Exploring the journey of memory and emotion through music,
Memória D'Elefante, a solo project, fuses alternative rock influences into a
unique sound. With origins in Portuguese expression, the music reflects life's
experiences, while themes of identity, hope, and relationships are woven in.
The creator's experimental approach and upcoming 50-song release showcase a
digital-age-driven musical evolution, embodying Portugal's creative spirit.
Can you tell us about the origin of the name "Memória D' Elefante" and what it represents in your music?
Memoria D'Elefante is a popular Portuguese expression. It means the ability to accurately remember something. My music represents my life experience and the attempt to remember something throughout it.
How does your music reflect the journey of emotions,
understanding, and experiences of life over the past 50 years?
Every moment of joy, sadness, despair, frustration, ,
hesitation, bad decision, help someone, love someone, achievements, loss,
dreams…we all have these. So I only try to translate it to my music.
As a fusion of various alternative rock styles, how do you balance and incorporate these influences into your sound?
While alternative rock has many subgenres with distinct
traits, there are often underlying similarities. Identifying these common
elements can provide a foundation for blending styles. For example, elements
like guitar-driven heavy distortion melodies as Deftones, emotional lyrics and
diverse vocal styles as Smashing Pumpkins, guitar riffs that can be found
across many songs of Queens of the Stone Age and Nirvana,…
For me the key word is - Experimentation: The fusion process
involves experimentation.
"War at 2" is inspired by Tolstoy's "War and
Peace." Can you share more about the creative process behind this single
and how the book influenced it?
The book talks about Napoleon war with the Russians. The
bass line are the cannon balls and guitar riff an idea of fighting those
cannons. In the end it’s always the same history: there is no peace without a
war, unfortunately. We are living this nightmare again with Ukraine.
With over 50 years of music, how has your sound evolved over time, and what are the key elements that have remained consistent?
My sound evolve about integrating peaces of electronic music
and strings. I was always a rock fan with a classic song structure in mind:
bass, guitars, drums and vocals.
How does your music connect with listeners on a deeper level, evoking emotions and memories?
That I cannot answer. Their feedback and engagement will
determine the level of emotion they experienced with my music.
Are there any specific themes or messages you aim to convey through your music, especially in "Memória D' Elefante"?
Identity and belonging.
Freedom and individuality.
Hope and inspiration.
Self-discovery and growth.
Love, emotion, feelings and relationships.
I believe these messages are in my music.
What role does Portugal play in shaping your musical
identity, and how has it influenced your creative direction?
Portugal help the world discovery the world.
It’s a nation of sea with inventive and creative people.
We are kind. We are friendly. We are culture. We are free.
So, this help me shape who I am. No doubt. The creative direction was given by Nirvana, Pixies, Smashing Pumpkins, Deftones, Queens of the Stone Age and lately Mark Lanegan!
Can you describe the most memorable live performance or
event in your career that truly captures the essence of your music?
I don’t make live performances or events. I don’t want to be
public recognized. I just want to share my music. I am the Portuguese similar
to “Gorillaz”!!!
As a band, how do you collaborate and navigate creative differences while maintaining a cohesive sound?
It’s not a band. It’s a solo project. I am the voice, the
bassist, the drummer, the guitarist, the mixer / producer, the social media
manager,...
How do you approach the songwriting process, especially when dealing with complex themes such as those found in "War at 2"?
As far I remember I don’t have a structured process. I think
it all begins most of the time with a simple melody that I imagine in my head.
Then I try to convert it to real instruments, normally I start with the bass
and kick, then I add the rest. Other times I start creating by sampling jamming
with the guitar.
Can you share any upcoming projects or collaborations that fans can look forward to?
Next year by March I will be 50 years old, so my project is
to release the same amount of songs: have 50 songs in March. Right now I have
aprox 30 songs ready to be mixed and produced. I will release some of them
during this period.
And then, I imagine release an Album with all my music together. It will be my legacy and my history told in music.
How has the digital age impacted your music, and what challenges and opportunities has it brought to your career?
The digital age gave me the opportunity to fulfill my dream
of creating, playing, producing and releasing my music without depending on
third people (and it’s not a problem depending on each other, ok). I really
envy bands. It’s so difficult get 3 to 5 persons have the same dream, commitment,
passion.
I tried years ago but it did not work. I was so sad because
my passion is huge about music.
Nowadays I am collaborating but nothing serious with
guitarist of that band. The guy is so damn talented but he never wanted to
compromise to this…it’s a shame.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who want to create a fusion of genres and unique sound like Memória D' Elefante?
Live. Test. Live. Try. Live. Try again. Live. Experiment.
Listen and Live again,…
There is no other way.
How do you see the future of alternative rock and Portuguese music evolving, and how do you envision your role in that evolution?
I am not a listener of Alternative rock in Portugal, so I
cannot see its future. Unfortunately even in the streaming platforms I am not
seeing enthusiastic projects in this domain. Maybe I am not searching the right
way. My alternative Portuguese references they disappeared but their music
remained (Radio Macau, Mao Morta, X-Wife, Pluto,…)
Lastly, what do you hope listeners take away from your music, especially the message conveyed in "Memória D' Elefante" ?
The message its very simple: you can not touch my music but
if somehow you can feel it. That’s it. We have a fit to purpose.
(75) Memoria D'Elefante - YouTube
Memoria D'Elefante (@memelefante2374) • Instagram photos and videos
https://memoriadelefante.carrd.co/
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