Interviews: BARROS

In this new occassion we have had the opportunity to interview the  Hard Rock/Rock band BARROS from Portugal. Check out the interview and this band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you planned it or came out just like that?

I've released my first solo album under the name Paulo Barros in 1994. Later, in 2003, I've released my Hard Rock album under the name BARROS. Therefore, I've used the name BARROS to differentiate my projects with instrumental albums from those with vocalists. My 3rd and 4th albums are instrumental, as Paulo Barros, and "More Humanity Please", with a vocalist, was released as BARROS.       

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

With my brother Luís Barros, I'm the founder of one of the most influential Heavy Metal bands in Portugal - TARANTULA. We've started the band in 1981 and were, therefore, influenced by the most successful bands at the time - IRON MAIDEN, JUDAS PRIEST, SAXON, HELLOWEEN -, but earlier on we'd listen to DEEP PURPLE, BLACK SABBATH, VAN HALEN, AC\DC, etc. In BARROS, I wanted to do something more 70's than 80´s oriented, influenced by the music we'd listen to when we were 13/14 years old, more related to the beginning of 70's Hard Rock, although some defend the idea that Hard Rock and Heavy Metal were the same thing. That everything was Hard Rock in Europe and later, in the USA, the name was changed to Heavy Metal??? I have no idea... it's just a theory. But yes, like you, I can tell that in this work I wanted a bit slower tempos, songs with a simpler structure and a more adequate and melodic voice, very different from TARANTULA if possible. I'm not a big fan of musicians doing solo works sounding very similar to their band, I don´t know... in that case, I'll just listen to their main band, the one with that essence.             

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Yes, Pico, the drummer, was one of my brother's best pupils and has also played many shows with TARANTULA, replacing Luís Barros when he couldn't perform. Bassist Vera has played with some bands in the city of Porto, which is also my town and we ran into each other in rehearsal rooms and some shows. I´ve met Ray, the singer, only about 1 year ago, playing in a club in south Portugal (Algarve). I liked his voice and musical taste and, therefore, invited him to join this band.      

4. Each band member favourite band?

PAULO BARROS: DEEP PURPLE  

     

RAY VAN D: LED ZEPPELIN  

   

PICO MOREIRA: LED ZEPPELIN    

VERA SÁ: LED ZEPPELIN     

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Musically, I'm inspired by my favourite musicians - Eduard Van Halen, George Lynch, Y.J.Malmsteen, Gary Moore, Ritchie Blackmore,Tony Iommi, Angus Young. On a more spiritual side, I´m inspired by the problems most people on this planet face on a daily basis... I was lucky enough to be able to make music almost all my life and it was tough choice... but I'm sure I'm aware of the difficulties most people go through to live in this increasingly violent and complex world...       

6. Where was your last gig?

In the north of Portugal, on June 29th.     

7. Where would you like to act?

Maybe in some countries we've never played, such as Japan, Australia, Russia, France, Italy, United Kingdom or U.S.A. to name just a few, of course there are many more.     

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Van Halen, Whitesnake, Saxon, Mr.Big, Harem Scarem, AC\DC, and about 10.000 more bands we like...     

9. Whom not?  

Shakira, Madonna, Britney, Enrique Iglesias, Justin Bieber……and about 3 million more………     

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

STAGE FRIGHT? ALWAYS!!!! Of course, I think we all suffer from stage fright before going onstage, even the most experienced. I think all artists tremble before going onstage, but we can also assure beginners that they'll always be fine, because as soon as the lights go on the satisfaction is so great that all fears automatically disappear. Also, remember that we're all human, we all make mistakes, and when that happens just laugh and have fun, because people will appreciate that.          

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Bands from the late 60's - DEEP PURPLE, LED ZEPPELIN; early 70's - VAN HALEN, AC\DC; 80's - WINGER, HAREM SCAREM.     

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?  

In the late 80's, a fan ran away from her parent's house to come live with me. Of course, the police was already waiting for her on my doorstep.      

13. What do you think of your fans?  

Our biggest idols are the fans, because without them we're nothing... thus, we must accept everything coming from them, even if it is bad criticism... fans provide us with all the oxygen to survive, so they must be demanding towards musicians and we must learn and improve our work.     

14. What do you think of our site? 

Very organised, excellent design, some innovation such as TRACK BY TRACK EXPLANATION and BEHIND ARTWORK, and, most importantly, the diversity of rock music genres.       

15. Something add?

THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT! HAVE FUN!!!