VERÓNICA HERNÁNDEZ I ANA RAMÍREZ
TRAD.: PAUL SÁNCHEZ
FOTO: JUDIT CONTRERAS
As a child, Paulino Campos dreamt of being a DJ. He didn’t seem to mind where: a bar, a club or even a radio program where privileged sceneries to his young mind. Thanks to him we’ve proved that, sometimes, dreams come true. Paulino started experimenting with electronics in the 90s. After a long trajectory, in 2010 he created his solo project: Clase Sencilla. He confesses that if he weren’t a musician, he’d probably be “just another one who watches shows on Telecinco”. Luckily, he still enjoys closing his eyes and hearing Logical Disorder.
We interviewed him after the arduous understanding task of making our agendas fit. Clase Sencilla is in constant movement, as is reflected in our conversation.
MiRA el Blog: Your music isn’t based on fully melodic or structural concepts. What inspires you?
CLASE SENCILLA: I don’t have a clear concept of where I want my music to head to; I’m just inspired by emotions. I’m aware of what I’m missing to be able to construct perfect harmonies, but I’m in no hurry: there aren’t any economic objectives nor the need to look for a gap in the industry. I just want to find my way.
MB: Which are your influences?
CS: I have hundreds of influences; I couldn’t define a specific one because it would be fallacious. I think that every time I discover something new it influences me.
MB: Your videoclips always cause a reaction. How where they born?
CS: The first work’s videos were created by Asier Ávila, a great friend and support. They were made for the first live shows and the combination of music and video fitted perfectly.
MB: What importance do visuals have for you?
CS: My live shows wouldn’t be anything without the visuals. I’ve always thought that in them my music adopts a secondary level. It’s an addition to the video, contrarily to at home. At the concerts, as well as Asier’s videos, I’ve had the pleasure of having Nikaps making visuals in real time with his own hands and gadgets. Without a shadow of a doubt, we made some really cool stuff!
MB: You’ve collaborated with various artists, such as Boc Guru Special, Turbio Verano, etc. Of which do you hold the dearest memory?
CS: Of Turbio Verano, no doubt. We lived some great nights and live shows at a time in which electronic music was made without computers. There are very few people left who remember those years, but when the subject comes up it is always remembered very gladly.
MB: Who would you like to work with?
CS: Phew…! That’s a hard question. If it were up to me, I’d work with all those who are around me. (Laughs). I can only mention that Pina mastered a project and its sound ended up very marked. Also, not long ago, Erissoma made a remix that took my breath away. I believe that any artist / friend of my electronic circles would know exactly what to contribute to my project.
MB: In your Web site, you define yourself as a “lover of electronic hardware”. Which are your favorite pieces of your collection? Which are your new desired objects / latest acquisitions?
CS: The hardware story comes and goes, depending of time. I’m currently into pedals, Mogerfoogers and distortions, which have a key role in my music.
MB: Tell us about your future projects.
CS: The project is currently opening to the introductions of organic instruments. My short-term objective is to take a pianist and two violins. A few months ago I had the pleasure of playing with a pianist and it was wild! I just have to tie up a few loose ends and cross my fingers in hope that it will work.
MB: How do you picture yourself 10 years from now?
CS: To be honest, I don’t know how to picture myself ten days from now. But I do dream and hope that the electronics panorama which surrounds me will grow to be more appreciated. There’s some very good material in this country and it doesn’t receive the value it deserves. I hope it gains it in the future.
