Interview with Exxasens

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Music has always been a powerful way to express emotions and stories without words, which is the essence of EXXASENS. If I hadn’t gotten into music, I’d probably be working in something creative and visual, like filmmaking or design, as these also allow you to convey emotions in a powerful, immersive way.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I love going mountain biking; I'm a big fan of enduro riding. Being out in nature, navigating technical trails, and pushing physical limits really clears my mind and often sparks new creative ideas. I'm also a huge sci-fi movie fan, which fuels the futuristic and atmospheric themes in our music. Additionally, I enjoy programming as a hobby, focusing on educational projects that keep my analytical side sharp. These interests outside of music help me bring fresh perspectives and a balanced approach to our creative process.

How long has your band been around?

EXXASENS has been around since 2007. It’s been an incredible journey of evolution and exploration, both musically and personally.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

We’re based in Barcelona, a city that merges old and new, with mountains, the sea, and modern architecture. This blend of nature and urban life finds its way into our music, creating a balance between organic and electronic sounds.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

The name EXXASENS represents exploration and transcendence. It’s a play on "exosensory" or something beyond our usual senses, which aligns with our goal of creating music that transports listeners to otherworldly places.

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

One of our most memorable shows was at Dunk!Festival in Belgium, where we played for an audience that truly connected with our music. The energy was palpable, and it felt like a collective journey. Another standout was in RUSSIA, where the crowd was incredibly welcoming, even singing along to our instrumental parts.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Arctangent remains a favorite for the atmosphere and the dedicated post-rock audience. As for venues we’d love to play, the Roundhouse in London and Red Rocks in Colorado would be dream spots for the unique experience and acoustics they offer.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

It would be incredible to share a stage with bands like God Is An Astronaut, Russian Circles, Mogwai, and Explosions in the Sky. These are groups that have influenced us deeply and embody the emotional power of instrumental music.

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

To new musicians, I’d say: don’t rush, and stay true to your own sound. It’s easy to get influenced by trends, but authenticity resonates the most. To my younger self, I’d say: be patient, and enjoy the process without obsessing over perfection.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

I’d tell myself to trust the journey more, embrace the ups and downs, and remember that every experience adds to the music.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

Of all our songs, "Your Dreams Are My Dreams" means the most to me. I dedicated it to my wife, the person I love most in this world, and it holds deep significance because I wrote it almost 15 years ago. It captures a very personal moment and is a tribute to the dreams, support, and connection we share. Creating this song allowed me to express something profound, and it remains one of the most heartfelt pieces in our music.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Favorites to play include “Black Hole” and “Hugeness” because they’re energetic and connect well with live audiences. “Your Dreams Are My Dreams” and “Eleven Miles” are frequently requested, especially by fans who love our space-inspired themes.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

The songwriting process is something I handle entirely on my own. I draw a lot of inspiration from cinema, especially science fiction, as well as from bands that have influenced me over the years. I’m also deeply inspired by where I live—a beautiful, privileged spot where I can see the sea, the mountains, and experience true darkness at night without any light pollution. Once a song is fully written, I produce it in my home studio and, from there, bring it to our rehearsal space where the whole band works on it together.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Our music aims to communicate feelings of exploration, resilience, and wonder. We want listeners to feel like they’re on an emotional journey, discovering something new within themselves and beyond.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Like any creative group, we have differences, but we focus on open communication and respect. Disagreements often lead to growth, as they push us to consider new ideas and perspectives.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

We’re excited to release our eighth album this November and have some shows lined up across Europe and Asia for 2024. It’s a pivotal year for us, and we’re hoping this album and tour will help us reach even more listeners worldwide.