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Artist on the Road: Soft Glas Talks Touring and Musical Evolution

Joao Gonzalez, or better known by his stage name Soft Glas, is a musical artist all the way down to his core – he’s a multi-instrumentalist, producer, arranger, and singer. Last September, he released his breezy new album, Orange Earth, a collection of vibes and tunes that evoke a feeling of nostalgia. Fast forward to the present, he’s just finished up a touring sojourn with Overcoats and Tennis. We got the chance to chat about inspiration behind Orange Earth, and creating new music while on the road.

You just finished touring with Overcoats and Tennis. How was that experience?

It was such a beautiful experience. Traveling is always a joy when you’re around lovely people. Hana & JJ (Overcoats) have been a huge part of my life for the last year, so being on the road with them feels natural. Pat & Alaina (Tennis) were so warm & inviting.

What was the day-to-day like while touring? Did you all travel by van and air-bnb it or stay in hotels?

We rented a mini-van & stayed in a different hotel each night! The day-to-day can be very repetitive. It was usually something like: wake up, brunch, drive, load-in, soundcheck, perform, loud out, drive, arrive at hotel, sleep, repeat. There is something therapeutic about that repetition. Once you get into a groove, it’s not as hard as one would think.

It’s apparent from IG that you guys were having a great time. Any favorite moments?

Ha! I love love IG… My favorite moments were definitely any chance we got to bowl. Bowling is one of my favorite things to do on tour, so it was always a treat. Oh! Also, during one of our legs of the tour last year, I got to go indoor skydiving, which was gnarly.

Your most recent release Orange Earth, has such a chill and comfortable vibe to it. What inspired the album sound and the name?

The sound is inspired by the nostalgia I was feeling for my teenage years in my hometown of Coral Springs, FL. I was at my parents’ house when I started working on it (December 2016) & I was consumed by this nostalgic warmth. The title comes from a Pablo Neruda poem called “Ode to Hope” (rough translation):

Oceanic dawn

at the center

of my life,

waves like grapes,

the sky’s solitude,

you fill me

and flood

the complete sea,

the undiminished sky,

tempo

and space,

sea foam’s white

battalions,

the orange earth

 

How has it been performing the album live?

It’s been a huge challenge, considering I had never sung or played guitar in front of people before touring this music. The music itself isn’t as challenging to play as some of my earlier stuff, but psychologically it’s been a huge hurdle. Overall, it’s been extremely fulfilling.

During our shoot you mentioned you are constantly working on new material. How do you balance working on new music while touring?

I feel like I HAVE to work on music while touring. If I don’t have a creative outlet, I get anxiety. Writing & recording demos keeps me sane & balanced. I usually work on music in the hotel rooms at the end of the day.  

What kind of sound are you working on for the new music? Are you experimenting with anything new?

I’m definitely experimenting with my voice – Incorporating more harmonies & expanding my (extremely limited) range. I’m also in a different place with my guitar playing. I was literally learning how to play guitar while recording Orange Earth, so it’s been great to be able to write without wrestling with the instrument.

Since this is the Nomad Issue we have to ask, how do you pack while touring? Is it basically like living out of a suitcase?

I always under-pack. Without fail. Basically, just pack pieces that you don’t mind wearing over & over & over. Over-prepare in the underwear, toothpaste, socks, & deodorant departments. It’s definitely not a glamorous situation. I absolutely have to live out of my suitcase.

 What would you say are your travel must-haves while touring?

I have to bring plenty advil, pepto-bismol, & allergy medicine. During the winter tours, I definitely have to bring gloves & fleece-lined tights. Everything is so utilitarian on tour, it’s so funny.

What was your favorite city you visited?

I love Boston, Austin, DC, Seattle, & Minneapolis. Minneapolis shows were so insane!

Last but not least, what’s next in 2018? Any particular venues that you’d love to play in?

I’m just working on new music! Releasing some new videos, touring Orange Earth, playing with Overcoats, and HOPEFULLY releasing a new album in the fall! I’d love to play Bowery Ballroom. I love that venue so much.

To keep up with Soft Glas, follow him on IG here.

If you liked this story, check out more in our Urban Transplants issue.


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