", which is more light, it addresses topics such as depression, which is resolved with a physical element. And this is a question of how people try to solve their problems with other objects and even people. "Song Without End, which is a very simple, it takes a plus. For the lyrics, I relied on the philosophy of the East. The Persian rugs were never finished, because, if they had just, things definitely ended. In contrast, when something is left unfinished, it is because there is always a way to continue.
So let's say this is the roll of "The Manifesto." There are groups trying to fill in the lyrics, or just talk about a girl, as if they were in love all the months and years of his life. And that's a cliché.
On the other hand, with the title I tried to give a new aesthetic to the band. It is difficult for a group to change radically. Own voice has tried to show a different nuance in each disk. But always notice our style. However, in "The Manifesto" We wanted to give you notice that change. As Ramón Escalante entered on guitar, arrangements were working together. And he has a different way of seeing the songs, for example, Raúl Montañez, who I worked a long time. There are several issues that have riffs or ways of playing the guitar that is different to what we had before. Moreover, Ramon sings in some songs. Well, I wanted to capture these changes in the aesthetics of disco, which is based on a painting by Kandinsky. However, I think "The Manifesto" not all white as the cover suggests. On this album there is still a roll as dark as "The Arrow", "The Fight Club" or "Ripper."
"Days and Shadows" has the image of a warrior on the cover, the last studio album the title is "manifest." Own Voice is a clear reference to political content. What is the political perspective of his own voice now? Is there a difference with what the band said in the 80?
I come from a time when there was much political roll. Even thought that things could change. There was much talk of communism and socialism. Belonged to many such circles. A little out there I went to the rock underground. The idea of \u200b\u200bthe group was making a revolution. That is, the group is a channel for expressing things or, as stated at the time, raise awareness. And that view changed, because in 90 the world took a political turn. Personally, I changed also, as many others. But I have not radically changed. At 80, my perspective was rebellious and somehow naive, but ultimately true and good, for in his own voice and say we lived our time we had to say. Protesting against something. And this was very vital and important for young people.
However, in recent years some things have changed, but not all. There are still contradictions in the system, as has happened with the global crisis. There is still poverty. That socialist ideas will not work does not mean they disappeared the contradictions of capitalism. Each time the rich are less, and each time the mass below, which has no money, growing in number. Moreover, in Peru is still stereotypes. In the 80 had the Creole and chicha. And now, the local nature and chicha are mixed. And this stereotype as well as critical. It is the kind you can get the car, you can steal or red light. Is a kind of a lot of money, which comes from an upper class, a lady or a gentleman, as is also a very achorado, which comes from a poor neighborhood. That, then, the new mask of Peru. And he who is aware of this is going to criticize. This means that there are many things for which to fight. I think today's youth has a lot to say. For example, the Internet has brought many changes. There is too much information on the web. But I knew at thirteen more than a boy the same age today. And this must be seen reflected in the art. But young people are without question, without waking. In Peru, the thing is a little flat, but not outside. There
a concert famous voice in the 80, where they burned an American flag and threw the audience a dead pigeon. Would you repeat that performance today?
Own Voice In the 80's was emblematic. We had a massive public were opposed to what we are now. And there was a political context. Back then it was very dangerous what we did. I got to jail for doing things like that. Currently, we are a band that plays at small gigs for little people. We are an underground band. And do not think you give the situation to do the same at that concert. I think that if we were a massive band, for example, Leusemia, would have a commitment and a more open discourse.
On the other hand, some things are changing with the times. When we throw the pigeon, no one criticized the fact that it is a dead pigeon. But if we did now, everybody tries to jump because they protect animals. With respect to the American flag is one thing you could do. I believe the American flag has been broken, burnt and urinated on a lot of people. Recently, for the Gaza, there was a march and carried an American flag. Today
'm not so involved in politics as in 80. But that does not mean withdrawal. For example, at work, I was really into what is the union: was the secretary general. When you grow, you will find another way of saying things.
own voice say that it is a very massive. However, in 2006, with the release of "Manifesto", in the year-end survey of El Comercio, Own Voice peaked best rock group of the year. Do you think that this is due to change in the sound aesthetic of the group?
