Mishima and much more: Interview with Dani Vega
What could be hidden in the home of such a prolific musician? Guitars, pedals, amps and more guitars?
The world of Dani Vega has always revolved around music. He went from his first chords on his father's guitar to being a member of Mishima. More than two decades of success later, Dani is still on the road with both Mishima and his solo project. And between gigs and recordings, he still has time for his work as a music producer for documentary films, television and advertising. Let the show begin!
Tell us about yourself and your work. Where did your vocation start? Any first memories?
Well, he was born one afternoon when my father taught me to play The Beatles' "I Need You" in his Spanish. It was hot and my hands were sweating. I put a lot of effort into it.
What do you find most satisfying about your work?
To see the faces of the people when they sing and applaud, to know that these songs, these melodies and these arrangements are important to them, that they represent very deep emotions and feelings that can only be explained through music.
My favourite corner is my study. It smells like a mixture of stone and wood. Of guitars and (if I open the windows), grass.
What is your creative process like, what are your sources of inspiration, any particular music while working?
I don't usually listen to music while I work. Before I do; I prepare the sessions by listening to it beforehand. If it's for an advertising assignment, it's a fundamental part of the process.
Favourite colour, book, film and record - in that order!
Black.
The book I would tell you about today is the Poetic anthologyby Ida Vitale (edited by Viewer Books).
Paris, Texas or any Werner Herzog documentary (tomorrow I'll tell you different ones).
Today's disc is Death and the Maiden by Schubert (Deutsche Grammophon).
Is your home a reflection of who you are? Tell us what it smells like, your favourite corner?
My favourite corner is my study, of course. It smells like a mixture of stone and wood. Of guitars and (if I open the windows), grass. The reflection of who I am I don't know what it is, but what I'd like it to be is definitely a million plants populating every corner.
If you could buy anything right now and take it home, what would it be? Anything!
I would buy Neil Young's collection of vintage guitars and amps so that he would have to visit me often.
A great plan at home always includes...
Red wine.
Do you have a signature dish?
I make risotto and canarian stew very well (I know I'm cheating: I have a Thermomix).
Where is your favourite place in your city and abroad?
In Barcelona, the Gràcia neighbourhood. Abroad, I could live in Berlin or in a hut in Tahiti. Places are one and the same.
Anything you want to tell us that we haven't asked you, speak now or forever hold your peace!
I had a monkey when I was a kid. And that's the closest I've ever come to Michael Jackson in my life. I am a naturalist ecologist. The animal kingdom is crucial to the survival of our rampaging species.
If you want to know more about Dani Vega, you can find all his discography and a sample of his work as a music producer at danivega.net.
