melodylane

MELODY LANE:First of all, also if it can sound a bit expected…Can you tell us where does the name Afasica come from?
[MORALES] The word «Afasica» comes from “aphasia” and means «a person that cannot talk» in spanish. At the beginning of the band the idea was to have a singer, but after writing some songs without lyrics, we decided to become an instrumental band and we chose that name to reflect that we do not «talk».

MELODY LANE:The line-up of the band is confirmed, is it the same from the beginning of the band…or have you had changes in the last years? Can you tell us anything about the roots of Afasica? And where the band was born? 
[PEDRO]Back in 2011, we were a regular hard-rock band from Valencia trying to find a singer.  Somehow, our songs turned into the instrumental project that it is today. After several lineup changes, Andrés (bassist) is the only remaining member, but it was with the current musicians that the band was consolidated and recorded the first EP.

MELODY LANE:Can you list us 5 songs, from Afasica’s discography (including new material), that can define the sound of the band … 3 songs that can help our readers to know Afasica at the best.
[MORALES] I think that our most representative song is «Afasia» from our first EP. Also, from our newest work «Papirolepsia», the single «Luciferina» is definitely a song that defines the softer part of the band’s sound. For the heavier part, I would choose «Tardígrada», a song that is included too in our last work and features a guitar solo by David G. Álvarez from Angelus Apatrida.

MELODY LANE:Tell us something about the creative process of your music. Is there a main composer or we can talk about a team work? The songs come from ideas of a single member and then the band works on these ideas in the studio jamming together, or your songs are written in the studio and all the members compose together?
[PEDRO] We don't have a specific way of composing. Sometimes songs can come from a drum beat, a bass idea, or a guitar riff. Usually working at home or rehearsing place, but on other occasions humming a melody on the mobile or just banging on a table.

MELODY LANE:Can you tell us something about the messages... anything about the whole concept behind Papirolepsia? And please tell us where does this title come from?
[ANDRÉS] The whole concept was inspired by the word “Papirolepsia”, a play on words between ‘papiroflexia’ (origami) and suffix ‘-lepsia’ (attack). That inspires us the artwork concept, like a dangerous artifact made of paper, and the tracklist structure, beginning with ‘Contienda’ and ending with ‘Tregua’, acting like intro an outro for this musical struggle.

MELODY LANE:After time, are you totally satisfied with your choices about sound and the writing of your previous EP Afasia? If you could… would you change anything? What did you focus on to make the sound better and perfectly consistent with the musical ideas you had in mind?
[MORALES] By and large, we are satisfied with that EP. It was the first work with our current line up after some members leaving the band and that makes it very special for us. As always, every time I hear it I think that some sections or some sounds could have been composed or recorded different, but in the end we did it the best we could.

MELODY LANE:So apart from the covid/pandemic situation…will you tour in the next future? Have you already a touring schedule? Any chance for us to see Afasica playing live here in Italy/Europe in the next months/year?
[ANDRÉS] At this moment, we have no booked shows, but that doesn’t mean we have no plans to play live in 2021. We are simply waiting to be able to offer attractive conditions for both audience and the band. And, of course, that means we are looking forward to play ‘Papirolepsia’ live in as many cities as possible, as soon as we can.

MELODY LANE:Could you tell us two bands, from the actual international scene, you’d like Afasica to tour with?... Two bands that would represent a perfect line-up for Afasica to play with and that would be a good opportunity to introduce your music to the fans of these bands in a way that could help you reach a wider audience…
[ANDRÉS] I think Afasica would fit in with many different kind of bands, from prog metal to post rock. For me, it will be fun to share stage with so many great Spanish bands like Syberia, Jardin de la Croix or Toundra, just to name a few. Also it would be a dream to be able to play with bands like Between The Buried and Me, Russian Circles… Can’t speak for my bandmates, or just choose two!

MELODY LANE:We know that ‘to define is to limit’… but how do you define Afasica‘s sound? Are you an INSTRUMENTAL METAL band…an INSTRUMENTAL PROG METAL band… a POST METAL band…Or…?
[ANDRÉS] We’re always joking about we play “Very Intense Pop”. But in fact, it’s not up to us to label what we’re doing. Definitely, Prog Metal or Post Metal are very close to the music we play. Any way you can call it, we’re okay with that.

MELODY LANE:Which musicians are/have been your main musical inspirations? And which are your favorite bands nowadays?
[ANDRÉS] First band we had in common was Between The Buried and Me. Also, Dream Theater and Tool had a huge impact on us. I, specifically, have grown listening to all kind of Metal, Maiden, Slayer, that kind of stuff. Now all members listen to a lot of different things, mostly bands like Opeth, Meshuggah, Periphery, but also a lot of postrock and non-metal related bands.

MELODY LANE:As a musician, what has been your biggest achievement to date and what do you want to achieve in the near future?
[MORALES] Being able to finally release «Papirolepsia» after all the obstacles that 2020 has put on the road is a very big accomplishment for us. For the future, our main goal is to keep up the good work, write more music and try to get back to the stage as soon as possible.

MELODY LANE:Until today...What was the most important concert for Afasica’s career? And why?
[PEDRO]The show we did in Valencia, in 16 Toneladas, together with Our Next Movement and Morgana VS Morgana. Concerts like that show people that progressive in Valencia has a lot to say.

MELODY LANE:In the end…A message from you to all MELODY LANE readers.
[PEDRO] Thank you to Melody Lane readers, it has been a pleasure. Hope you enjoy “Papirolepsia” and that soon we can see you in concert.

Web: https://www.facebook.com/Afasica