Doomed Confessionary: David, Juan & Didier (Desert Mantra)
Photos by Elian Flores Hdz
Desert Mantra is a three-piece psychedelic stoner rock band based in Torreon, Coahuila in Mexico. Founded in November 2020 by David Castrellón (bass, vocals), Juan Gutierrez (guitar, vocals) and Didier Aguilera (drums, vocals).
Desert Mantra’s debut full-length album »The Desert I« was released on October 25th, 2024 via Smolder Brains Records. Recorded, mixed and mastered by Sara Méndez Herrera. Artwork by Mother Goat Art. Photos by Elian Flores Hdz.
Can you say a few words about your band?
Desert stoner rock from the north of Mexico.
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
To complete our new, very first album »The Desert I«. We are eager to face new challenges and aim to bring more music with y’all
What can you be most proud of so far?
Mainly the hard work we put into the project, that our music is being listened to in LATAM, US and Europe, and of course our first LP.
What was your biggest regret?
Not to make this band earlier.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
The Jergast Fest in San Luis Potosi, Mexico. This music festival helped us to promote our music and to be recognized in more cities of the country, and also to reach Smolder Brains Records’ ears.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The support that we are receiving from the media and other bands from the music scene.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
We listen to many groups from the same genre like Kadavar, Elder, Sleep and more, but we also listen to other genres and bands, we just love music really hard.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
Keep doing what makes you happy, practice and keep practicing.
What are your guilty pleasures?
No guilty pleasures in music!
Can you say something more about the current music scene in Mexico?
We think that the music scene in the country is at a point where we are all realizing that we can make a much bigger network to share and reach everywhere.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
We will be touring some cities in the north of Mexico in the second quarter of the year. Stay tuned to our social media for further details!
What are your plans for the future as a band?
We are currently working on new music and exploring sounds for our future second album, and we also want to keep touring in Mexico.
How can people best support your band?
By listening, sharing and buying our music! Staying tuned to our social media too.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
We encourage you to keep following and listening to our sound. Thank you in advance for all the support!
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well