The Alien Sees project is an intricate sci-fi duo consisting of ILLY (Synth/Keyboard/Guitar/Bass/Fx) and SQUATCHILLA (Drums/Percussions/Fx). During the pandemic of 2020 they decided since they were not allowed to hang out or be 2 feet from each other for the time being, to start a side music recording project. More like the “Quarantine Project” It was one of the best musical decisions the duo said they have made. The name derives from the love and consciousness they both have for the very possible existence of Alien life. They see everything, especially while they’re recording their magic. They have a love for all mysteries in the world as well: Bigfoots, Ghosts, Native Horror stories etc., but yeah, Aliens Exist is their main thing.
- Do you really believe in the existence of Aliens, and is being a duo, a choice or a necessity?
Alien Sees: Yes we really do believe in the existence of Aliens. Both of us have seen unidentified phenomena in the night sky. Too many reports especially of people being abducted that are not to be taken lightly. Being a duo is a necessity. One person cannot work without the other. The galactic alien forces would not allow it.
- Who have been your major influences in your writing and playing style?
Alien Sees: Artists- Pink Floyd, Rush, and Gorillaz. Our listeners describe us to them on a constant basis.
- If I was to turn on your media player right now, which artists/songs would I be most likely to hear on your recently played list?
Alien Sees: Refer to the answer from question number 2. Man, I didn’t even have to think hard for this question LOL.
- What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners?
Alien Sees: The feeling of being in meditation with our sounds. Very melodic synthesizer blended with odd time drum signatures which are calming to the mind, body, and spirit.
- What is your current hardware/software set-up like, and what for you is the most important piece of gear in your performance or production processes right now?
Alien Sees: For Illy the front man of this project he uses: FL Studio with many many synths and keys/ Micro Key/ Ibanez E- Guitar & an Acoustic Taylor. I, Squatchilla the drummer, use my Roland- TDK17 electronic drum set. Pure magic.
- With the music industry always changing and evolving, what are the things you like and do not like about it currently? And if you could change anything about it, what would it be?
Alien Sees: The pros we like are – they will give anyone a chance to put their material out in the world for anyone in any country to hear whether it’s through Spotify, ITunes, etc. The cons to us are, that there are too many artists out there to be recognized and not given the real appreciation they deserve. And lots of music is just being copied and sounds similar. Change anything about it – hm… Stop pushing the same beats, chords, lyrics and bubble butts songs on radio and TV. Start pushing ART music.
- Do you write songs with current musical trends, formulas or listener satisfaction in mind, or do you stay focused on your own musical vision, and trust that your audience will follow?
Alien Sees: No, we don’t follow trends – trends have a thing to extinct. We do what we do best. We just create beautiful songs from our creative minds. It’s all pure and raw imagination. Our audience will follow if they have no wax in their ears. We trust the audience that finds us will have an open universal mind.
- For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style?
Alien Sees: We wanted to create something chill and outerspace. We’d have to give props to mostly Pink Floyd from the beginning when we started this project in 2020. As we evolved and started understanding our instruments more, styles like Rush and Gorillaz came into the picture. The peculiar sounds of progressive music has driven Alien Sees to do funner things. Our style is 100% dedicated to the dreams you have in your sleep.
- Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Is it a democratic process?
Alien Sees: We use a standard protocol the same way 98% of time unless I have an idea on the drums that reverses the music process. Illy will always send me a new song with an example drum template for me to get some ideas. Once I listen and understand the song, he will send me over that song with a click (metronome) and I will record my Roland drums to it. Once I feel satisfied with my work, I then send it over to Illy. He is a modern day composing master. He will fix, mix and master it all together. We’ve always had success with the way we do things.
- Where did you do most of your recording and production work, and do you outsource any of these processes?
Alien Sees: We do all of our recordings at our homes in our personal studios. We use to be called the “Quarantine Duo Brothers”, during the pandemic of 2020, but we eventually and swiftly decided Alien Sees sounded cooler. If we had more time right now (since we are both back to work) and actually were doing music for living: we would probably live in the real studio lol
- If someone has never heard your music, which 5 keywords would you personally use to describe what you and your music is all about?
