INTERVIEW with Rock Band LOSS

Loss was formed at the start of the pandemic situation, but don’t be fooled by the young age of the project. The musicians are experienced and know what they do; two of them came from “Concreto”, a rock band from Minas Gerais that was active for 25 years. Just before quarantine, Marcelo Loss etched out, between one beer and another, together with friend and guitarist Edu Megale, a new musical project. “We got together to have a chat. Afterwards, Edu sent me some riffs that I liked a lot. I wrote lyrics on top and, within a week, we had a composition ready”, reminisces the bassist and vocalist about the embryonic stage of the group that bears his name: Loss. After about six months they were joined by drummer and ex-Concreto colleague Teddy Bronsk to complete the power trio. The new venture released its first EP “Let’s Go” in October 2020. With four tracks, one of which already has a video clip “Burn Inside”. In April Megale left the band and was replaced by Adriano Avelar (ex-Caxakustica) as their new guitarist. Now that they have been signed by the British label DyMM P&M, they intend to launch another new work soon and promote it through a European tour still under study due to the pandemic. Loss will release the single “The Light” on the 22nd of this month.

How long have you been performing and recording as Loss, and what is your primary mission as a group?

Loss: Loss started activities in 2020 and our main mission is to make a living from our music, spread our ideas and have fun.

Who have been your major influences in your writing and playing style?

Loss: We are influenced by classic bands like Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin but at the same time we are looking for a more modern sound and with different influences.

If I was to turn on your media player right now, which artists/songs would I most likely to hear on your recently played list?

Loss: Certainly Loss :)) classic rock and new bands like Dinamarque, Kevin Vieira and Master Dy.

What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with rock and metal listeners?

Loss: I think the band has a classic feel that appeals to fans of the style, but at the same time adds a lot of influences because we are experienced musicians. Influences ranging from old school trash metal to Brazilian music, a combination that might sound interesting.

With the music industry always changing and evolving, what are the things you like and don’t like about it currently? And if you could change anything about it, what would it be?

Loss: I really enjoy the freedom to listen to whatever I want whenever I want on digital platforms. But as a “vintage” guy, I still like to listen to a full album, read the booklet, and see the band’s photos. I wish the new generation could be interested in that too.

What’s your view on the current state of rock and metal in general?

Loss: I think we are having a great time. There are many new bands emerging and the style will be reborn strongly after this pandemic period.

Do you ever write a song with current musical trends, formulas or listener satisfaction in mind, or do you simply write, focused on the band’s own vision?

Loss: When writing songs, we always try to make a song that pleases the band, without concessions. We don’t believe in formulas for success. In the case of a band, the only way is the truth!

Could you describe your creative processes? How do start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Is it a democratic process between the members, and who does what in the band?

Loss: Usually our songs start from a guitar riff created by me or guitarist Adriano. So I write the lyrics and add the melodies. But it is in the studio with everyone gathered that the song takes its final form.

Where do you do most of your recording and production work?

Loss: We have a studio at our guitarist’s house, so this makes our writing, recording and production process a lot easier.

What would you consider a successful, proud or significant point for Loss so far?

Loss: We are very proud to have emerged during the pandemic and even without the opportunity to do shows with the audience, we have our music released in over 25 countries, in addition to having been signed with DyMM Records, an excellent partner.

If someone has never heard your music, which 5 keywords would you use to describe your music?

Loss: Rock, hard, metal, stoner and truth.

Is there a particular song on your EP “Let’s Go”, in which you feel the band delivered its most perfect performance, on all levels? And is there maybe one song that you keep thinking you should have done a little differently in some way?

Loss: I really like the Let’s Go EP. It sounds organic and direct and that’s what we were looking for at that time. If I could choose a song it would be Burn Inside, which was the first one to be written and it synthesizes well the intention of the band.

Which would you indicate as the other highlights for fans to watch out for on “Let’s Go”, and is there an overarching theme or backstory to the project?

Loss: I would indicate the track “Até Quando”, as it is written in Portuguese, our native language. She has very strong lyrics that talk about racism and prejudice. And the background of the EP has always been to be direct, to convey our message truthfully and without makeup. Just Let’s Go!

Could you tell us something about your latest single project “The Light”, out your first full-length album to be released via the DyMM P&M Label?

Loss: We are very excited to release The Light. It’s another song made in partnership by Adriano and me. It is well exposed our Stoner influences that came from our masters, Black Sabbath. The full album will have some surprises and will be an important milestone to strengthen Loss’ trajectory.

If you had a choice to go on tour with any acclaimed international band, who would you pick and why?

Loss: I know I’ll be repetitive, but… Black Sabbath. 🙂

Creative work in studio environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two do you ultimately prefer and why?

Loss: Studio work is important and pleasurable, but it is live and interacting with the audience that the musician realizes and feeds his soul.

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 didn’t follow, but now know for sure that you should have?

Loss: My best advice, perhaps the only one I can give, is: follow your path truthfully and without compromise. Don’t do something you don’t believe in because they say it will bring you success. In addition, life is a long road where we learn from mistakes and successes. There is no other way.

Putting aside the accolades or criticisms that fans or the media may afford your releases, what’s the one thing about your music you think people may overlook or misinterpret?

Loss: That’s a tough question. I really don’t know. To be honest it doesn’t bother me too much. We make the music we like and the way we want. Fans who want to follow us are very welcome but if you don’t like our sound you will still have our respect.

Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own way?

Loss: I think when one has the full understanding of the song, understanding the lyrics and the music, the message is even more powerful. But I think each one has its way of consuming music and art in general. What matters is being happy, feeling touched by the music.

As a band, do you have a specific musical vision or goal that you want to achieve in the near future?

Loss: I think every musician dreams of living exclusively from their music and with us it’s no different. We’ve been on the road for many years and we know it’s not easy but this is something we will always look for.

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