Interview with Empiric: “Having Sascha Paeth (Avantasia), Doug Scarratt (Saxon) or Chris Caffery (Savatage) playing and recording my music is a dream come true”

Six years have passed since the publication of ‘Empiric’. How has this project changed during this time?

“More than changing, I think it has evolved. Empiric is a personal project, so it evolves as I do. The concept is essentially the same, as I continue to write from personal experience, albeit from a different perspective. Musically I have opened myself up to writing whatever comes out to me, without putting any kind of stylistic or instrumental barrier on myself. Hence, the album has variety and includes elements of various styles and instruments that I had not used before. However, I think that the songs are cohesive and that my stamp, so to speak, also remains.”

I remember that that debut reminded me of the influences of Héroes del Silencio, but in this one I see more classic NWOBHM heavy. What differences are there between both jobs?

“The only rule I set for myself when composing these songs was that the rhythms had to make you move your body. Perhaps that is why the swing of the songs is closer to classic rock, although with current sound and production. I did want to harden the voice a little to give it a more personal touch.”

This time you have opted for English for the lyrics. Why this change?

“I have always made songs in English and Spanish, I would like to be able to make both versions, but it is complicated, so I have had to choose. My intention is to be able to bring this album to as many people as possible and give it an international focus, so doing it in English was the most logical thing.”

The list of collaborators: Sascha Paeth (Avantasia), Doug Scarratt (Saxon) and Chris Caffery (Savatage) is spectacular. How are they forged?

“Over the years I have been lucky enough to meet many musicians, some of them idols of mine from my youth, like the ones you mentioned, Tonio Ruiz (Coda) or Luis Mariutti (founder of Shaman and Angra). Having them play and record my music is a dream come true, a true pleasure and an honor. The same goes for producer Fredrik Nordström, an institution, who has made classic albums by legendary bands such as In Flames, Opeth, HammerFall, Dimmu Borgir or Spiritual Beggars, among others.

Musicians from Spain, Germany, England, Sweden, the United States, Mexico, Colombia, Chile and Brazil participate in this album. Fortunately, nowadays it is much easier to work remotely and it is fortunate to have been able to count on them. They are all true professionals and very simple on a personal level, despite their fame and experience. “I couldn’t be more satisfied, really.”

It’s a very direct album and I think the first thing you feel is that it’s short, it leaves you wanting more. Did you not think to include any more topics?

“On the contrary. Originally there were going to be seven songs, one for each chapter of the book. However, when I was composing the idea of ​​another song came up and I didn’t want to leave it out, that’s why there are finally eight. I like that feeling that the album does not become heavy and that when you finish it you are left wanting more and you play it again. “I think it’s a positive thing.”

The theme is based on the book ‘The Seven Spiritual Laws’ by Deepak Chopra. Tell us about that idea that led you to compose ‘The Seven Laws’.

“It is a book that practically saved my life when I was going through a difficult time in my life. It helped me have a different vision of life, the world and the universe as a whole. It was so important to me that I decided to base my next album on it, to spread it in case it can help someone, just like it helped me. That is the intention”.

I think one of the big surprises is the inclusion of horns on “With Your Desires” and “Don’t Stop It.” How do these themes arise?

“As I told you before, I put a lot of emphasis on the rhythms, and those two songs are perhaps the most “danceable” on the album and the ones that include the biggest stylistic and instrumental surprises. In addition to brass and percussion, they have touches of genres such as funk, reggae, punk or ska, which however do not clash with the other songs on the album as a whole. For the recording of the brass, I was lucky to have two great Chilean musicians, Marcelo Véliz and Gustavo Caluga, who has played with Ricky Martin among many others.”

On the contrary, “Step Into The Unknown” has a darker aura. Is the great variety of styles something fundamental for your compositions?

“It’s not something I look for, but it comes naturally to me. That mix is ​​part of my life. I have lived in many countries and known different cultures and that also influences on a musical level. I like music of many styles apart from rock and metal, from classical to electronic, including funk, pop, blues, salsa and much more. For example, Daft Punk and their ‘Random Access Memories’ were a great inspiration in terms of the concept and development of this album, although musically it has nothing to do with it. If I hadn’t known about that album and been interested in how they created it, this album probably wouldn’t be what it is.

I think putting on corsets strangles art. Fortunately, Empiric is a personal project in which I have no limitations and I can let all those influences flow to capture what I can compose, without adhering to norms or rules that limit me.”

From my point of view, “Don’t Forget” is a song that could be halfway between Rainbow and Saxon. What do you think?

“It was the last song I wrote for the album. I like its bluesy riff and the “road song” atmosphere it has, perfect for listening to while driving. Both Rainbow and Saxon are two bands that I love, and having the guitarist from one of them play on the song is, as I said before, a dream come true. “I feel very lucky, proud and satisfied with the final result, both of this song and of the entire album.”

Listen to ‘The Seven Laws’ on Spotify:

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