EMQ’s With Las Nubes

EMQ’s With Las Nubes

Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Punk/ Alternative band, Las Nubes. Huge thanks to their Guitarist/ Vocalist, Emile, for taking part. 

What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?

Emile: Ale (guitar, vocals) was asked to play an opening set for Shonen Knife in 2017 and I was standing there and imposed myself on the situation as the drummer. I’m probably the worst musician in the band, but I’m organized and show up on time, so they keep me around. Seven years and a gazillion shows later we’re still going for it. Currently, our live line-up also includes Alumine Soto on guitar and Cuci Amador on bass / vocals. 

How did you come up with your band name?

We were originally called Smut, which was the name Ale started playing her material under nearly a decade ago. Some other band called themselves that and they got “bigger” than us, so there was confusion, and we changed it to SMVT. That didn’t really do much to help differentiate. We settled on Las Nubes, inspired by Emile’s partner’s family hacienda in Nicaragua, Las Nubes. It’s at the top of a mountain in El Crucero, and clouds migrate throughout the house when the windows are open – quite remarkable to behold!

What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?

We’re from South Florida. The punk / noise / metal scene here is legendary. It’s probably a combination of the punishing heat and the Bermuda Triangle responsible for some of the heaviest, weirdest sounds coming from the same place…

What is your latest release?

As of filling this out our newest single / video is ‘Would Be’, off our forthcoming sophomore album “Tormentas Malsanas”. 

Who have been your greatest influences?

Emile (drum influences): Sarah Lund, Sheila E., Janet Weiss, Martin Brandlmayr, Questlove, Tito Puente, Makaya McCraven, John McEntire, Sly Dunbar. 

Ale: Kat Bjelland, Juana Molina, Robert Pollard, Kim Deal, Hum, Unwound, The Replacements

What first got you into music?

Emile: Pop music on the radio in Miami in the late 80’s and early 90’s. Pretty sure it was one of the only cities that actively played freestyle / skate jams alongside stuff like Madonna and Janet Jackson. Also, the Miami Bass sound is unparalleled. 

Ale: My dad would always listen to Argentine Folk music and Neil Diamond, mom would listen to the Beatles. I didn’t really appreciate it as a kid so much and would listen to the alternative rock station in Miami. Then in middle school I discovered Emo & Hardcore and it was all downhill from there. 

If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?

Emile: Is Ray Cooper still playing? Would love to jam with him on aux percussion!

Ale: The Breeders!

If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?

Emile: Primavera seems rad. I love Spain!

Ale: I second that – or Riot Fest!

What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?

Not weird per se, but painstakingly amazing / accurate fan art. 

If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?

Wear earplugs, even if you don’t think you should. 

If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?

Emile: I can’t choose just one. Jeff Buckley and Jason Molina. 

Ale: Karen Carpenter

What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?

Emile: Joy and camaraderie. Making friends and meeting people all over the damn place just because of music. There’s nothing like it. Not a fan of “gear bros” though. 

Ale: It’s the one thing in life that makes me feel confident and connected with other people. On stage I’m an extrovert. I hate nepotism. 

If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?

Musicians should be paid fairly across the board. The amount of time / work / money folks put into making records and touring is typically not offset by what we’re paid. Drink tickets don’t put gas in the van. Also, a merch sales cut to venues? Hell no! Are we getting a cut of drink sales?!?

Name one of your all-time favourite albums?

Emile: Broken Social Scene – “You Forgot It In People”. 

Ale: The Replacements – “Let it Be”.

What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?

Physical media forever! 

What’s the best gig that you have played to date?

Emile: I still can’t believe we got to open for Jens Lekman. He’s one of my favourite songwriters. Opening for Bikini Kill was unreal too. Oh yeah, and getting to be a Stooge for a night with Iggy, duh!

Ale: Playing sold out shows in Mexico with El Shirota. Of course, playing with Iggy Pop is pretty dope too.

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

Emile: Going back to school to study Electrical Engineering. 

Ale: Photography or I’d want to hone in on my sewing skills and be a costume designer. 

Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?

Emile: Is this a “dead or alive” question? I’m going for dead… My grandma Sally and her sister Ruth. My gone-too-soon friend Sean Ashworth AKA Audioid. I’ll throw a couple “famous” dead folks in there too – Ryuichi Sakamoto and Emma Goldman. 

Ale: Paul Westerberg, Bob & Tommy Stinson, Chris Mars, and Bob Pollard just to see what happens.

What’s next for the band?

A lot of touring. 

What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?

You can find us at lasnubesband.com or on Instagram @lasnubesband, and any streaming service!

“Would Be” Music Video:

Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?

It’s called tostada… Somos Miami, bro. 

Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?

Support local artists and musicians. Protect queer and trans youth. Practice community care. 

Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this review, unless you have the strict permission of both parties. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.