Interview: 5 minutes with Sands

Sands’ love for rock ‘n’ roll and new wave, as well as psychedelia and songwriting all merge into the sonic output he delivers. We caught up with the musician to chat about the artists on his radar and what profession he would have chose if not music.

Describe your sound.

As the result of the many influences I have, the sound is not just one specific genre. There is a sort of poetics and attitude that I like in music, regardless of genre. It’s a bit of rock ‘n’ roll and new wave, as well as psychedelia and songwriting, soul music or disco. Soundtracks too.

Which other artists are you into at the moment and why?

Gianni Marchetti (Italian Composer from the 60’s and 70’s), he’s the Maestro, he’s got the touch. Mark Lanegan – always been into him since I discovered Screaming Trees. Forest Swords is maybe my favourite producer of this generation. The Black Angels is one of the best around. Sampha has made an amazing record. Chrissie Hynde, I love her.

What would you say some of the challenges artists face today in the music industry?

To get their music the attention it deserves. Too much stuff out there and not enough room for it apparently. To commit yourself to find some ways to make it work. To find support in others. You can make things that you feel proud of, but if you don’t find that, it seems just not enough.

Tell us about you songwriting process?

When it comes to producing, I lay down what I already had in mind while writing, always leaving room for some inspiration in the studio. If it happens to be a bit harder to find the right arrangement to a track, I’ll put down more than one option and live with them for a bit, and see what’s best later on with fresh ears. Or simply call it a day, and see you tomorrow.

Tell us about a gig highlight.

It was in a venue on the seaside. Great food, great vibe, there seemed to be a kind of magic in the place. My sound was so great.

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?

Probably a winemaker.