Interview with Carlos Thurler

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

As a kid, I didn’t have much of a preference, but I do remember how the Beatles songs my parents listened to stuck in my head more so than others. It was the first exposure I got to the genius of their music, but also a hint of where I was going. So in my early teens I started to seek music for myself and it had a lot to do with self expression and a sense of belonging too. It helped that I had some likeminded friends. So I really got into Rock through the likes of Guns n' Roses, Metallica, Nirvana, etc. And if it outraged family members, all the better! So I got into more extreme stuff like Pantera, Sepultura, Slayer. Listening to rock bands made me want to pick up a guitar and that’s how it started.

Although I can’t imagine not being a musician, if it weren’t for that, I’d certainly have a regular 9 to 5 like most people back home, working in a bank or something. That would be ok too, I guess.

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

When not playing music, I end up spending long periods on my mobile phone keeping in touch with family and friends and inevitably I waste more time than I would have liked. But I try to keep it productive by watching great content that helps my career: many kinds of music related content that makes me better at producing music. In my downtime I also like to watch films, documentaries and to read when I’m all alone. Depending on the subject, it might spark my creativity and inspire me to write about something.

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been playing music for a long time now. I started to study and learn how to play my instrument at a young age, but it took me about 10 years or so to really start writing original material seriously. So I think it’s been nearly 20 years now.

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

I’m living in Toronto for nearly 4 years now. Sonically it didn’t make much of a difference in my music, I think. But in terms of lyrical content, my personal experience here may have had an impact in my writing. Living away from everyone and everything I knew, knowing very few people, living in the big city and that certain impersonal vibe that comes with it. The sense of isolation was aggravated by the pandemic in 2020-21, of course. So I think a lot of that made its way into the record.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

I’ve been a part of many bands over the years, both original and tributes, but I think the two most memorable shows I’ve played were with the same band, a Soundgarden tribute band I was in when I lived in Brazil. One month after the passing of Chris Cornell, we played this tribute concert with songs from all his bands and solo career included. A lot of people showed up and it was a very emotional occasion for everyone, especially for me and my buddy who was the lead singer in that band. We are both huge fans and it hit us hard. Saying goodbye to someone we loved but have never met in person, inside a full venue with a lot of strangers who shared in that feeling. There was a certain energy there that I can’t explain. Music really is one of the few art forms that has that kind of power.

The second one was in the beginning of this year, coincidentally with the same band. I was visiting family and the boys decided to get the band together for one more, for old time’s sake. It was the first time I’d played live in nearly 4 years and it was the last time I saw one of my best friends alive. Days later, he too lost his battle with depression. I’m still devastated by that loss, and as aware as I have ever been about mental health.

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

I can’t really pick a favourite. I’ve played mostly small venues so far, sometimes open air concerts which were fun too. But there are a few I’d love to. Here in Toronto, I’d love it if I could play a concert at El Mocambo. It has lots of history, a lot of legendary acts played there. Plus I think it’s pretty cool.
Another place I hope one day I could play is Brixton Academy in London (UK). I lived for a few years in England and my home was within walking distance to that iconic venue. I lost track of how many amazing concerts I attended there!

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

If I could ever open for Queens of The Stone Age and Foo Fighters, I’d be a very happy man. Terrified, but over the moon. In modern Rock for me, those are the two main bands carrying the torch, keeping the flame of Rock music alive.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

To anyone starting out, I’d just say: do it for the right reasons and do it because you love it, period. Don’t expect anything out of it, whether it’s fame or riches. You’d be setting yourself up for disappointment. Just follow your heart and stay true to yourself.

To my younger self, I would say “stay away from the stock market in 2008 and when a thing called ‘bitcoin’ comes around…”

Well, apart from that, just generally tell myself to practice a LOT more. “You’re gonna thank me because you'll be doing this for the rest of your life, son!"

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

There’s this ballad called “Always”. I wrote it for a special person in my life and also it’s a song where I started to showcase a certain sophistication in chords and arrangement, plus I layered so many vocal harmonies! Overall I feel I achieved what I set out to do with it, so I felt I stepped up in terms of composing and producing. I feel proud of this album, but maybe even more so of this song.

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

I think my favourite one to play is a song called “Another Face”, also on the album. It evolves really nicely and it’s fun to play. Also, the title track “Divided”, I think it’s a strong one.

As for requests, with this set of songs… it’s still early to know. But I’m sure to find out soon!

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

When the song doesn’t come to me all at once, I usually just collect ideas. Making sure I jot down anything interesting or record ideas whenever they appear, as soon as possible. I’m left with countless unfinished ideas. Some will never get finished, but some will. I may even merge two different ideas into one, adapting them where needed. Most of the time I leave the melodies and lyrics til last, because one will help shape the other.

Music is a means of getting something off my chest, so that’s the main driving force for me. So I’ll usually write about something that’s bothering me. Be it disenchantment or loss of hope in the world, or heartbreak or grief. It’s the process of creating beauty out of something sad, or just outright sonically conveying ugliness for what it really is. There’s a beauty in this too, in a way.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music, if so please tell me about them?

I tend to write mostly about stuff that I see that’s wrong with the world. So it sounds grim a lot of times, but a few songs do carry a somewhat unifying message. My lead single “Divided" is a bit like that. Other songs offer a call to arms if you will, and a message to stay true to yourself – which is pretty much the case with the second track on the album, “Burning Bridges”. Elsewhere, there’s personal content in those lyrics, but even those will certainly resonate with listeners.

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

I’m planning a couple concerts by the end of the year in Brazil, featuring some of the musicians who recorded on this album. Playing these songs live will be amazing. But in the meantime I’m searching for players in Toronto too. The idea is to put a band together here as well, so hopefully I’ll be announcing some shows here in Canada soon!

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

My music is on all the major streaming platforms, and it's also on Bandcamp for purchase. There’s also my website carlosthurler.com where you can check for news or drop me a line. You can also follow me on Instagram @thurlersounds, you can reach me there as well and see what I’m up to.