In this edition of #CREATORTALK, we speak to musician Argie Gudo (@argie_gudo on Instagram). #CREATORTALK is a series of articles and interviews, with a focus on the creative industries and the the talent working within them.
PW- Hey Argie! How’s it going?
Hey, Rob. I am great! Enjoying life and being happy for this interview.
PW- So, first thing’s first. For those who don’t know yet, how would you sum up who you are and what you do?
I am an indie artist (singer, songwriter and guitarist) based in London. I have been into music since 9 years old, I have a new album which I released 2 weeks ago and I want to reach out to as many listeners as possible.
PW- You have a variety of talents, being a singer, songwriter, composer and guitarist. What does the process of making a song look like to you? Does it start with the lyrics or the melody?
Every song is unique and different. I have written songs starting from a chorus that stuck in my mind and there are others that I wrote lyrics first and then put the music. I don’t like thinking into boxes, so I would start writing a new song in whichever way feels best in a specific moment.
PW- You released your EP “Elements” this month- how would you describe it in three words?
Versatile, Unique, Authentic
PW- If you were stuck only being able to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
It would be ‘’Love Is The Only Rule’’ by Bon Jovi. It’s an upbeat beautiful song that makes me feel how beautiful life is, no matter what. I don’t think many people know this song, I suggest you listen to it.
PW- What influences have shaped the artist you are today?
When I first listened at the age of 11 to Carlos Santana and a little later Eric Clapton, I fell in love with the electric guitar. But one of the first artists who has tremendously influenced me is Joe Satriani, through whom I discovered that there is music without lyrics for an electric guitar. Another great influence has been Bon Jovi. But obviously there is a very long list of favourite old and new artists / bands and to mention a few: Gary Moore, Bryan Adams, U2, Imagine Dragons, James Bay.
PW- This blog focuses heavily on creativity and the real people behind the art. How does creativity affect you on a day to day basis? Do you get super inspired out and about, or is it more of a focused effort, where you can shut off from the world and just think?
I get inspired by everything that surrounds and happens to me or other people. I don’t wait for the perfect moment to focus and create. This would happen after I had an initial idea of what I would write about. Joy, sadness, love, society, an image or a landscape can spark the writing of a song.
PW- In this kind of economy and industry, it can be tough to feel like you’re moving forwards sometimes. How do you guys battle these feelings when they come up, and do you have any advice to other people who might be struggling in a similar way?
I believe that music and the arts in general have always been unsteady grounds where being established and making ends meet is very hard . I do not think it has to do so much with the economy and industry, but with the nature of being a musician and what this implies. The more you know who you are, the better outcomes you will experience in terms of how you deal with feelings that weigh you down. One trait of major importance to me is adaptability. Change is a constant of all life and music is just a part of life. You have to adapt and carry on.
PW- And final question! It’s more of an invitation actually. Use the next few sentences to self-promote the hell out of what you’re up to, what we can watch/ listen to- no judgement!
Well, I have just independently released my new album ”Elements”. You can listen to 2 promo songs at the links below and you can support me by buying the whole album on my website: www.argiegudo.com. If any of you reading this can do anything to bring my music to more people just do it or contact me through my website for any inquiries. If you like the songs, share them on social media and spread the word! Thank you Rob for this interview.
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