Yes, a change in a band attract attention in public. Own Voice is present in what's playing now. Many artists have tried to vary in their components and to vary his work. For example, David Bowie, who did that unlike his contemporaries such as Led Zeppelin, Yes, Roxy Music, Deep Purple and many others, who maintained an aesthetic and achieved a small duration. So, that David Bowie has reached more or less what I've tried to do with voice.
Now there are many people who know the band, buy the material, but it's not going to concerts. It happens that we have not handled as groups that are playing and play in massive concerts. That does not mean we can not play. We have been very public presentations as a guest. Of course, usually alone or in concert make up a group with us. Thus we have created a space.
own voice has gone through three decades: 80, 90 and that is ending. How the band managed its relationship with the music prevailing in those times? I refer to his involvement in the 80's with the English rock for the masses River, Man G, etc .-, at 90 with Technocumbia, and in 2000, and reggaeton.
Like other bands in our circuit, we have been concerned only do our job. We are not a band that lives on music, a music band that is governed by system parameters. We will not stop making music because the sale of our records have fallen. Almost always we do what we want when we want to edit and play. We are guided by what we feel. That was in the 80 and so far we like. Team members have varied, but those remaining and new continue with music. Obviously, there are times when little rock sounds that are less groups, and the opposite happens. However, since the 80's, we follow our own rhythm, we get new songs, and, for this reason, we released new albums. The latter, of course, means an economic investment. And, happily, so far things have been happening.
Now, what our lives are also important. Yo I have forty-four years. My day has changed, but not much in the sense of responsibility. I'm not married. I have no children. I have my own schedule. So keep doing the same thing about 80. Responsibilities push to stop working bands in their affairs. Because having a band of investing both time and money.
What music did you listen in the 80?
heard in the 80's punk bands like "The Clash", "The Jam". And some bands back as "Iggy Pop", "The Velvet Underground, David Bowie." And musicians who become punk, and then made different music: "Joy Division, Bauhaus, "Dead Can Dance", "Cocteau Twins", to which until now I hear. I hit a lot with "The Cure", "Depeche Mode" or "U2", they were bands that sounded pretty, so it was not necessary to have a record of them. Also listened to hardcore. The interesting thing was that my friends and I were open to new sounds. So the bands trying to sound different. We were not like some who were devoted to consume only one style of music.
it vary your taste in music in the 90?
In the 90 does not hit me too much grunge. I did not like "Nirvana" I do not like. But listen other bands that I thought best, as "Stone Temple Pilots", "Pear Jam, Smashing Pumkings." However, as I said, I liked both the grunge. Rather, with the electronics did have more closeness. I can mention to "Flaming Lips", for example, a band that comes from behind. 90 In addition, I began to lose track of many musicians. In the 80 did know the names of the discs, the songs, but in the 90, no.
In 2000, I got hooked on indie music.
Indie "English? Especially
. But American. The English do not like. For me, it's strawberry and light. In the new rock, I liked the "Killers" and other bands, which are not impacted me much. However, "Band of Horses" or "MGMT" If I wake up this sentiment when he found 80 new groups, because I have the feeling of being in a very fresh and young. From the "MGMT" I like much his suits that go with layers, etc. Rock and roll is also that. Not only is it hard to display an image.
Peruvian rock, what are you listening to now?
There was a time when going to concerts of new bands. And when playing with their own voices I listened to the other groups. But now I'm really encouraged with the Peruvian production. The old gang of people coming from the 80, have some songs I like. For example, "Cemetery Club" has a different song that I like. Same happens to me Rafo Ráez and Mar de Copas. I have not heard much about "injectors." A "Leusemia" yes I've paid attention, but "Leusemia" was never very interesting to me. I think that when they started, they were nothing new and not bet much. And now, the music of Daniel, to me, is nothing new. And the newer bands, I followed a little-Manganzoides Turbopótamos and the latter have changed their name to Proton. But basically, I like some songs.
