Getting to Know… Freedivers | Interview

For 126^th interview on The Musical Hype, we get some background and gain some insight on the Barcelona indie rock band, Freedivers.

“We generally don’t pigeonhole ourselves into a single sound. We write what we think sounds good, whether it is influenced by one type of music or another.” Me like Freedivers – me like! Like so many of the bands and musicians that appear on the Getting to Know… series, Freedivers add to the international flavor as an indie rock band from Barcelona, Spain.  Three members make this collective roll: Sergi Blanch on guitar and vocals, Rafa Diaz d Villegas on bass, and Xavi Blanch on drums. Like the 125 preceding interviews, we gain some great insight into the band, becoming properly acquainted to the musicianship they have to offer.  So, without further ado, here is Getting to Know… Freedivers: Interview #126.

Starting things off right, for those who may not be familiar with Freedivers, what would you say makes your band distinct or unique? How do you rock the audience’s socks off?

Our sound is a mix, obviously we have influences from bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Pearl Jam and other bands from the Seattle scene of the 90s, but each of us also has our own influences, and that influences when composing. We generally don’t pigeonhole ourselves into a single sound. We write what we think sounds good, whether it is influenced by one type of music or another. I think that differentiates us from other bands.

Okay, let’s explore some juicy backstories. How did Freedivers form and what were some of the goals or the visions you had as a band early on?

At the end of 2019, I had some riffs and some lyrics, but I needed someone to help me shape them. Then I met Sergi, he liked the project and we started working. I think it would not have been possible without him. Later Xavi joined us and in November of that same year we released our first single, “Freerider.”

Let’s talk more about goals. Have your goals or your perspectives changed since first starting out? What do your aspirations or goals look like now?

I think they are the same as when we decided to start the project. Trying to make the best music we can, be honest and consistent with what we say and stay humble. We believe that this is what makes us connect with people. And most importantly, have fun, because if not, there would be no point in making music.

Everybody is influenced by somebody else. Who would you consider some of your biggest musical influences and how are they influential?

The main influences of our music are bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, Perl Jam, Pixies, Foo Fighter and many others, but each of us has our own influences. and this when composing is in our subconscious and influences in some way to a greater or lesser extent.

Ah, the fun stuff. What’s your craziest tour story or the wackiest thing that’s happened during a performance? Feel free to be creative.

On one occasion we were playing in a room near a Zoo, somehow a monkey escaped and ended up at our concert. It was a lot of fun to see that monkey jumping and enjoying his freedom at our concert, we were seriously considering adopting him

Up until this point in your career, what would you describe as your favorite song you’ve
recorded or performed live? What makes that song special?

So far, my favorite song we’ve done has been “Under Arrest.” I love the lyrics and the story. It’s about a love story in the middle of a situation as complicated as a pandemic. It really captures how someone feels in moments like that, and that in the most difficult moments there is always hope.

Is there anything else awesome, cool, or left of center the world should know about you?
Secret talents or surprising tidbits?

Sergi and I are mountain lovers, we like trail running and we do long outings in the mountains, connecting with nature helps us to recharge ourselves with energy. Xavi is a great biker and a lover of the trumpet with which he practices at all hours

Closing things out, what is Freedivers currently working on, promoting that you
can share with us or want us to know about? We love secrets, but there’s no pressure.

Well, we currently have 4 singles on the major streaming services, and a 5th single coming out very soon. We are working on a 6 song EP, and we are thinking of doing some acoustics. Due to the current situation due to the global pandemic, we do not have short-term plans, and we will continue to do study work.

Thank you so much for sharing taking the time to answer these questions, and best of luck
moving forward.

It has been a pleasure. Thank you so much!

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Photo Credits: Freedivers, Brent Faulkner, The Musical Hype; Icons made by https://www.flaticon.com/authors/freepik (Freepik)