www.facebook.com/thetragiccompany
From: Spain
Sounds like: Alternative/Post Grunge/Progressive Rock
1. How did you get started with music and how did you develop your sound? Who thought of the name “The Tragic Company" and is there any meaning behind it?
We’ve all been around in Southern Spain Underground Scene for quite a while already. The band started off around 2008 and there have been some band members in and out in the last few years, but in the past three or four we have a solid lineup. In the beginning, it was my solo project (Juanma), but I didn’t want to call it Juanma’s Project, as I am no Alan Parsons. So I thought of a name that would mean there’s more people in it besides me… when the moment to play live came, I searched for musicians and here we are. No more solo project but a real, proper full band. The sound has been evolving for all this time. From a more classic rock vibe to a modern, stoner/alternative/grunge/proggy style. We like hard and heavy stuff, but also melody and good harmonies.
2. What do you want people to take away from your music?
To play the full album again once it’s finished. And not skip a single track. We just want them to really enjoy them. To give them good, solid, honest rock songs. We always try our best to write the best music we can. Normally throw away any piece that doesn’t meet our standards.
3. How would you describe your sound to the average listener?
Powerful, in-your-face modern rock music. We also like to experiment a little bit and add some proggy bits here and there, so you won’t get bored with your old trusty 4/4.
4. Who are three bands you’d like to tour with?
Porcupine Tree, Dizy Mizz Lizzy, and Alter Bridge.
5. What are your three desert island albums that you'd never get tired of listening to?
Dark Side of The Moon by Pink Floyd, Deadwing by Porcupine Tree and Forward in Reverse by Dizzy MIzz Lizzy.
6. What’s your take on the current state of Rock?
I think there are good bands out there with great music to be listened to and great talent, but cannot reach their potential audience because if you really want to stand out from the crowd, you need to pay for it. So, sadly, nowadays, to make good music is not enough.
7. What’s the current music scene like there in Spain?
Terrible. It’s the same old-fashioned bands, with the same old formula and the same old tricks… over and over again. Still, there are some proper bands out there, but you have to dig a lot into the shitty surface to reach them.
8. What’s your take on legal/illegal music downloading?
People used cassette recorders to get their favourite music on their Walkmans back in the 80s and 90s and that was a way of piracy distribution, then mp3s and illegal downloads were a problem on the early 00s, but nowadays, people use Spotify and other online platforms that mean a bit more retribution to the musician. Not much, though. We’re still far from the fair point for the artists, but I think it’s the way to go. Also, it’s nice to see an upturn in vinyl sells these days. CD is dead.
9. What’s next for The Tragic Company?
To grow out of our borders in Spain and let people from other countries know us, since we believe our music is more likable out there.
10. Any shoutouts?
We’re here to stay and we’re gonna make a lot of noise. Get ready for The Tragic Company.
