A conversation with musician Dan Barracuda

Dan Barracuda has been a professional musician for over 10 years, creating a myriad of eclectic projects including rock bands, a silent film/live music ensemble, an electronic duo, tribute bands, and an original theatrical rock production about dreams. Born into a Peruvian family, Dan developed his love for music at a young age. He didn’t realize it was his calling, though, until he explored the depths of classic rock. While attending UMass Amherst (for Business), Dan spent the majority of his time writing over 3,000 musical ideas in between (and sometimes instead of) classes. Composing songs is the one thing he can’t escape!

Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Dan Barracuda : Metallica is the reason why I started playing guitar. The Beatles are the reason why I fell love with writing lyrics and melodies. Pink Floyd is the reason why I started taking a more artful approach on my guitar work. Tool is the reason why I want to perform LIVE for music lovers.

Twist Online : Tell us about your recently released album ‘Soliloquy’?
Dan Barracuda : “Soliloquy” is a collection of songs that were conceived at random moments throughout the past 8 years. I have a massive archive of musical ideas I’ve been building since college. These are just a handful of them that, to me, have stood the test of time and were ready to be shared. I strive to make each song different from each other. The point is to make each composition live in its own conceptual world with its own unique colors and tones. All the songs are homemade, recorded and mixed entirely by myself, with the exception of the drums. Lyrically, some themes in the album include reflection, ambition, retreating, optimism, and the constant pressure on your nerves to capture a moment of inspiration. “Soliloquy” is just that – a soliloquy. It’s my first time getting the thoughts and sounds in my head, out there to the world.

Twist Online : Any particular track of the album that’s your favorite?
Dan Barracuda : Currently, my favorites are Nessun Dorma (Something Crazy), To Embark, and Violet

Twist Online : What kind of response you have received from the release?
Dan Barracuda : Some notable ones:

-‘Soliloquy is a ‘home studio prog rock masterpiece’
-“Truly original.”
-“Each song tells it’s own story both lyrically and musically. The album is an emotional journey!”
-“A colorful album with loads of progressive elements: unconventional song structures and changes, modulations, and psychedelic effects”
-“The lyrics have depth and are very relatable”

Twist Online : What attracts you more performing on stage or working in studios?
Dan Barracuda : I love both, but I enjoy creating the recorded version a little more. You have all the time in the world to craft out the colors and textures

Twist Online : Do you need some specific kind of environment for writing song?
Dan Barracuda : Nothing specific. It’s always spontaneous. I’m always searching for it, but I never really know when it’s going to happen.

Twist Online : Have you set some goals to achieve as a music artist?
Dan Barracuda : My dream is to keep creating songs for an avid music-loving audience, and to travel the world and share my work.