Doomed Confessionary: Daniel Pascual (Wet Cactus)
Wet Cactus is an alternative rock band with heavy psychedelic hints, formed in Cantabria (Spain) during the summer of 2013. The band has maintained a constant lineup since their formation, with Daniel Pascual on vocals and bass, Ernesto Díez and Óscar Sánchez on guitars, and Jaime Pérez on drums.
Their self-tited debut album was released in September 2015 and received a great response, laying the foundation for a sound rooted deep in Californian desert/stoner rock but unafraid to explore other styles.
After the forced break in 2020, all attention turned back to the creative process, searching and experimenting with ideas that materialized into their third full-length album, »Magma Tres«, which was released in November 2023 through Electric Valley Records. This conceptual album delves into the consequences of Earth’s depletion as a life-sustaining planet due to human inaction in reversing their actions.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We’re a band made up of 4 lifelong friends. We’ve been doing this for 11 years and we’re still hungry for more. There’s still a lot of music to be made.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
Dude, being in an underground band like ours is not easy peasy. I’d say it’s a constant challenge, an uphill climb haha. We face many challenges every day, like balancing our jobs with rehearsals, tours, and other band duties, but each challenge makes us stronger, we learn from them, and most importantly, we enjoy the process. Despite everything, the flame still burns bright and we still love each other. The best is yet to come!
What can you be most proud of so far?
To keep playing enthusiastically after a few years.
What was your biggest regret?
A few years ago, our level of ambition decreased slightly, perhaps due to the pandemic or the circumstances at the time. However, that’s all in the past, and we’re stronger than ever now.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
We have so many memories of amazing gigs, like the night of the ‘Cactusian Experience’, a rave organized by us in an old mining warehouse with other bands from the northern Spanish music scene. That night was legendary and people still talk to me today about how great a time they had that night.
We also have great memories from playing at Desertfest London a few months ago. The Black Heart was totally crowded and the atmosphere was electric.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
It’s mind-blowing that the stoner scene or whatever you want to call it, is very huge right now. We’re stoked to be a part of it.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Right now I’m really deep into Mike Patton’s genuine projects like Tomahawk, Fantômas, Mr Bungle… It’s totally chameleonic!
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Be really dedicated to write good music and never give up. It doesn’t matter what your product looks like, it’s what it sounds like.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Oh God, I’m a total sugar addict. Chocolate or anything sugary drives me crazy, I have to fight temptation every single day haha.
Can you say something more about current music scene in Cantabria?
The music scene in our city, Torrelavega, is quite vibrant right now and has been for decades. There are tons of rock bands in our city, mainly hardcore, metal, and punk. We rehearse at the “Jose Maria Illera” creative space, where many bands have their rehearsal room and where there’s a great atmosphere every day. From here, we send a greeting to the people of the “Base del Besaya” cultural association for their great work in managing this space.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We just finished our first European tour! Lat weekend we played in Ponferrada and Gargant, Spain. And we’re excited to announce that on January 4th, we will be performing in our hometown, Torrelavega. Stay tuned!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We really want to break into the international market and someday tour America (not just the US) to showcase our music. Of course, we also want to keep recording albums and attract a major booking agency to handle tours and festivals. It’s been a tough road so far. We’ve contacted numerous booking agencies, but unfortunately, we haven’t had any luck, they never reply . We’re determined to keep searching until we find the right opportunity.
How can people best support your band?
Just come to the shows, if you like what you hear, grab some merch and spread the word! We will be eternally grateful!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
YES! Music always comforts you! Peace and love everywhere! Gracias amigxs!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well