Interviews: Alfonso Conspiracy

On this new occasion, we had the opportunity to interview the Metal artist Alfonso Conspiracy from the UK. Check out the interview and follow this artist on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the name? Did you plan it, or did it just come out like that?

It’s a good question…But I can’t drop the mystery now. Been doing this too long to give the secrets away. Let’s just say it came to me in a dream, and leave it there. It didn’t, but that sounds cool

2 . Why did you want to play this genre?

I think metal music as a whole has become incredibly stagnant in recent years. What began as a culture defying the status quo has become debatably one of the most predictable styles in music. There are some amazing bands, though, each following their own rules and their own styles, often to the distaste of a lot of metal fans. But I think the idea of injecting other styles, genres, and concepts into it is vital and fresh. I am a huge fan of Industrial metal and gothic music/style, and I believe it has a huge place in the ‘core’ shaped metal scene we have shaped, so I create a fusion of old grotty 90s industrial and modern punchy metal breakdowns. I wanna play Ministry style riffs, but I want a wall of death, so I do both

3. Who plays on the album? Just you or other members?

Alfonso Conspiracy is literally just me. So I write the music, produce and record it, distribute, promote, and release it all alone. I also perform it alone. It’s all very fun, but it’s also an absolute nightmare. But yeah, every riff, lyric, and weird noise on this album came from my brain, whether that is good or bad is not up to me to decide.

4. Who is your favourite band?

I love music so much, it’s hard to say a favourite band. I feel like I should say that, but that’s a complete lie. My favourite band is Nine Inch Nails

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

That’s a weird question…because I guess literally anything and everything inspires music. The only consistency for me is that it’s something I believe strongly in or something I feel strongly about. There isn’t a strict rule for what I write about; it’s basically something I want to get off my chest. I’m not the best at actually talking to people about actual things; I prefer to put that into my music. I hope people don’t relate to some of the stuff I write about, but if they do, I at least hope my songs are cathartic in some way

6. Where was your last gig?

I recently played a hometown show, closing the NamJam festival in Hull. It was a great day, organised for proceedings to go to LGBTQ+ Youth, so a good cause and a good show! I haven’t played in Hull for a while, so it was good to be back and show some new songs

7. Where would you like to play?

I’m not sure if there is a specific place, but I can’t wait to journey into Europe. I can feel the slight wiggles or progress, and I just know the show and experience is gonna be so good once I finally cross that channel

8. Who would you like to support?

A band I would really love to support is Northlane. I think the vibe would work with them, and I adore their music; they’re also one of the most special live bands I’ve ever seen, so if playing a show with them brings at least one more person who wouldn’t have seen them previously, then I’d be happy. I also could never get bored with watching them, it's like a brick wall of noise in the best possible way

9. Who not?

Tool. Because no matter what, no one will leave that show talking about my set 

10. Have you ever suffered from stage fright? Any tips for beginners on how to beat that?

The first tip I have for beginners is that anyone who says they don’t suffer from stage fright is just lying. I mayn’t be able to speak for people doing this for 3 times the length of my life, but I can definitely say that anyone who hasn’t been doing this longer than they have gets nervous, and it’s a useful tool. It is adrenaline, and it’s important to use that tool to enhance your show. It keeps you focused and awake, ready for the show. I always feel a bit nervous when that intro kicks in, but it’s part of it

11. What bands or artists have inspired you the most?

I’ve been inspired by so many artists. Artists in all walks. Any piece of art that resonates with me is inspiring. Growing up, the music that inspired me the most would be bands like Architects and Parkway Drive, but also the likes of Pendulum and Prodigy, and even Rihanna and Michael Jackson. Nowadays, I find myself more inspired by movies or artistic pieces. The dark side of cinema is somewhere I resonate a lot with, and I never create anything without horror movies on, particularly movies made pre-1970

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

I’m not sure I’ve ever had any weird fans. If anyone is a fan of mine, I feel like I owe them everything, so it’s tough to say! All I can think of is someone…not sure they were a fan…came up to me after a show and asked me if they could have a hospital gown I was using as a prop. I asked why, and I was given a blank expression back, so I often sit and wonder what they wanted it for

13. What do you think of your fans?

My fans are so dedicated and amazing. I feel bad for them, cause if they enjoy my music and relate to it, then something’s gone wrong for them somewhere down the line. I feel like my little community I have made always has my back, so I love them forever for that

14. What do you think of our site?

When going on the site, I immediately feel like I’m back 10 or so years and reading all the blogs on my favourite bands. There’s a sense of nostalgia, and I love it

15. Something to add?

Thanks for taking the time to have me, and I hope anyone reading this has the time to check my stuff out! Lots of music on the horizon and being released as we speak