We had the exciting opportunity to sit down with Blowfuse, the dynamic punk rock force that has made waves on the melodic punk rock scene for years. In this exclusive interview, we delve deep into the band’s creative process, exploring the intricacies of their songwriting and composing techniques. We’ll be unraveling the essence of their latest single, dissecting the raw energy that fuels their new full-length album. Join us as we explore the ethos that defines Blowfuse, providing a backstage pass to the passion and artistry that propels their sound into uncharted territories. Get ready for a sonic journey through the minds of these talented musicians as we uncover the stories behind the music that delights us all.
“I Give You My Word” is described as a spirited punk rock mantra that encourages staying true to oneself. Can you share the philosophical inspiration behind the lyrics and the message you aimed to convey through this song?
I guess this song tries to touch on the contradictory origin of self-doubt. Often it appears precisely when we have a path, and we have achieved something we longed for. It is then when we start to doubt ourselves. It’s a pity, yes, but it’s also a common experience and conversing about it helps us overcome it in easier ways.
The song serves as a reminder to persevere and not doubt oneself on gray days. How do you believe music, particularly punk rock, has the power to serve as a motivational force and influence individuals on a philosophical level?
I think punk rock has a particular edge that other genres fall short of and that is the physicality of it. By this I mean that, in punk rock, a certain chord, phrase or beat can bring you a physical sensation, and if you’ve been to punk rock shows you know what I’m talking about. A physical catharsis very much needed in the fast times we live in that makes us feel alive!
“I Give You My Word” has a classic punk rock feel. How do you balance paying homage to the genre’s roots while bringing a fresh perspective and your unique voice to the music?
Honestly, we’ve listened to so much music that, at this point, the melange just comes naturally. But don’t get me wrong, there’s also been a lot of conscious effort to produce all the sounds and combine all the influences that you can hear in all the songs of our newest album. At the end of the day we’ve already produced three other more “classic” punk rock albums (or two and a half depending on who you ask hahaha). So it only made sense to explore newer routes in terms of composition. After all, it’s the only thing that keeps the journey fresh and vital. The good thing about this album is that you have a little bit of everything, and I think many long-time fans will be satisfied with songs like “I Give You My Word” or “Move On”, but there are also songs that lean towards other genres like “Cold Steel” or “No Matter What I Do”.
The lyrics talk about the efforts we put into our everyday lives. How does Blowfuse, as a band, view the role of music in reflecting and commenting on the challenges and triumphs of daily life?
It’s funny that you ask this. As the time’s passed, our songs have more and more delved into introspective matters. We often think that introspection usually comes from a revelation of sorts. But to be honest, our experience is that meaningful introspection comes precisely from the mundane. Everyday life is everyone’s bread and butter. Why wouldn’t our music touch on the meaningful things about it?
The title of the song implies a commitment or promise. In a broader sense, how does Blowfuse perceive the relationship between artists and their audience, and what kind of commitment do you feel you make to your listeners through your music?
I think our main commitment is with ourselves. By this I mean our main goal is to stay true to what made us fall in love with our lifestyle and to not burn out. And if that goal is not met, nothing we do for our fans will be meaningful, lest something enjoyable. Part of why the album is called “The 4th Wall” is because we are trying to speak directly to the listener but specially to ourselves too. So our commitment with the fans is none other than giving them something that we ourselves enjoy too and see ourselves reflected in.
“I Give You My Word” has a mid-tempo bouncing track that evokes the highlights of the 90s punk rock genre. How does the band approach the incorporation of nostalgic elements while maintaining a contemporary relevance in your sound?
As previously stated, we listen to a LOT of music. And as you may be able to tell it is very diverse, both genre-wise and in terms of when it’s been produced. It is true that 90’s punk rock has been one of our undeniable go-to’s in the large buffet of music that we’ve listened to over the years. So of course that explains the main ingredient of the song. But as per anything in this life, it’s all about the little things: the way this cymbal sounds, this guitar effect, the way you mix a part of the song… These dressings on the side are what reveal the freshness of the dish.
The new album, “The 4th Wall,” seems to carry a thematic significance. Can you elaborate on the concept of breaking the fourth wall and how it ties into the overall philosophy and narrative of the album?
