Slaverty is a Melodic/Symphonic metal band from Chile
Interview conducted on Jan. 13, 2021
By Dan Locke
Slaverty is a Symphonic/Melodic Metal band from Santiago, Chile, formed in 2014 by lead Vocalist Karin Monserrat and by ex-Bassist and actual Manager of the band, George Ugalde. Together, they started using the name “Slaverty” to look for musicians to play on this newly metal project. Some guitarists and drummers came and went, but it was not until Juanjo Ulloa´s arrival that the band started taking it´s official path. Recommended by a friend from George, Juanjo was recruited as Guitarist for the band, bringing the perfect touch of “Metal” sound the band required
Slaverty members:
Vocals Karin Montt, Guitars Juanjo Ulloa, Guitars Edgardo (Soco), keyboardist Matías Schwartz, Drums Oz Silva
You are from Chile. What is your upbringing?
Karin Montt: It depends on each family. Our upbringing could be different but always based on respect, solidarity, and kindness.
How was your Christmas? I see you did a Christmas video “My Lovely Christmas”?
Christmas was good, quiet, and yes! My lovely Christmas was a weekend idea. Karin wrote the melody and lyrics and Matías added the piano and fantastic arrangements. That was just to do something “special” for our Dreamers. Cheap to make, but an invaluable gift.
How did you discover music?
Music is everywhere! Nowadays, it’s not a discovery. Today you can discover different types of music, genres, and artists. We love being part of this circle and when you are gifted in music…that’s your purpose. The reason why you are in this world.
Matías (Keyboardist), Edgardo Soco (Guitarist), and Simón (Bassist) took the decision to study music as their profession and not a simple hobby. Today isn’t a hobby for us, for all of us.
What is Metal magic?
Metal Magic for us is that kind of music where you can create your own magical story only by hearing the instruments, arrangements, and voices, even if you don’t know the lyrics or subject. The sound wraps you and carries you to different places.
Karin- Why did you decide to take singing lessons at Veronica Villarroel’s Academy?
When I was finishing college, I decided to improve my voice and how to take care of it. I found the AVV academy because the owner provides opera techniques. I was there for 3 years, but if I think about it, I had one-hour singing lessons a week. So … how many hours did I spend there learning? Here you can use your math skills, guys (laughs).
How did you find Juanjo Ulloa as guitarist for the band?
George our Manager has a friend, Eliezer who also helped us at the beginning of Slaverty, playing acoustic guitar. So, recommended by him, Juanjo was recruited as the guitarist for the band, bringing the perfect touch of “Metal” sound the band required.
How did you form the band?
Slaverty was formed in 2014 by lead Vocalist Karin Monserrat and by ex-bassist and actual Manager of the band, George Ugalde. Together, we started using the name “Slaverty” to look for musicians to play on this new metal project. Some guitarists and drummers came and went, but it was not until Juanjo Ulloa´s arrival that we started taking our official path. By 2015, Karin met Matías Schwartz (Keyboardist) who worked as a Piano Accompanist for the AVV Academy. By that time, we needed a more melodic approach to enhance Karin´s voice, so the need to incorporate keyboards and more instruments became essential.
One of the first big contacts that George had been trying to enroll since the start of the band was Oscar “Oz” Silva (Drummer) to no avail, but it was around that same time, close to when Matías joined the band, that, after many conversations, Oscar decided to be part of this project. The last member was needed that could help with additional arrangements and musical production, so another guitarist was scouted, a musician that could add both delightful yet skillful solos to our team, so by Matías´ contact in 2018, Slaverty recruited Edgardo “Soco” Moraga on Guitars and recently introduced us to Simon Espinosa to be our current bass player.
How did your band gets it name Slaverty?
Each band needs a name, so one day we said “Who we are? what’s our band name?” and everyone had different ideas, but one day Karin said It Slaverty (laughs), and everyone said the same thing you are thinking “What does it mean?”. SO, Slaverty It’s a pun! we joined two English words, “Slavery” and “Liberty”. You can take it´s meaning anywhere! Think of these two concepts overlapping now applying to the obstacles in our minds. We can feel free in our minds, we can think and imagine whatever we want, but unfortunately, sometimes society shohttps://www.instagram.com/p/BdKaP_an8fz/ws us limits to this imagination.
What was your first performance like?
