Interviews: Proyecto Mercurio

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Funk Rock band, Proyecto Mercurio, from Puerto Rico. Check out the interview and follow the project on his FACEBOOK PAGE.

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

Well, the first name we had was ‘Palo e’ Ceiba’ which basically means ‘Ceiba Tree’. But we wanted to keep exploring other names. Something more futuristic but at the same time something that represented us better. So our bassist, Noel, just said ‘Mercury Project.’ Which was a failed Nasa experiment from the ’60s. The name felt right, we translated it to Spanish and the rest is history.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It's just something that came naturally to us. We knew we wanted to mix it up with other carribean rythims. We wanted to create something new, so that's when we came up with our own genre, tropical rock.

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

We come from a small town on the west side of Puerto Rico. So everybody knows everybody. Most of us have known each other since middle school. Our parents studied together too. So our friendship quickly developed and basically shared a common thread since the beginning which was music. We adopted Noel along the way when we met in college playing with other bands at the time.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Eri The Beatles, Waldemar Pink Floyd, David Friendly Fires, Christian The Strokes, Noel Red hot Chili Peppers.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Everything is an inspiration. Experiences, feelings, injustice… I think we just want to make music that represents Puerto Rico in the best way possible.

6. Where was your last gig? 

Our last gig was in the streets of Mayagüez.

7. Where would you like to act?

We want to tour Latin America and the United States.

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

There are so many Puerto Rican artists we want to collaborate with. I think it's just a matter of finding who fits what.

9. Whom not?

No boundaries. Come on, come all.

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

Of course! Stage fright is only normal. I think the best thing is to take a deep breath and just imagine you’re in the rehearsal room. The more reps you get the less afraid you’re going to be.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

There are many but the first ones that come to mind are The Black Keys, Soda Stereo, kings of Leon, Rawayana, and The Beatles.

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

I’ll let you know when it happens.

13. What do you think of your fans?

Our fans are the best no questions about it. Los Mercurianos are our inspiration for sure.

14. What do you think of our site?

It's amazing how dedicated the Breathing the core team is to providing a platform for independent musicians all around the world. It's easy to access and everything is so old school. We’re old souls so we resonate with your work!

15. Something to add?

A big thanks to Breathing the Core, and we invite everyone to listen to our new single ‘Al Mar’ with Amanda Prieto. We hope to keep bringing great music for all to enjoy and resonate with. Keep supporting local and independent music.