Do not like full albums?
No. Frankly, I have not found a good disk. Of course I have not heard it all, to give an absolute statement. But the things I paid attention I did not like. And it's not being selfish, but I have not found a disc as "The Manifesto", in which all songs are couples and listen from beginning to end. Of course, now I remember, I delight Tab by lyrics (musical chamber lacks some things) and Electro Z, which has a good record. But, please, Bareto do not like. Are commercial, because they represent the music you have to do a pituco so that they can hear themselves. They also have many covers. But as rock and roll does not seem interesting.
do not like or Bareto first album, called Ticket?
The first songs I heard they took the live, on the night. Play well, are concerned in their sound. But that deep to Santana and vernacular, moving in ravine, it encouraged me a lot. I like what contacultural and what is breaking. I always look for something new, that does not fit the traditional stereotypes of Lima, in Creole, Negroid, etc.. For this to look good to everyone, have saved the criticism mentioned that a rescue group sounds Peruvians, who said that this should be taken into account by the typical and traditional roots, that speech, because I think recontra wimp and a shit. I think if you go to get Peruvian rhythms have to be something cool, break it. So I think more interesting is what makes Miki Gonzales. In fact, I do not like the stereotype of Barranco, who is half-hippie, who likes everything and that no one bothers. In addition, the songs on debut album Bareto were very long, progressive, with many solos, which not specifically in melodies. Bareto those engaged in play, climb, but did not define anything. Being good at something does not mean known to be concrete.
In "The Manifesto" is a reference to a text of Manuel Scorza ("Invisible", which comes from the novel "Garabombo the invisible.") Tell me, what Peruvian literary texts you read which you think you have left your lyrics?
In fact, in "Invisible," Scorza is an influence. I have not taken any text from it. But hey, I've read since childhood. At school I consumed books Scorza, Arguedas, Ciro Alegria, Julio Ramón Vargas Llosa Ribeyro and, with their first books. These readings are a background you have.
What are you reading now?
I'm reading on matters of technology, science.
What books? Things
about Emotional Intelligence. And, as I am taking a master's degree in museology, museum work, I'm reading a lot about this subject, communication, management, business. I sometimes read poetry.
What poetry?
I do not remember the titles. But a friend who publishes poetry, which is stamped Bakterial Universe, has played me some books. He designed the cover of a live album Own Voice, and has promised to design the cover of the next. On the other hand, I'm always checking things Rimbaud or Baudelaire. Rimbaud I have included some of his lines in what will be the new album.
questions to close. Tell me, Rafo or Pedro Suarez Vertiz Ráez? Musicians
different
But both are solo, they discharge their responsibilities in different areas, are good at what they do in their own way, have their own public.
I who chose Ráez Rafo. He is neat and publishes more disks. And his work is tied more to the rock. Has the intention the artist. Is governed less by commercial fees. Always remove discs. I recently got one with poems by Watanabe. Drive a commitment to himself, which compels him to make consistent products. Instead, Pedro Suarez Vertiz is handled at another level: the commercial. He does not work albums. You do not see progress on their records. There is no level management of their art as one sees in the rock bands out. He singles out those premises, and sound, and that's reason to do something else.
Okay. Thanks, Miguel.
Ok.
And this was the dialogue with Miguel Angel Vidal. Dear reader / listener, I hope you have enjoyed reading as I enjoy doing. Until the next interview!
July Meza
Photo taken from Terra.
In the foreground, Miguel Angel Vidal.
With the permission of Michelangelo himself,
hang for you, dear reader / listener, the song
"The Manifesto" disc of the same name.
