SAMI

Was there any obsession, fixed idea, or image that guided the creative process of the album, even if it is not evident to the listener?
Yes—trying to create a cover that faithfully reflects the music on the record. I think we achieved it, although it took many turns to get there.

What was the process of deciding which songs would and wouldn't be part of the album?
The debut is a compilation of songs I’ve written from 2011 to 2024. I selected the ones that best define my musical personality, so they could work as a letter of introduction full of authenticity and truth.

What changed in the way of writing, recording, or producing on this album compared to previous recordings?
I chose the studio because of the person inside it: Haritz, an incredible sound engineer with impeccable quality and taste when it comes to mixing. I remember calling him, sending him a song (a demo), and he called me back immediately; he made space so that within a few weeks we could start recording, and everything flowed from there.

I bring the songs very well developed from home, already produced, so in the studio it was basically about recreating what had already been recorded and what we had been playing in the rehearsal space, adding nuances of professional sound. We also analyzed together whether to remove certain instrumental parts, because once a song is recorded, it starts asking for little changes. It was a beautiful process and a complete experience.

For me, it was a luxury, because it’s a significant financial investment for a single person, but it’s my hobby and my life. I’m an independent artist and I carry my music forward without external support: I’m not particularly attractive to labels, promoters, or bookers, so I move ahead on my own. The path is slower, but you get there.

¿Hubo alguna canción que costó especialmente terminar o soltar?
"Dukesa.” The original demo had several instrumental parts that got stuck on the guitar. They were arrangements I had made myself, and when he had to recreate them in the studio, they became a bit complicated.

What role did intuition and error play during the process?
I let myself be guided by intuition, and there was also a lot of prior work, so the margin for error was almost nonexistent.

Was the order of the songs intended as a narrative? How was the order decided?
No, there wasn’t a specific narrative. The order came together in a completely anarchic way.

Which composers, musicians, bands, producers, and studios would you like to collaborate with in the future?
I’d like to collaborate with Manuel Cabezali or Víctor Cabezuelo, in Spain. In general, since I produce and create every detail myself, I’ve gotten used to not depending creatively on anyone. It’s something that’s hard for me to let go of, but I’m learning little by little. Bringing in new sounds that enrich the songs and stepping out of my comfort zone would be wonderful.