Introduction: Due to time constraints as regular individuals running Witching Buzz and focusing primarily on writing reviews, we are limited to publishing only one (occasionally two) review(s) per day. However, we strongly believe in providing greater exposure to deserving bands and musicians who have put in immense effort. As a result, we have launched a new section called “Witching Riffs: Behind the Sound.” In this section, we have crafted a series of intriguing questions that we pose to every band or musician who wishes to share more about their unique projects. While the questions remain the same for each participant, the diversity among bands ensures that the answers will be fascinating and diverse. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this captivating journey as we delve into the minds and stories of these talented artists.
EL SUPREMO / USA
What drew you to the immersive and hypnotic sounds? How do you aim to captivate your listeners with this genre?
Smoking dirt weed in my bedroom listening to Led Zeppelin’s In The Light at 15 and I was transported out of that shitty little trailer house into the fucking cosmos. Music is the ultimate drug. Better than any drug. I’m chasing that dragon when I play music and if I can make someone else feel that way then that’s awesome.
Can you share the story behind your band name? How does it reflect the essence of your music?
Chad always wanted to be a wrestling dictator who drinks lots of rum and Paraguay seems like a pretty nice place.
Music is the supremo, ruling over the universe through acid and distortion.
What are some unconventional or unexpected influences that have shaped your unique blend?
We’re all into lots of shit. Our conversations might go from Crowbar to the Cro-Mags, Celtic Frost to Frederic fucking Chopin, Ennio Morricone, Stevie Wonder, Steve Winwood, all the Sabbath/Zeppelin/Hendrix/Cream shit along with the stuff you might expect like Kyuss and Fu Manchu.
How do you approach creating expansive and atmospheric soundscapes? What techniques or methods do you employ to achieve that signature vibe?
No real method or process. It either works with the people you jam with or it doesn’t. Delay pedals help.
Are there specific themes or emotions you seek to convey through your music? How do alternative music help you express those concepts effectively?
The themes kind of reveal themselves during the creative process. Emotions might be frustration or elation, but they’re different for each person every time.
Share a remarkable moment or incident from your journey as a band that exemplifies the spirit of your music.
For me, personally, listening back to a mix of the song Supercell while a powerful thunderstorm was rolling through in the middle of the night. Really solidified what the title should be.
I think when Chris arranged to have a choir come in to the studio for the title track on our new album Signor Morte Improvvisa was pretty remarkable. Hearing that idea come to life made my hair stand up and I felt like we were on to something pretty special.
In what ways do you envision your music progressing or evolving in the future? Are there any new elements or experimental approaches you’d like to incorporate?
Funkier, heavier, spacier, more progressive without losing the big dumb ignorant riffs.
Is there a particular song in your discography that perfectly encapsulates the essence of your music? Please elaborate on its creation and significance.
I think Signor Morte Improvvisa covers it pretty well. There’s space, there’s heaviness, there are themes that get developed and there’s the spaghetti western and Black Sabbath influences.
Are there any emerging or lesser-known artists within your music genre realm that you find inspiring or deserving of more recognition? Feel free to share their names and what you appreciate about their work.
Check out Gypsy Wizard Queen and Mr. Magestyk.
I don’t think the Bakerton Group or Mystic Krewe of Clearlight get the recognition they deserve. They’re definitely an inspiration for what we’re doing.
What do you hope listeners experience or feel when they immerse themselves in your compositions? Is there a specific mood or sensation you aim to evoke?
Thats not really up to me. If it takes them somewhere or makes them feel something or they hate it or whatever, then that’s out of my hands. I hope somebody out there listens to it while traveling though a rad landscape and it enriches their experience.
Turbo Regime:
– Fuzz or distortion? – I like fuzz. I like distortion. Sometimes at the same time. Gotta have all of it.
– Analog or digital effects? – I haven’t found a digital distortion or amp model that I really love, but I use digital reverb and delay all the time.
– Sabbath or Zeppelin? – The first six Sabbath records are infallible and Zeppelin are a huge influence on how and why I play guitar and make records, so I’m not gonna choose between them.
– Heavy riff or mind-bending solo? – Same with riffs and solos. I want em both. Even when Earthless has twenty minute solos they’ll go in to a sick ass riff. If I really have to choose, though, I’d say riffs are foundational and you could have a band with no solos, but what the fuck is a band without riffs?
– Vintage gear or modern equipment? – With gear, I’ve recorded on four track cassette and I’ve done projects on a computer with huge track counts and complex routing that would cost a fortune to do with vintage analog gear. I have a hybrid setup with some nice analog compressors and EQs, but I don’t have the time, space, or budget to be maintaining tape machines and consoles and all that rad shit. If anyone wants to pay for us to go record at Electrical Audio, hit me up.
https://www.facebook.com/elsupremofuzz
Label: Argonauta Records
PR: Grand Sounds Promotion
