Interview: Tsunamiz - Attack

“Attack” is the first single to be released from Tsunamiz's upcoming album, Kultur Is Dead, out on September 23. The song, sonically energizing and contagious showcases once again the musician and producer's ability to mix different musical genres such as rock and synthpop, while at the same time remaining faithful to his trademark sound and pop sensibility. The simple yet magnetic video was directed by Tsunamiz and edited by Realish' Films and encapsulates the overall retro and 80's feeling of the track. Tsunamiz is the stage name of Bruno Sobral, he records his albums by himself, releasing an album almost every year and has a unique vision and sound that ranges from indie rock to urban electronic music standing as one of the most prolific and promising portuguese artists of his generation.

By Kamil Bobin

Discovered via Musosoup

Kamil) Hey Tsunamiz, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?

Hi, Kamil. Thanks for having me! I really don’t know what got me into music… I was a very curious and upbeat little boy that for no reason started imitating artists that I heard on the radio, tv or on records that played at my house. No one in my family was a music artist. When I was 7 my uncle introduced me to Nirvana and that made me want to pick up the guitar and start learning their songs. At the same time even before I learned to play an instrument I was already trying to compose my own songs.

I became obsessed with composing great songs and since I’ve always heard the whole arrangement in my head and even though I formed bands, I guess I was destined to be a solo artist, so that’s basically what I’ve been doing since I was able to record and produce my own songs.

Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?

Yeah, working out, reading, watching movies but all of this in small daily doses.

Your latest song is 'Attack'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?

“Attack” is a relatively recent track, and unlike most songs I write that begin on the guitar this one started on my music software composing the beat and synths, then I improvised with vocals and guitar until I came up with something that worked for me.

It’s a very simple and straightforward song but I had a very hard time mastering it. After mixing the song I felt that the master wasn’t good enough, so I reached out to a friend of mine which is a great Portuguese producer and he helped reach the final version.

Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?

I could if I had had a musical hit… (laughs)

If your honest about your music there is no recipe I believe.

You never know if a song is goin’ to be a hit… Atleast when it comes to your first hit…

What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?

Rehearsing almost everyday; listening to a lot of music, old, new and from many different genres. Listening to my own stuff with a very critical mindset. That is my way to keep myself sharp and with the highest standards possible.

What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?

As an artist every aspect of the human condition influences me, my own experiences, other people’s experiences…

All types of music, all types of art and to be honest everything in life…The more we experience the more interesting and rich will be the art that we create.

How do you spend your free time? What makes you feel relaxed?

I don’t have many free time. I compose, record and produce my music. I book the shows, handle social media and marketing and promotion stuff… But for me it’s easy because I love what I do and any other activities now feel like a distraction and that I am wasting my time…

But I’ll tell you this: I usually listen to podcasts about movies before I fall asleep, it helps me relax…

Do you have a mentor or coach?

I watch some YouTubers about producing and promoting music all the time. I’m always eager to learn. Also I like to talk and learn from my peers and from their experiences and also by sharing may own.

Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?

Each artist has it’s strategy and road. By established I mean well known and respected by being world class at your craft. In this case I would say that it’s very difficult and it takes a lot of trial and error, patience, consistency and hard work.

What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?

I will be recording new music and releasing new albums every year. I can only hope to do my best, shoot for the stars, become better and accept whatever comes my way. Amor fati.