Actually, our first performance as a band was an acoustic show in AVV Academy. The audience was the majority of Matias´ friends, his family, Academy artists, and teachers. That was the first exciting step.
What makes a good songwriter?
This is totally new, we are not experts on this. but I think it’s “feeling”, you can feel the song, the vibration and if it moves you, it’s good. Many people can love it or hate it. But let the people who love it enjoy it. Just, let it all flow out.
What is the process of writing your music?
Karin (vocals) creates the concept, the melody, the lyrics, and some arrangement ideas which is later shown to Matías (pianist/keyboardist) and/or Soco (guitarist) who take these concepts and give them a real sound with arrangements to portray the mood (Piano, Guitar, drums among other instruments). It is then presented to both Juanjo (guitarist) and Oz Silva (drummer) who then add more arrangements and ideas to the structure that has been presented completing the song. After rehearsals and not a small number of listens, we might add details as we go before giving it the “green light”. That’s our process today. It might change, who knows? it depends on the moment.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
Not these organizations, but SCD Chile. Thanks for the information 🙂
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
I don’t remember it very well, but I think that was “The Biggest mistake”. And yep, we recorded it many times.
Tell me about the recording of your first single “The Biggest Mistake” back in 2016?
Well, “The Biggest Mistake” was the first song that sounded good as a basis for developing our “Style”. It was not easy because we had our own life project and betting on something totally unknown was doubtful.
Finally, we made up our mind and recorded the song to see how it worked. Now we have two versions.
How did you discover Wormhole Death Records?
Luc (Euphoria Project) got in touch with us and introduced us to the WHD music label. Carlo (owner) sent us the proposal because he liked our music and now we are part of the WHD Family.
Tell me about your debut album “Beyond Imagination”?
Well, The Album has this theme of Situations that happen (or could happen) in our daily lives, and even when we are not directly involved with such events, it sure is easy to relate as they all relate to human emotions: the feeling of wanting something, losing something, or sometimes, going back and wandering about the things that happen if they could have been different.
Tell me about the making of the video “Dementia”?
The video “Dementia” was recorded in the Cajón del Maipo-Chile. We started recording at 1 pm and finished the session at almost midnight. We write down ideas to optimize time. Eat, record, eat, record, eat again. (laughs) Part of our schedule … I love it.
In the video you can see a person suffering from the disease, she can hear the doll and the fairies, but it is more than this, it is something terrible. My grandmother is in the final stage of this mental illness.
Who idea was it to enter it into the Santiago Horror film festival?
We didn’t know that we were participating. One day a friend from another Chilean band “Auris” said; “Congratulations” and we didn’t know why, but then he explained it to us. It was an unexpected nomination.
How was it different then “Be Free”?
“Be Free” is a ballad, it’s a quiet song, a moment to take a breath and think about our life; am I happy doing this or that? Do I feel good here? Maybe this is not my place. I have wings (power of decision) and courage.The video represents that, being free in a place where it makes you feel good doing something you like. Enjoying life…
What is your favorite track on the album?
Oh! That is hard. Each song has its meaning to me, I can’t choose one … sorry
How do you stay healthy while performing?
Not too much, I do the same thing; Workout, eat healthy, sleep well. But I add a steam bath for my vocal cords. You should try it… it’s nice!
What are you’re feeling about streaming music?
Well, it’s a new era and we have to adapt. I think it’s a great place to instantly show your music, search for artists and find new music.
How can people forget about the origin hashtag # Sharp in a musical score? Because of social media #sonyrecords vs. F#
The musicians will never forget it. (laughs) everything is changing, but things are what they are. If your first answer is about “social media” its a pity, but today we live around the “hashtag” on social networks, and everyone assumes that.
Digital vs. vinyl?
mmm … I don’t have a turntable, but I know that Vinyl is “Experience”. I don’t have that experience yet, so I’ll choose “Digital”. It could change if I ever have one. =)
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
Oh, “Righteous Brothers Unchained Tune”. My grandfather said to me before he died; “If you listen to Ghost’s song” – Unchained Melody … Remember me ” That’s the last words I have after his passing. More than ten years and I still can’t get over it.
Before the virus you did the Hell Station Metal Fest. How was that?
Yes! That was incredible! because we were underground in a subway station. Many Chilean bands played, and many people went there too. George, our manager, produced the festival. Well done George!
