The first two albums of an ambitious project called Progressive Rock Side Of Five Moons are now available. The project was envisioned by a group of individuals heavily involved in the Spanish progressive rock scene. It introduces artists from throughout Spain that perform various forms of progressive rock, from symphonic rock to jazz-infused music and avant-garde tendencies.
We talked to three of the individuals involved in the project.
Can you give us an overview of Progressive Rock Side Of Five Moons? How did it all begin?
Rafa Tardío (R.T.) The idea arose a few months ago from the musical concerns crossed between Antonio Barroso and me, both lifelong record collectors. We consider ourselves restless people, and we had already participated in some projects to support our musicians. We consider that Spain has always been a country without record labels dedicated to progressive rock and lacking structures and support for musicians; so we value the idea of presenting in a more international way the work done by many musicians/groups that we consider valuable. A lot of quality and, for one reason or another, not everything necessary had been disseminated. After several months of work, forging the ideas, we contacted the 5 Lunas [five moons] label, who gave us the opportunity to release them and since then we have been going hand in hand.
What was the process of searching and selecting tracks for the anthology?
Antonio Barroso (A. B.) The search and selection of artists, groups, and tracks is the most fun part of this story. It is a pleasure to be able to locate artists and groups that disbanded, for example, 20 years, and they give you a recording to include in the compilations. There are also active groups that are equally happy to collaborate. Everything takes a lot of time and effort, but we feel very satisfied with how the idea has been received.
The compilation has two separate volumes. Were you surprised by the number of groups and artists you found?
R. T. Not really, because we did this knowing that we knew, and know, many groups from our collecting times. And, in the case of Antonio Barroso, he wrote the Encyclopedia of Progressive Music in Spain, which was published in 2007, that collected important artists and groups. You will be surprised by the number of artists and groups that will be released, as the volumes are published. Practically the entire Spanish geography is included.
How is the progressive rock scene in Spain in 2024? Is there any artist that catches your attention the most?
A. B. In Spain currently the subject of symphonic progressive rock is at a good moment, with artists and groups such as Amoeba Split, Blue Merrow, Eduardo Moreno, Goio, Hysteriofunk, Magick Brother & Mystic Sister, Scaladei, Ulls, Urban Trapeze… There are many groups that have become references in Spain. We are proud to be able to count on them. Strength through unity.
What has been the response in terms of media coverage and distribution?
R. T. The response, so far, is very good. It seems that there are many receptive people who were waiting for this type of work that we believe is necessary for our country. The most official press is still not interested in progressive rock, but we look for the necessary channels to move our work, in fact, these albums are more focused on the international market. There are already orders placed from Japan and the US. The idea is that this collection is a showcase of what has been done and is being done in our country in the world of progressive rock, psychedelic rock, avant-rock and similar music.
Looking ahead, what plans do you have to create additional volumes?
Juan Antonio Vergara (5 Lunas): Volumes 1 and 2 have already been released, with great tracks. In preparation are volumes 3 and 4 that will be released in the coming months. We are going to launch the albums two by two until we complete a total of 10 volumes. The idea is to create a collection box that will be preserved for tomorrow with music from the last six decades. We present them on CD in a beautiful digipack format with booklets in English and Spanish full of information. We are taking great care of the product. I think we have focused everything very well, taking great care of the details. We have formed a good team, and we are working on it with great enthusiasm.
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The albums are available from various mail order outlets as well as the label itself: 5lunas.net/producto/progressive-rock-side-of-five-moons-vol-1 and 5lunas.net/en/release/progressive-rock-side-of-five-moons-vol-2.