Gizmo Varillas Talks New Single, Musical Memories And More

Spanish-British songwriter, musician and record producer has released his latest single ‘Crossroads’ and will tour the UK in May 2025 following his sold-out Autumn 2024 dates. He kindly chatted to us about the new single, his musical memories and more: 

When did you begin songwriting?

I started songwriting in punk-ska bands when I was a teenager, I was part of the Cardiff music scene at the time. I also wrote songs at home for fun, recording and songwriting after school.

What is your earliest musical memory?

The first time I touched a piano was when I was 4 year old at my cousins home, he had a piano and taught me how to do a basic scale and how to move the fingers. After that my main musical memory was learning flamenco guitar in Spain with one of my neighbours when I was 10. That became my foundation for music which I later developed by experimenting and learning on my own.

Your new EP ‘Where is the Love’ is out now. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

Musically, I wanted the album to be a cinematic experience, a companion on a road trip. It blends soul, Latin, Caribbean, funk, folk, and rock. While I aimed for a timeless sound not tied to any specific era, my main inspiration came from the 1960s and 70s, particularly from Stax Records artists like Booker T., Isaac Hayes, William Bell, and their house band, the M.G.’s. I’m captivated by the rawness and purity of their music; it feels very natural, which is exactly what I wanted to achieve on ‘The World in Colour’.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

It’s produced by me and I recorded it mainly in my home studio in Brighton and Hove.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

I bought a 1970s Fender Deluxe Reverb amp which died on me on the day of re-recording my guitars, I was up against the clock as I already had the mixing engineer booked to mix the album. Luckily I found a local person that fixes vintage amps and he helped me bring it back to life. It became a big part of my sound for the album.

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

The foundation of the album is guitar-driven, with pulsating rhythms tying everything together. The guitar holds a special place in my life and is a big part of my identity. However, the album is also infused with elements I’ve never used before, such as trumpets, harp, and music boxes. Alfredo Pino’s trumpet opening on “Follow the Sun,” Amanda Whiting’s harp on “Ojos Nuevos,” and Cande Buasso’s operatic vocals on “Hijo del Mar” are just a few of my favourite moments and examples of how these world-class musicians helped my songs and album achieve a new depth and dimension.

One of your new tracks is the single ‘Crossroads’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

I wrote this song just before deciding to move to Brighton, a major turning point in my life. After spending a decade in London, I felt increasingly stuck, especially during the pandemic. The familiar surroundings and routine became confining, and I sensed a deep need for change. The decision to leave London wasn’t immediate or easy; it was filled with uncertainty and doubt. In that state of flux, I turned to writing to process my feelings. The lyrics flowed from a deep place within, almost as if they were guiding me toward a decision I hadn’t yet fully acknowledged. Writing songs often feels like a conversation with myself, where my thoughts and emotions reveal themselves through the lyrics and melodies. ‘Crossroads’ captures that moment of standing at the Track by track.docx intersection of the known and the unknown, where every step forward feels both risky and necessary. The song speaks to the unpredictable nature of life’s journey, where the path isn’t always clear. Each twist and turn, mistake and lesson, is part of the process of growth and self-discovery. Sometimes, we need to lose our sense of direction to truly discover who we are and what we need. ‘Crossroads’ is a reflection of my own journey, a reminder that change, while daunting, is often the key to finding a new and more fulfilling path.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Not particularly, if I remember correctly it was done in an afternoon.

Which of your new EP tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) happiest: probably Follow the Sun

b) angriest: probably Where is the Love

c) most reflective: probably Desde el Otro Lado

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I hope to leave a lasting impression on the people who attended the show. I hope they dance and have a good time, that they feel high from the music and atmosphere. I hope they feel more connected to me and my music.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

For live music, I think simple and effective is best. So I like to take my Quad Cortex with me. It has plenty of effects I use like tremolo, phaser, slap back delays and plenty of amp sounds and EQ’s. It’s all in one box so perfect for live gigs. It does what I need it to in a simple way. If there is a specific effect that I need that I can’t get out of it from the Quad Cortex then I’ll take it as well, for example I’ll often add on a wah pedal.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Santander is in Spain. It’s coastal, old-fashioned, beautiful, sunny and laid back.

How do you look after your voice?

Staying hydrated and warming up daily. I also don’t smoke or drink alcohol so my voice is usually in good shape.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

I think any type of road trip story, with beautiful landscapes would suite my music well. I’d love to write music for film. My favourite at the moment is Gustavo Santaolalla and his Charango compositions. He breaks the stereotype of the usual film composer and I love that.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Here’s a list of music I’m listening to at the moment:

Dorothy Ashby – Come Live With Me

Yusef Lateef – First Gymnopedie

Baden Powel – Canto de Ossanha

Gabor Szabo – Gypsy Queen

Rosinha De Valenca – Summertime

Luiz Bonfa – Manha de Carnaval

Cesaria Evora – Sodade

Cartola – Preciso Me Encontrar

Bonga – Mona Ki Ngi Xica

The Derek Trucks Band – This Sky

 Do you have any further music releases planned for 2024/2025?

Yes, I’ve got lots of new music coming!

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024/2025?

Yes, I’m heading out on tour in Europe this autumn and I’ve just announced dates for Edinburgh, Manchester, Cardiff, and London for 2025.

What makes Gizmo Varillas happy and what makes you unhappy?

happy: music, family, friends, tasty food, nature, walks, dogs, saunas, hot showers, swimming in the sea, traveling

unhappy: wars, innocent people dying and suffering, greed