Alien Sees: ALIENS, PROGRESSIVE, PSYCHEDELIC, MYSTERY, UNIQUE… (we don’t smoke though lol But few people told us – we sound insane under weed). So we can add that there too. .sometimes.
- With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
Alien Sees: We have payed attention to none of it because there has been no criticism or trolls to put us down. We have received only positive reviews from our audience thankfully. We plan for it to stay that way. If there is criticism or naysayers we’ll just ignore it. We know we’re talented. Our music isn’t for everyone, we know that, and that’s absolutely fine.
- Could you tell us something about the making of “Extrinsic”, and what the highlights are to watch out for?
Alien Sees: The making of Extrinsic was a fun idea from Illy. Quite brilliant actually. This EP is composed of old and new- raw tracks. Rebra and Dirtsider were our first 2 tracks ever. That’s what makes it special. These songs were not formally released on any platform. So they were brought to life later on and added to this EP. Extrinsic is one very interesting listen. We call it a COMPLETELY RAW EP. Minimal editing on the sound. Just an experiment. Highlights are: Rebra, Martian Girl and Moondistance.
- Do you have a favorite track in your catalog that has a personal or special meaning for you?
Alien Sees: Every track we made has a special meaning to us. Each song is different. They have their own unique code of universal space and time. One track is special to me – Squatchilla drummer: “Rest In Space King Bungee”. This song is dedicated to my dad who passed away and Illy used some samples from my home video (when i was kid).
- Putting aside the accolades or criticisms that fans or the media may afford Alien Sees, is there anything about you, or your music, you think people may overlook, misunderstand or underestimate at all?
Alien Sees: They can certainly overlook the brilliance of it all. If you don’t understand say music with math in it just like the band Rush, then you’ll miss the importance of this creativity. Or people could care less about the sounds of synthesizer, electronic drums, and guitar all mixed together. That’s ok with us. They’re unfortunately missing out. We are not making music for people who like to go to the club – our music is more for LISTENING and hearing something new.
- Creative work in a studio environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two do you ultimately excite you more, and why?
Alien Sees: Definitely creative work in our studio environment. We really have fun using our brains to create awesome sounding music for any happy sovereign soul in the world. We don’t go live with this project. It is strictly a recording music only love affair. It’ll be great to have live shows though.
- What is the best piece of advice regarding the music business that you actually followed so far, and what is the piece of advice you did not follow, but now know for sure that you should have?
Alien Sees: Followed: Be unique, stay who you are and evolve. Keep progressing, be respectful to fellow musicians. Not followed: i don’t think we are there yet to answer this question.
- What would you consider a successful, proud or significant moment for Alien Sees so far?
Alien Sees: From 2020 to now we have completed- 3 EPs, an album, and a handful of singles. The last song Xanue on our first EP Origins has been put into the spotlight to be played live on a future Bigfoot podcast. Now that’s cool! We always feel proud and successful when we hear how good our music is from anybody. That is what it’s all about.
- On the contrary, what do you feel has been the most difficult, and trying moment for Alien Sees so far?
Alien Sees: Sometimes, just sometimes Illy and I will have disagreement on certain songs during the recording process. He’ll send me something that is entirely obscure and intricate. He does give me warning. It has only made me a better musician thru the struggles of it all. Thanks Illy. We are a peaceful duo.
- Do you have a specific musical vision or goal that you want to achieve in the near future?
Alien Sees: We’d love to be recognized by somebody big in the industry who appreciates our music. Alien Sees would be honored to be on a video game, TV show and or movie soundtrack, podcasts. Our stuff is a great fit for it.
OFFICIAL LINKS:
https://linktr.ee/Aliensees
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4IVCErOyHpE6xcHe4lSsd7
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/alien-sees/1518128815
https://youtube.com/channel/UCuxAbRVR42QplKHHNcd97fQ
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