Behind The Lens: Alma Muñeca - Ernesto Gray & Coco Allegra

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How many times do you edit a song before releasing it? When do you finally know a track is done? (Ernesto Gray)

I like for a song to have as much time to breathe as possible. Generally the songs are written in the studio, on the computer, but then we take those arrangements and try to execute them live. I like for a song to be played live for a few months because the live element will naturally introduce new ideas, whether small or big, and therefore inform us where the song is in its life cycle. If tweaks and ideas keep being introduced every time we play it then that's a sign that song is far from being done.

Where has been your favorite venue to perform so far? What made the experience memorable? (Coco Allegra)

Hard to answer because I love the venues in Austin but Elysium is definitely up my alley, we had our first single release show and our EP release show there as well, lots of sentimental value to that space forever. I have to mention the two house shows we have played. Something about a community coming together in someone's backyard makes it very intimate! Love that feeling and somehow I feel more comfortable to be vulnerable with my performance.

How do you decide on the cover art for a release? Do you take the lead creatively, or trust your photographer/director to run with the vision? (Ernesto Gray)

We usually have some general ideas of what we want. We aren't shy about referencing some of our musical heroes such as Bjork or FKA Twigs. These artists have strong aesthetics both musically and visually. The rest of the process is finding someone to collaborate with and being open to seeing where the creative process will take us.

Do you think artists should be more vocal about political or social issues? Why or why not—and do those views influence your music? (Coco Allegra)

I definitely think that artists should speak up! I want to know that an artist I love and admire has good values and stands up for what's right. It makes me admire artists so much more when they are vocal and active about ongoing issues that a lot of people are scared to even mention. I think it's cowardly to ignore reality and act like everything is okay. 

Which streaming platform do you enjoy using the most—and why? Is it about fan access, functionality, payouts, or community? (Ernesto Gray)

For a long time I enjoyed Spotify because of its user interface but lately they've become too evil of a conglomerate for me to ignore. Now, I've been using Apple Music more because they provide a slightly better payout to artists and high fidelity streaming. 

Are you making a New Year’s resolution—or starting/stopping something cold turkey? What’s your mindset heading into the new year? (Coco Allegra)

I'm not going to set a crazy expectation for myself but will be encouraged to jump into the unknown and figure it out! New experiences, places and people are on the horizon. New music too! Who knows, maybe start working on an album.

What’s the studio atmosphere like for you? Do you prefer solo sessions or feeding off other energy? Walk us through your ideal creative space. (Ernesto Gray)

We enjoy all being in the same room when we are writing music, even if it means one person is spending an entire hour twisting knobs on a synth in silence. It's good to have other people there available and open for feedback.

What song (yours or someone else’s) reminds you of winter—and why? Is it nostalgic, motivating, or calming? (Coco Allegra)

November by Wednesday immediately came to mind. It is so nostalgic, I find comfort in their beautiful voice, lyrics and how the song eventually gets to a very emotional climax. Feels warm to me on a cold winter day.

What’s your perspective on staying independent vs. signing with a label?Where do you see the biggest benefits—and biggest sacrifices? (Ernesto Gray)

Nowadays there's barely any upside on signing with a label. A label could maybe help us fund with printing vinyl but we recently incorporated into an LLC so we could do that ourselves on the next release. If one day a label seems to be equipped with the right people and connections then we would be open to signing.

What’s a motivational quote or mindset you live by? And where can people connect with you and follow your journey? (Coco Allegra)

Stay sweet!

Y'all can follow Alma Muñeca's journey by listening to our music and checking out our next shows on instagram @alma.muneca !