In a way, this album is a reminder. Both to the listener and to ourselves as a band. Some of the themes tackled bear repeating, and without it we wouldn’t have been able to integrate them into our own lives. Especially, grief, self-doubt and the inability to resolve or let go of darker tendencies. Maybe the only way to avoid it then is for art to break the 4th Wall, so that the message can get through. We also wanted to convey how all these issues that affect us become self-made prisons. But just like our confinement is self-induced, getting unchained is also a matter of personal responsibility. These shackles are a matter of perspective just as the cover art portrays. To break them we must face a part of ourselves we may not like, and to do that is to break our innermost 4th wall.
Punk rock has often been associated with rebelliousness and counterculture. How does Blowfuse perceive the role of rebellion and individualism in today’s society, and how does your music contribute to or challenge these notions?
It is true that we usually associate the countercultural element of punk rock to social critique and to protest. But I think that there is an element of counterculture in changing inwardly. Given the current state of the world, staying sane is a revolution in itself hahaha. I think Gojira put it very well in their song “Silvera”: “When you change yourself, you change the world”. And that’s precisely one of the main ideas Blowfuse has been trying to communicate. Taking care of oneself will inevitably translate into being better to others and to developing better communities.
Punk has always carried the banner of rebellion, and sometimes of complaint, in an irresponsible way. I think that our way of being rebels or punks is precisely not to fall into the usual, but rather to give all the responsibility for your life to yourself, and although it is not a very common message, we want to transmit it.
Taking advantage of your question, I reflect out loud about what message we want to convey and it is evident that one speaks about what one understands or sees, and that is what we do too. As people, and then as a band, we want to be able to tell people to learn to think for themselves. And the example from before is perfect, because it is not about being rebellious to be different, whether it is the “No future” or the “Straight Edge”, but rather being able to make a free decision, the most beneficial for you, cutting out all the unnecessary bullshit of our lives.
How do you approach the sonic elements to complement and enhance the emotional and philosophical aspects of the songs?
This new album has specially emphasized the emotional aspect of its vocals. You can definitely feel it in certain choruses which are full of harmonized backing vocals. Some of us in the band have even shed a tear when listening to the tunes hahaha.
The punk rock scene has always nurtured a DIY ethos. How do you embrace the DIY philosophy in your approach to music creation, promotion, and connecting with your audience?
Well, there are different actors that are helping us with this new release. Several labels, promoters, sound engineers, filmmakers… but it is undeniable that the composition and production processes have been curated a 100% by ourselves. For better or for worse, Blowfuse refuses to release music (and perform) if we don’t think we are gonna be proud of the end result. When it comes to touring, the same thing goes; we get help, sure, but we have to (and want to) light the fire with our own wood. We have always believed in the philosophy of DIY, and that is why today, and many times with external help and vision, we are part of literally every process in the band: booking, promotion, graphic design, merchandising, video clips, composition, production, etc.
“I Give You My Word” is mentioned as a classic punk rock hymn. What do you believe distinguishes a song as a classic, and how do you approach creating music with the potential for a timeless quality?
Production is important, yeah, but I guess it all boils down to the ability to tear out a feeling from the listener the first time they listen to the tune. In my opinion, that’s why the melodic dimension of punk rock works so well. Properly harmonizing a song makes it easier for the listener to emphasize with what is being sung.
The album’s title suggests breaking down a barrier between the audience and the performers. How do you connect with your audience on a personal and philosophical level during live performances?
Luckily our area of action is the world of punk rock. It’s easy to break many fourth walls here. This genre is all about straightforwardness and attitude. Have you ever stage dived? Have you ever grabbed the mic of the singer when your favorite lyric was coming and sung it yourself? Man, in our shows it is the public who breaks the 4th wall, not us. I do think, though, that we are good at setting the proper stage for that attitude to take place in our concerts. I think we break that barrier by being ourselves, doing what we love most on stage, and it shows. I think that vulnerability, naturality and independence quickly engages with the public.
In a world filled with various music genres, what do you think makes punk rock an effective medium for conveying philosophical messages, and how do you guys contribute to the ongoing dialogue within the genre?
This has been said a thousand times, but it never loses a gram of truth: Punk rock is all about freedom. The genre is full of songs where people speak their minds, clearly and loudly. Unapologetically, most of all. We speak our minds about what is going on inside our minds. That’s been our thing lately and, honestly, it feels good to be heard and understood. We want to let the genre know that, if punk rock advocates in many cases for freedom, our branch of this genre advocates for peace of mind. And in some cases, that can be one of the most essential kinds of freedom.
THOUGHTS WORDS ACTION 