Entrevista a Alvinas

Alvinas emerges from the musical landscapes of the Sierra de Huelva, specifically from Aracena, with a unique blend of styles that range from punk and lo-fi to Latin and electronic influences. The band, composed of Mercedes Almarcha, Sebastián Orellana, Rey Fernández, and a group of collaborators, brings an eclectic sound to the forefront of the Spanish underground music scene. Their recent release “Veneno” has resonated both on alternative circuits and dance floors, showcasing their raw and distinctive sound.

Their diverse influences, from The Cramps to Lee Perry, have shaped a sonic experience that defies categorization. Alvinas’ creative journey is about more than just music — it’s about pushing boundaries and challenging conventional genres, all while staying true to their love for music. In this interview, the band discusses their formation, influences, and upcoming projects.

Hello Alvinas! For those who don’t know you yet, can you tell us a bit about how the group formed and where you’re from?

Hello friends! The idea of Alvinas came from a small town in the Sierra de Huelva, in Aracena, born from the friendship and lysergic connection between Mercedes Almarcha, Sebastián Orellana, and Rey Fernández. We come from very different and wild musical backgrounds. Mercedes had the chance (a poisoned gift, as we like to call it) to record with Jordi Gil at Sputnik studios in Seville. Along the way, we met Jaime (bassist for Verafauna), who joined the project. Lorenzo Soria “Bazofia” also became part of the band after collaborating in the studio on “Veneno,” and now he accompanies us in live performances. Rocío Huertas also joins us live with her guitar.

In your music, there’s an interesting mix of styles. How would you define the sound of Alvinas and what influences have shaped your path?

The three of us come from parallel, complex, and quite expansive worlds. We come from garage, punk, lo-fi, post-punk, punk rock, experimental, Latin, and folk. We’re united by our love and respect for music. We never planned to create something based on a particular sound; it all happened naturally, like a beautiful adaptation process between very different musicians. Everything around us influences us at many levels, and we find everything that’s a bit out of the box stimulating, regardless of genre, era, or origin. We’ve absorbed everything, from the wildest psychedelia to proto-punk from 1966, Mississippi blues, rock, garage, and all shades of electronic music, always leaning towards the more risky and strange side of things.

Your latest release has been well-received. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this work and the production process?

“Veneno” was the advance single, and it seems to have made an impact on dance circles. Tracks like “Respira” (inspired by “You Know” by Micachu and the Shapes) and “Mosca Fueras” have resonated more in alternative circles. We’ve had no promotion or distribution; it’s all been very homemade. The production and creation process started with Mercedes’ “poisoned gift” to record with Jordi Gil at Sputnik. We reviewed Mercedes’ lyrics, wrote a few more, and the three of us shaped them in Aracena. In the studio, everything took form, and the spontaneous visit of Martín Benavides was pure magic. He brought his theremin, toys, and instruments, adding his touch to nearly all the tracks.

How has your sound evolved from your first releases until now? What has changed or remained the same over time?

We’ve worked on some new tracks this past year and played them live. We’ve revisited songs from Mercedes and Loren’s previous band “Guantá” that never got recorded. Alvinas’ essence remains, with Lorenzo Soria playing an essential role. In every concert, we also include two or three songs from “Bazofia” with the band. Due to various projects and tours, it’s tough to come together for music, so we rarely play live. But Alvinas is always in our minds.

What has your live performance experience been like? Any unforgettable shows or places you’d love to play?

The concerts have been crazy and fun! We believe the audience enjoyed it and was pleasantly surprised. We’ve only played a few gigs because many of the band members are involved in other projects. Our first gig was at the Anunnaki’s Club in Aracena, which was very punk! Another memorable performance was at the Central Theatre in Seville for the Irreductibles Nocturama event.