Discover the transformative power of music with Wino Gandara, as we delve into his single Desertic Rain, exploring resilience, self-discovery, and the artistry behind his introspective journey.
1. Can
you share the inspiration behind the title Desertic Rain and what it represents
to you?
Desertic Rain represents a deeply personal journey of transformation and
self-discovery. It’s a metaphor for those rare, life-altering moments when we
finally achieve the change we've been waiting for, but only through facing our
fears and overcoming them. Just like rain in the desert, these moments are rare
and precious, marking the culmination of a cycle where growth and renewal are
possible against all odds. It speaks to the patience and effort required to
flourish, reminding us that these transformative rains have the power to
reshape everything within us. The rain also binds us to the universe, reminding
us that challenges are not only inevitable but necessary for our growth and
evolution. Without these storms, there is no transformation.
2. You’ve collaborated with remarkable artists like Alessandro Bertoni,
Lukky Sparx, and Oleh Andrievsky. How did these collaborations come about, and
what unique elements did they bring to the track?
Working with them was an incredible experience. Each of them brought a distinct
element to the song that made it truly stand out. The collaborations happened
naturally, we connected through shared ideas and a passion for music.
Alessandro was the first person I worked with, and after I heard the song with
his keyboard sound, I was blown away. His work brought incredible depth and
emotion to the song. After Alessandro, Oleh added his creativity, bringing a
unique touch that helped shape the song. Finally, Lukky added the last layer,
injecting so much energy with his unique style.
Their contributions didn’t just enhance the song, they pushed me creatively,
inspiring me to go further and experiment more. At the end, the mixing process
was fun and interesting, also enriching, as it allowed me to make sure all the
sounds stood out where they should, bringing everything together in the best
possible way.
3. The single explores themes of resilience and overcoming internal
struggles. Was this drawn from personal experiences, and how do you hope
listeners connect with these themes?
The idea of resilience and overcoming internal struggles comes from my own
experiences of facing fears and pushing through difficult moments to grow. It’s
about those times in life where you realize that change and progress depend
entirely on your courage to confront what’s holding you back.
I hope listeners can see a part of their own journey in my music. We all go
through those moments of self-doubt or challenge, and my hope is that the song
can be a reminder that transformation is possible. Even in the toughest times,
there’s always a chance for renewal if we stay determined and strong.
4. Your home studio in Guatemala played a central role in creating Desertic Rain. What were the advantages and challenges of recording in your own space?
Working in my home studio was both a rewarding and challenging experience. The biggest advantage was the freedom it gave me to experiment and dive deeply into the creative process without any time pressures, creating an environment where ideas could flow naturally. Plus, having full control over the setup meant I could refine the sound exactly the way I envisioned. The hardest part was gaining distance from the project. Being so close to it, I got caught up in small details and struggled to see the bigger picture. Taking breaks and listening with a fresh perspective was key to ensuring the song came together as I envisioned.
5. You’ve cited artists like Marco Sfogli, Dream Theater, and Metallica as influences. How did their styles shape the sound of this single?
Their styles helped me push my boundaries, encouraging me to take creative risks and experiment. In the end, it’s about creating what I love with what inspires me, always striving to balance the lessons I’ve learned from each of them while staying true to my own artistic vision.
6. The track includes both vocal and instrumental versions. What led you to create these two distinct experiences, and do you have a preference?
Creating both vocal and instrumental versions of Desertic Rain was a way to offer listeners two different experiences of the same message.
The vocal version provides a direct emotional connection with the lyrics, allowing the listener to dive into the themes of determination and transformation through both the music and the words. It’s a more personal, narrative-driven experience.
On the other hand, the instrumental version lets the music speak for itself, offering a more abstract, open-ended interpretation.
As for a preference, I don’t have a favorite, it depends on the mood. The vocal version feels more complete, in a way, because the lyrics add an extra layer of meaning. But the instrumental version allows the music to stand on its own, which is really powerful. Both versions are equally meaningful to me, just in different ways.
7. The lyrics of Desertic Rain are deeply introspective. How did you approach the songwriting process to capture such raw emotion?
The songwriting process began with a deep reflection on experiences of internal struggle and transformation, those times when you feel trapped, yet know that change is inevitable. I wanted the lyrics to encapsulate the raw tension between fear and hope, and the patience required to break free from a cycle you can't yet see a way out of. It was important to show the vulnerability of facing these challenges, while also highlighting the strength needed to allow growth to unfold.
Additionally, I wanted to touch on what's happening in Guatemala, where we need real change, especially when it comes to corruption and the ongoing cycle of the same issues. The fight for change isn’t just personal, it’s something we all experience. By bringing these themes into the song, I hoped to connect personal growth with the idea of bigger collective change, encouraging people to think about how we can break free from what’s holding us back, both as individuals and as a community. This change is possible if we stay true to ourselves and resist acting just for money or self-interest, focusing instead on what truly matters for the greater good.
8. The production process was described as meticulous, starting from guitar pro scores to the final mix. What was the most rewarding part of this journey?
The most rewarding part of the production process was seeing everything come together, starting from something as simple as Guitar Pro. It was a meticulous journey, but the moment I heard all the layers blend perfectly, was incredibly fulfilling. Every time a new layer was added, it gave me a satisfaction I can’t fully explain, like watching the song grow into something more powerful with each addition. The process of refining and experimenting, especially with the contributions from Alessandro, Oleh, and Lukky made the final mix feel like the culmination of all that effort. It was rewarding to hear how everything evolved, from the initial ideas to a complete, polished track that felt alive and real.
9. What message do you hope Desertic Rain conveys to your audience, particularly those facing their own struggles?
Life can feel like a desert at times, dry, endless, and full of challenges. But just like rare rain in the desert, moments of transformation and progress are possible, even in the most difficult circumstances. My hope is that listeners feel empowered to keep pushing forward, knowing that their struggles are part of their own journey toward development and change.
10. As a multifaceted artist handling composition, production, and art design, how do you balance these roles, and what drives your creative vision?
Balancing all my roles is key to my creative process, as each one works together to tell a complete story. I’m driven by the desire to bring my unique ideas to life and capture who I am as an artist. Music, visuals, and production come together to create an authentic experience that reflects my vision. It’s about turning my imagination into reality, with each element adding to the overall journey I want to share. Ultimately, it’s about living a happy life, finding inspiration, and having the courage to be yourself, so you can create something that truly matters to you.
11. With the release of Desertic Rain, what’s next for you? Are there plans for a full album or more collaborations in the future?
Well, I’ve basically completed an entire album, and I plan to release it song by song. I have some amazing guests in mind for the future, each one is someone I admire. Alessandro plays on almost all the tracks, which has been incredible. Manuel Trabucco on sax is amazing, and I’m excited to feature him on some of the songs. I’d also love to invite Ric Fierabracci to record one of my songs, and having Brett Garsed and Marco Sfogli involved would be a dream come true. I have a list of my favorite artists, and I’d love to collaborate with them some time down the road!
12. Lastly, if you could describe Desertic Rain in three words, what would they be, and why?
If I had to describe Desertic Rain in three words, they would be: Transformative, Empowering, and Reflective.
Transformative because the song represents personal growth and change. Empowering because it speaks to overcoming challenges and finding strength in difficult times. And Reflective because it encourages listeners to reconsider their actions and become more conscious of their impact on themselves and the world around them.
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