Introducing Saul Illesca, the captivating force behind the cutting-edge sound of Alternative Rock SOUNDHEAT. With a passion for pushing boundaries and a relentless drive to make their mark on the music scene, Saul is a dynamic artist who brings a fresh perspective to the genre.
Hailing from KIAMA(NSW), Australia, Saul has been immersed in the world of music since a young age. Born in Chile and immigrating at a young age to Australia, Saul had exposure to Latin American Music and Aussie Rock from an early age. Exposure to jazz and classical guitar under the tuition of Tony Calabro jazz maestro and guitar legend tied a few loose ends for Saul, and what you hear is a blending pot of all these influences.
Drawing inspiration from diverse influences, the SOUNDHEAT sound is a fusion of raw energy, introspective lyrics, and infectious melodies. With an innate ability to craft memorable hooks and infectious melodies, SOUNDHEAT has garnered attention for their ability to seamlessly blend elements of classic Alternative Rock with modern sonic landscapes. Their music is a fusion of gritty guitar riffs, hooks, anthemic choruses, and driving rhythms that create an immersive sonic experience.
With a growing catalogue of original compositions, SOUNDHEAT has garnered attention and praise for their authentic and evocative songwriting. Each track is a testament to their ability to explore themes of self-discovery, emotional depth, and social and spiritual commentary, all while delivering a high-octane musical experience. The versatility of SOUNDHEAT’s music allows them to traverse a range of moods, from anthemic rockers that ignite a crowd to introspective ballads that touch the heart.
As a dedicated artist, Saul is committed to pushing the boundaries of alternative rock and leaving a lasting impact on the industry. SOUNDHEAT’s relentless work ethic, combined with their undeniable talent, sets them apart as a force to be reckoned with.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan of alternative rock or a curious listener looking for something fresh and exciting, SOUNDHEAT is an artist you don’t want to miss. With a unique sound that defies conventions and an unwavering dedication to their craft, SOUNDHEAT is poised to make their mark on the alternative rock landscape.
So, join Saul and SOUNDHEAT on their musical journey as they continue to ignite the Alternative Rock scene with their unparalleled creativity, infectious energy, and genuine passion for music.
We had the pleasure of interviewing Saul Illesca. Here are the excerpts from the interview.
Hi Saul, Great to have you with us today! Please share with our readers about your journey.
Hi, in early 2022, I was made redundant from my then full-time Job. I had time on my hands, and my Son (Jay), who is an amazing artist and sound engineer and founding member of SOUNDHEAT, inspired me to start recording in the studio. Although I have been playing live music for various ensembles for over 40 years, I had never thought that I would be recording my songs.
I heard a voice say, “Just DO IT”…no excuses!
Please tell us about your music albums.
My 1st album, released Sept 2022, “Yeshua,” was an exciting experience as I had TOO many songs to choose from, and I had no idea what the studio process involved (ignorance is bliss). I decided to include songs that I had written over 15-30 years ago. It was a nostalgic process, referencing various music inspirations, e.g., Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, and Deep Purple can be heard in this album. The whole process was very quick and, maybe in hindsight, too quick. I thought I was in a “Sprint,” but in hindsight, I needed to pace myself. Writing & composing, recording, mixing, and mastering are all individual disciplines, and I was in for a steep learning curve.
The 2nd album, “Eyes on The Prize,” was a very quick Album (1 month); I had plenty of material to draw on. My thinking at the time was that I would be back fully employed (professional career) any day now, and my ability to focus on just recording would be hampered by my professional career (the day job).
The third album was made up of compositions that spoke out for the “I AM” album. This album was a little calmer and not so rushed, and the production and content reflect this. I started paying more attention to the production value, and it’s amazing how playing live for so many years can mean very little in the studio! No joke, it’s like putting on another persona/focus with very different lenses and visions. When you play live, it’s very forgiving because it’s the wall of sound masking idiosyncrasies. When you record in a studio, nuances, and artifacts are captured forever, and the energy is different. No crowd to feed the ego!
I have released the singles “Calm the Storm” and “Cleansing Love” from SOUNDHEAT’s 4th album, “SOUNDHEATLIGHT” to be released in Sept 2023. The “SOUNDHEATLIGHT” album is, by design, capturing elements and influences from such greats as Muse, The Killers, Bon Jovi, FREE, Extreme, Megadeth, and Stryper. Can’t wait to release this. I think it is the kind of album you have in your car on a journey or at the Gym!
Any message for our readers?
In the immortal words of Bill & Ted, “Be Excellent to each other” and “The only true wisdom consists in knowing that you know nothing.” “That’s us, dude!”
Fantastic! So tell us, how can people find out more about you?
Our YouTube channel @skillescaproductions is full of gems. You can follow me on Instagram @saul.illesca.
Thank you so much, Saul, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!