01Profile
A Santiago Isla Photo
Santiago Isla
Music, Writing & TV — Madrid
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Santiago Isla, Madrid.
What do you do?
Music, writing and TV.
Describe your style in three words?
Elegant, artsy, cute.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
My first concert was Paul McCartney in La Peineta (Madrid), 2004. Things have gone downhill since then.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Camarón De La Isla and Sly & The Family Stone. I would play for five minutes and then enjoy that crazy display of energy and talent.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
As an adolescent, I went from mod to hippie to 2000’s rock bands (The Strokes etc). Now I look up to French icons such as Gainsbourg, Alain Delon, Dutronc… But mainly try to be myself, whatever that is.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
David Bowie. He wouldn’t be the same person during that one-hour period.
Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Teatro Lara (Madrid). Playing live in theatres is a unique experience. This one was built in the late 19th century. When you step on stage you can almost feel decades of talent and art that precede you.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Serge Gainsbourg, as of today. He was constantly pushing the limits of what was acceptable or not, risking his life in the process, being relentlessly attacked by moralists on both sides… and winning by leaving a work of art that still resonates today.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I remember listening to 'Chain of Fools' by Aretha Franklin on a pretty regular basis when I was very young.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Sympathy For The Devil' by The Rolling Stones. Is there anything more attractive than Lucifer when you’re sixteen?
One record you would keep forever?
I have a copy of 'A Hard Day’s Night' by The Beatles on vinyl from the USSR. That is pretty special.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'America' by Simon & Garfunkel. Cannot hear it without having at least the temptation of crying.
A song you wished you had written?
'Je t'aime moi non plus' by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. The most joyful, dangerous song ever.
Best song to turn up loud?
'POWER' by Kanye West. You really feel powerful.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Problem' by Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea. WHAT A TUNE.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Heads Will Roll – A-Track Remix' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and A-Track.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'So In Love' by Curtis Mayfield. The sweetest song ever. A great way to hug, kiss and wave everyone goodbye. The horn section comes in, and then the night and the alcohol and the excitement and the lust slowly fade away and we return home with the one we so dearly love… or not.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
I’m waiting on the new Parcels album, like everyone else.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Santiago Isla, Madrid.
What do you do?
Music, writing and TV.
Describe your style in three words?
Elegant, artsy, cute.
What's the best gig you’ve ever been to?
My first concert was Paul McCartney in La Peineta (Madrid), 2004. Things have gone downhill since then.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
Camarón De La Isla and Sly & The Family Stone. I would play for five minutes and then enjoy that crazy display of energy and talent.
Which subcultures have influenced you?
As an adolescent, I went from mod to hippie to 2000’s rock bands (The Strokes etc). Now I look up to French icons such as Gainsbourg, Alain Delon, Dutronc… But mainly try to be myself, whatever that is.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
David Bowie. He wouldn’t be the same person during that one-hour period.
Of all the independent venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Teatro Lara (Madrid). Playing live in theatres is a unique experience. This one was built in the late 19th century. When you step on stage you can almost feel decades of talent and art that precede you.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Serge Gainsbourg, as of today. He was constantly pushing the limits of what was acceptable or not, risking his life in the process, being relentlessly attacked by moralists on both sides… and winning by leaving a work of art that still resonates today.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
I remember listening to 'Chain of Fools' by Aretha Franklin on a pretty regular basis when I was very young.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Sympathy For The Devil' by The Rolling Stones. Is there anything more attractive than Lucifer when you’re sixteen?
One record you would keep forever?
I have a copy of 'A Hard Day’s Night' by The Beatles on vinyl from the USSR. That is pretty special.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'America' by Simon & Garfunkel. Cannot hear it without having at least the temptation of crying.
A song you wished you had written?
'Je t'aime moi non plus' by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. The most joyful, dangerous song ever.
Best song to turn up loud?
'POWER' by Kanye West. You really feel powerful.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Problem' by Ariana Grande and Iggy Azalea. WHAT A TUNE.
The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Heads Will Roll – A-Track Remix' by Yeah Yeah Yeahs and A-Track.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'So In Love' by Curtis Mayfield. The sweetest song ever. A great way to hug, kiss and wave everyone goodbye. The horn section comes in, and then the night and the alcohol and the excitement and the lust slowly fade away and we return home with the one we so dearly love… or not.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
I’m waiting on the new Parcels album, like everyone else.