Interview With Alkalimetry
Have you always been interested in music? What is your story and how did you start making music?
We started making music when we met 5 years ago. We are partners in music and life. As gay musicians with different backgrounds, we bring different life experiences which influence our music. Ryan gets inspiration from past experiences with coming to terms with his sexuality and experiences losing loved ones to illness and addiction. He has played guitar his whole life. Patricio plays keyboards and some bass guitar. His influences include serving in war in Afghanistan, dealing with PTSD and life struggles. Together, they write, compose, produce and perform their music.
What are you working on now? Any future releases we can look forward to?
We will release “Hey There!” on Jan 7. It depicts our dependence on technology and the duality of how it empowers us and isolates us simultaneously. The music video parallels the self-contradicting nature of the lyrics. Following that, we are releasing a ballad- “Lessons in love, a cover of an old pop hit from Level 42- redone with an acoustic rock edge (akin to our first release/cover of Words get in the way by pop superstar Gloria Estefan). Then we hope to release our self-titled debut album followed by “Helicopter Diaries,” a reflective, dark interpretation of Patricio’s deployments in Afghanistan. We hope to start performing live and start a tour this summer.
What Is Your Ultimate Goal In The Music Industry?
Our goal is to establish a fan base of people who like our music, appreciate our messages and can hopefully add their own interpretations and spins on what we say. We believe music is alive and binds us all. Our songs do not belong to us, but to the uniting force that bunds us all. We hope to continue sharing of ourselves, through our music, and connect with others and hopefully touch others’ hearts and minds.
What Has Been The Biggest Challenge In Your Career Thus Far?
Time…
We work full time
We raise a family
As independent artists, do everything on our own
But, it is a labor of love. Life is our muse and music our therapy.
We have discovered production and hope to help other up and coming artists find their voice and message in the upcoming future as well!
How do you go about writing a song? Do you have a melody in your head and then write the other music for it or what’s Your typical songwriting process?
Any way imaginable. Sometimes a melody, sometimes a piano or guitar riff, sometimes we just ham and it happens. We let go and, magically, the music creates itself- much like when an artist paints a portrait or, a writer writes a novel or, sculptor touches the clay. We always work on improving our craft: productions skills, mixing, instruments, vocals. However, the creation of music takes on a life of its own. Anyone who creates will understand.
How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?
It has changed it 180 degrees. It has demonetized it- there is no longer a tangible product for record companies to sell: records, CDs, tapes…However, it has afforded many more voices, artists and creators a platform for expression. It is not easy; as an independent artist, you essentially have to perform all the functions of a label if there is to be any commercial success. We have formed our own small independent label that we run- hence our ability to offer other independent up and coming artists with an opportunity. The majors had to change their pro formas and business plans- hence the 360 degree contracts. Artists make money on shows, merchandise and a bit on streaming and downloads- unless they have reached millions in followers and star status.
List some famous musicians currently on your playlist?
The Cure
Nine Inch Nails
Depeche Mode
Morissey
Natalie Merchant
The Gorillaz
MIA
Die Antwoord
Nirvana
Silversun Pickups
System of a Down
What Did You Do Before You Started Making Music?
We both still have full time jobs. Patricio is a doctor and Ryan an engineer
Would you have any advice for young people wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Follow your dream
Develop your craft
Find pleasure in the process
Let the joy of creation fuel you and fill you
Have faith in yourself
Learn, learn, learn
If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
The monetization model-more access to money to artists
How do you feel about originality?
Originality is Creativity
Creativity is Divinity
Is there anything else we should know about you? or Something that you would like to add?
We love making music and music videos
We live our fans and want to grow the base and connect
We look forward to performing and meeting people sometime soon
We look forward to expanding our creative expression both, as Alkalimetry and as producers for other artists
Links to Where Your Music Can be Purchased
music.apple.com/us/artist/alkalimetry/1519983537
open.spotify.com/artist/5qcfqFstK14ZUCz4MlywNU?si=uvz4G744TB-Yct3zHu3QTQ&nd=1