Interview: A Permanent Shadow

A Permanent Shadow is a Spanish electro-rock /synth-pop based in Barcelona. The band recently released a brand new full-length release named Humdrum that you should check out if you’re into the beforementioned music genres. Below you can read an interview curated by Andrew of Rogue PR.

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When did you realize that your project/band had the potential to be a career or long-lasting idea?

I’m not so sure we’re there yet. We’ve just released our second album and I think it’s fair to say that a career in music is a long-term investment, to say the least. If a career means making money, then there’s no career in place currently, but if we talk about evolving on a musical level, there’s definitely progress.

When did the first glimpses of your latest release come together? 

Immediately after the release of our first album we started working on “Humdrum”, our second long play. I had a huge backlog of songs that I wanted to get out as soon as possible, but then COVID happened and everything started slowing down considerably.

What really inspires your music? 

The music is usually informed by the lyrical content. The lyrics come first, and we weave a musical dress around them, so to speak, which in terms of pace and melody tries to reflect the words.

Can you tell us a bit about the lyrical process for a song? How does it normally work? 

I need to feel impacted by a certain theme or subject matter which I will then turn into a set of lyrics. This can happen very fast or be drawn out over several months. I once did an aura reading, the results of which inspired me to write half a dozen sets of lyrics within a week.

What’s the most rewarding moment in your creative process as a band, and why? 

I think it’s the personal relationship with my two collaborators. We work on music but also share personal experiences. The exchange on every level is very enriching.

Who produces your music, and what are they like to work with?

I work with two producers, Albert and Valen. With Albert, we basically work on arrangements before going into the studio, while Valen takes care of the actual recording. Though the three of us rarely meet in person, it’s a great way to work, with lots of freedom and input from all parties involved.

Can you give us a couple of personal highlights from your live show? Particular memories that stand out to you? 

We haven’t played live a lot, what with COVID and the peculiar situation of A Permanent Shadow, which is basically a solo project disguised as a band. Staging a quality live show is expensive and to pull it all off by myself is a lot of work. But there will be a tour in the future, I promise.

What advice would you give to another upcoming band/act?

Do as you please, and don’t think in terms of a career, unless you want to be a hired hand. Make the music you’d listen to yourself and don’t play to the gallery. And choose wisely who to work with.