Both (Pfizer and BioNTech) and Moderna have conclude Phase 3 Study of the Coronavirus vaccine. With the both vaccine, it takes two shots. How many people do you think will take it and how many will forget to take the second shot?
Well, I am not a health professional. I only hope what is necessary to exterminate the virus. We need a large percentage of the population to be vaccinated. but still not sure if it works. It reminds me of when H1N1 came along and I contracted it. I was working in a hospital and I had to get vaccinated despite having the virus. But, I don’t know.
How long before the whole world will be vaccinate against the virus. You have to remember there only has to be a 70% for Herd immunity (Herd immunity occurs when a large portion of a community (the herd) becomes immune to a disease, making the spread of disease from person to person unlikely. As a result, the whole community becomes protected — not just those who are immune.)
Do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
It already did! many bands of different genres were affected. They couldn’t tour, sell their merchandise, and promote their latest work. We are part of this group, but we have to adapt to the situation. We have to see the opportunity in that and keep working.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
That was strange, I was in Ireland the first half of this year and I spent the lockdown there. At least I could go to the park and walk on the streets. Wearing masks was not mandatory.
When I returned to Chile that was more restricted, but I think that’s better. So I had time to prepare everything for the album release, and even more, I kept sewing, drawing, cooking, writing more songs.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
I used to play soccer (among other sports) when I was little, so I thought it was a good idea to buy a new ball to play just trying to tame the ball. It’s relaxing until I can’t tame it. I just take the ball and throw it away. Then I try again … (laughs)
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
I am part of these people. I use Netflix and Amazon. That’s enough for me. Although I prefer the radio.
With the streaming services (Disney (50+ new shows/moviesLizzie McGuire, The Sandlot, Beauty and the Beast prequel, MoanaCars, Soul, Raya and the Last Dragon, Sister Act 3, Pinocchio, Peter Pan and Wendy, all future Star Wars and Marvel movies and shows) and HOB Max ( including Wonder Woman 2, Godzilla vs Kong, Top Gun: Maverick, Mortal Kombat, Tom and Jerry, The Many Saints of Newark, The Conjuring:The Devil Made Me Do It, In the Heights, Space Jam: A New Legacy, The Suicide Squard, Dune, The Matrix 4) planning to pull all the upcoming movies from next year and put them on their streaming service. How will that affect the entertainment industry?
One thing you have to remember also most these movies are already in the can ready to be release. And the original agreement were for the movies to come out at the theater first. The actors and crew make most of their money from the residuals (financial compensations that are paid to the actors, film directors and other involved (including music) in the making of the movie in cases of reruns, syndication, DVD release, and online streaming release).
Everything is changing and entertainment companies must seize the opportunity to innovate and keep their audience’s attention or they will go out of business.
A lot of them are doing their own productions and I think that’s very smart. So artists must keep working on new films to live for “residuals” in the future. If you do this today, you will have the same in the future, especially for new artists. It’s like a cycle.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on livestreamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses.
The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will includes [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only.
How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Well, today we have a lot of people who are working and studying something related to this. It’s a matter of time that someone else creates another platform to make it easier for us. Sorry Mark (laughs)
How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merchandise to them at the show?
Fortunately, this new era allows us to stay in touch with fans. Digital times can help any band to keep working, sharing music, streaming, and that may sound strange, but I think it makes you more human, although I am talking about the digital age because we can interact with them at any time and even more. “natural”. I know it is not the same, but it is what we have.
Is pay to play still a thing? Now pay to play also means thinks like playlist on the internet and opening slots for a major band on tour.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Unfortunately, when artists start, sometimes they have to pay. This industry is also a business. I think artists (myself included) have options and can choose the best at that time. there are many ways to make your dreams come true.
On the other hand, I’ve never heard of holographic concerts. That could be great, I like the idea. You couldn’t touch the artists, but at least you could see them in the front row. (laughs)
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
Well actually I’m a Business Administration Engineer and that’s good for me, I like it. But I needed something that I could put all my energy and creativity into. When I was younger I had decided to be an architect or a lawyer, but that was not “real” for me, I really wanted to be an actress, singer, or fashion designer (Hot-Couture) and even a race driver. I really like that.
What is your happy place?
Today my happy place is my Home studio. It’s perfect for me, not too much, but nice and comfy. I can spend many hours there with my kitten. She is my first reviewer.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
Well, first of all, thank you so much for this exciting and awesome interview. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do. Stay safe, please!
