Interview: Wangelen

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

I can´t remember. I suppose my dad played the guitar from year and years. I´m so tied to that and to the music of my country “Chile”, that´s a difficult but at the same time easy question. What got me into it? Life.

Cannot imagine what other paths could be for me....

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I read a fucking lot through many years. I have like 1000 or 2000 books. I also do trekking. Chile is a blessing in terms of places to go high. Mountains are all around here, by thousands. I also listen to good stuff, classical mostly and some high-end creations like Ihsahn and Ulver maybe... Arcturus too. And lost of folkish Chilean themes. “Violeta Parra”.... that´s a huge insane influence to me. Also Mahler and Shostakovich.

How long has your band been around?

16 years

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

South of Chile. Gorgeous place. Influenced a fucking lot. I will make it short for your readers: Spanish conquerors spent 500 knights in conquering ALL AMERICAS, including Mexico and Peru. But for Chile, it was 50.000. We have the pride of having here the MAPUCHE blood, these ancient warriors were just a bomb. For the interested reader, google “Lautaro”. “War of arauco” and such. So that influenced a lot, most of all for the 10 first years of this musical project.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Wangelen means “Star” in Mapudungun, the language of the Mapuche people. It´s related to the morning star, you know, venus. That´s a key “star” for these people weltanschauuung or “world vision“ of them.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

Very few. In 16 years we have only played like 15 times. On one, the best, in Concepcion city, I used a fishing rod. I put one big double cd (Espiritu, 2018), and I throw it to the audience, they fight for it more than a salmon for his life. I´m a man of the country and love fishing. It was amazing to do that. Any interested person can reach me on my fb or ig to get that video, was fun.....

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I don´t play much so i don´t have a favorite. I think my favorite will be europe.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Everything can be accomplished. It´s not talent, it´s not genius. It´s hard work.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

DO MORE !!! TRY HARDER !”!!!

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Too many. Maybe “El demonio dirige”; from the 2017 ep “El pillan dirige.

Also, the song called “Espiritu” an acoustic one.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

I don´t play much. I think the most requested is “300 years of war”. Because it´s insane but the Spanish conqueror tried by 300 FUCKING years to defeat the warriors here. No one knows about this. Interesting for the interested reader. Look for “War of arauco”.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

I¨m always creating stuff of all kind. There is no band, this is my personal project. I work with session musicians, especially a professional drummer called Tempenor. But now I´m again starting the live band with my very special friends Pablo and Gustavo in Guitars. I´ll do the bass and Tempenor the drums

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

All kind. From historical views on the past of Chile, to philosophy in several ways, historical, existentialism, vitalism, etc etc etc. I consider myself a philosopher, humble but yea.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

I have disagreements with myself, too much drink! You should be creating and playing!....

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Our new album. “Religion de la materia” (RELIGION OF MATTER)

This is an atheist way to put ourselves again INTO the universe, with the importance we have.

Thank you from Chile.

Pillanche.