Doomed Confessionary: Samuel Pedrosa (Spiral Guru)
Spiral Guru is a Brazilian band formed in 2013 in Piracicaba, São Paulo, playing anything that they feel like… space rock, heavy psych, stoner rock or doom metal. Spiral Guru actually don’t mind much about labeling their songs, as they prefer to be free to try different sonorities. Their lyrics depict their visions of a lot of things, mostly using science fiction as a backdrop.
The band has just released »Time Races«, the first single taken from their upcoming album.
Spiral Guru are Patrícia Carvalho (vocals), Samuel Pedrosa (guitar), Matheus Deffende (guitar, backing vocals), José Ribeiro (bass), Alexandre H. G. Garcia (drums) and Franco Torrezan (synths).
Can you say a few words about your band?
Spiral Guru was formed in Piracicaba-SP-Brazil in 2013, and since then, we’ve been making music! We’ve been labeled stoner, space rock, but I believe heavy psych is the right term. We have a few EPs, one full album, and another one on the way!
What was the biggest challenge for the band?
A pandemic, delays, many delays from record labels, producers… Things that were said to never happen. Lost time was truly the most challenging part.
What can you be most proud of so far?
Reaching people all over the world with our music. Knowing that someone in a faraway place is listening and connecting with what we create is amazing. Besides that, sharing the stage with bands we admire has been incredible.
What was your biggest regret?
Perhaps our biggest regret was the time wasted on promises that never materialized. Some opportunities that seemed good ended up holding us back instead of helping.
What was the best concert/tour so far and why?
Hard to choose… Asteroid in São Paulo was amazing, and so many others… The energy from the audience is what makes a show great. We loved playing with Giant Jellyfish last year.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
A pleasant surprise was one of our songs, »The Curfew At Dusk«, being listed as one of the best songs of 2019 by Classic Rock Magazine.
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Deftones, Deaf Kids, Black Lung, Gods & Punks, Liquify, Ghost.
What was the best advice you’ve ever been given as a musician?
We received so much advice – people always told us what we needed to improve… That was great, but I believe perseverance has always been the best thing.
What are your guilty pleasures?
Some band members like piseiro, cumbia, and pop music…
Can you say something more about current music scene in Piracicaba?
The music scene in Piracicaba and Brazil in general is very rich and diverse. There’s a loyal and passionate audience, and there are still some venues where we can perform. We’re lucky to be here.
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
This year, we are planning a few shows here and in São Paulo, nothing beyond that for now.
What are your plans for the future as a band?
For the future, we are focused on releasing our next album. I hope it will be a good release and that people will listen to and enjoy it. We want to play some shows. Beyond that, we have no idea what the future holds. Hopefully, something good! We are finishing planting the seeds, and I hope we can harvest enough.
How can people best support your band?
Listening to our music is the best way to support us. If you can buy our music on Bandcamp, that helps a lot. We’ve been able to record and make music thanks to Bandcamp. But beyond that, listen to us on streaming platforms. If you’re in Brazil and can come to our shows, it would be wonderful to have you there. Share our music, show it to your friends!
Do you have any message for your listeners?
Thank you to everyone who has followed us this far. We do this because we love it – it’s our mental health. I hope our music reaches you and touches something inside.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well