The São Paulo-based band Under Influence released their new EP, It Is What It Is, .
Featuring 5 tracks, the quartet combined influences from 90s melodic hardcore with elements from other genres, creating more elaborate arrangements and exploring new sounds. This is the group's second release, following their debut album Same Old, Same Old (2022).
Guitarist Gui Sanches spoke exclusively to Wikimetal about the EP, his influences, and future plans. Check out the interview below.
Wikimetal: Can you tell us a little about how the band formed?
Gui Sanches: We've been friends for many years. Three members of the band had a band together 20 years ago. NUTS! They decided to start playing again and called me to see what would come out of it. And it did. We clicked right away and made an album. They needed a frontman and someone to write songs and stuff. And I got along well because they play like hell. Much better than me! [laughs]
WM: How is the EP It Is What It Is different from the debut album, Same Old, Same Old?, in terms of sound, creative process, recording, etc.?
GS: We believe there has been an evolution in our songwriting. We're getting to know each other better each time, and that helps the creative process. For this EP, we dedicated a lot of time to pre-production, allowing us to experiment with various options and choose what we felt was best for each composition. We're always composing, and that's a characteristic of the band. We finished recording the EP and have already started working on new songs.
WM: What was the creative process like for the EP?
GS: Because we have a great friendship, we meet up quite often, and that was very important for the creative process. We got together many times to brainstorm ideas, share riffs, and the songs just started coming out. We're always composing, and that's a characteristic of the band. We finished recording the EP and have already started working on new songs.
WM: You guys combine different musical genres and influences. How was it to bring all of that together into something that sounds uniquely yours?
GS: That's what's so cool about playing with other people. Everyone has their own influences, and when people come together, this mix happens. We look for that in our music, and everyone makes their own contribution.
WM: You mentioned bands like NOFX and Bad Religion as influences. You recorded the EP at Toth studio, where artists like Dead Fish, Bullet Bane, Hateen, and others have also recorded. Which Brazilian bands inspired you?
GS: Dead Fish has always been a great reference for us, Garage Fuzz too. In addition, we have great references in other styles, like Paralamas do Sucesso.
WM: Is there a specific message or theme that you seek to convey through the band's music?
GS: Our songs cover a variety of themes. Our lyrics address everyday situations, our society, and issues we are experiencing today.
WM: If you had to choose just one song to introduce the band to someone, which would it be?
GS: It's worth highlighting our first single, "198What"?
QM: What are the plans for the future?
GS: We're looking for more gigs. The idea is to play and have fun. But having gigs gives us a bigger boost. To show our music to the crowd, to spread the word! Besides that, we're already working on new songs. Let's see if something comes out next year!
