Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Elias D’Zaro

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I think my first memory with music was when I did karaoke to the Mexican band called Elefantes, which my father, my brother and I liked. Later I started to like Spanish rock, until I discovered rap.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

I started experimenting with rhymes at 14, as a distraction and a game between me and my best friend, to see who could make the best song, but I liked writing so much that I haven’t stopped since, the rhythms of rap captivated me and the idea of ​​continuing to create a world through my lyrics is beautiful to me.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

It’s funny because I have two projects, and one is almost the opposite of the other. ENTE has a somewhat experimental sound, at least for me, and it’s a story based on four volumes where I try to externalize the stages of grief after the end of a monotonous relationship. I’m on volume two, but I still need to make the videos, since this project is accompanied by a short film. On the other hand, UNA VEZ MÁS has a more boombap rap sound, where I tackle more varied themes, focusing on self-criticism of my previous way of thinking. I incorporate aspects or personalities of people who betrayed me, insulted me, or with whom I don’t share ideals, trying to be more serious in my writing and have a critical, romantic, and optimistic vision of the world in each song, despite aiming for a serious sound.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Currently, I would describe my sound as serious, rough, and forceful; if you manage to identify with it, it could make you feel like a huge wall covered in graffiti. I try to flow over beats that give that power to my voice and lyrics.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

You always have to be yourself. I think I tried to sound like I shouldn’t have, making music that didn’t fulfill me, over rhythms that didn’t quite convince me, and sometimes I had to write about things I didn’t want to, which drained my energy and motivation. I decided to do what fulfilled me and stay with the people who believed in me; I left behind those who wanted to change me into just another stereotype.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

FL Studio helps me a lot, mainly because I still struggle to express my interpretation. I have many ideas in my head, but recording them is different. I can even write without a beat or instrumental, and then, as I decide what kind of essence I want, I start choosing the beat and finding the right flow.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

I’m a big fan of Pablo Hasél’s writing and Santiuve’s flow and lyrics. And speaking of where I was born, I think I’d lean towards S-moc Crew in terms of lyrics, and in terms of flow, I quite like L-San7ana’s work. Moving a bit away from rap, Pulpa de Ficción, Los Kennedys, and The Boanegers have some very interesting projects.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

It has been complicated because being an independent artist is complicated, and I am a mechanical and electrical engineer, so my work area made me a bit more rigid and I feel that it was slowly consuming me, but currently my mind has taken a complete turn so I use that as a driving force and motivation to continue creating, an example of this is my song MERCENARIOS which tells a little about what some workers experience.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I hope they take away energy, enthusiasm, strength, and a critical understanding that a strong mindset can be the change.

 What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Believe in yourself, and don’t try to hold on to people who don’t believe in you because life will bring you people who truly want to support you and see you succeed.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

I would love to be at a “Vive Latino” festival.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

In Spanish it would be Piezas or Chystemc, in English Eminem or NF, because I really like how they convey their emotions in each of their songs

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

To achieve a small tour in Mexico and then Latin America, I would really like music to bring me back to Punta Arenas, Chile, where I currently reside for work reasons.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

My authenticity and my desire to make a real change in the world supported by my music.