SOFT GLAS

SOFT GLAS

Joao Gonzalez, known for his artist moniker Soft Glas, is the man who is behind the airy, lush, and peculiar sound that’s demonstrated on his care-free sophomore album, Orange Earth. Throughout this project, the Coral Springs native channels that niche feeling of coming home; almost like an audible warm security blanket. Being the son of three-time Grammy Award-winning Cuban jazz-pianist, Gonzalo Rubalcaba, has inspired the young multi-talented artist to pursue drumming and piano. Gonzalez creates music in a way that feels therapeutic, jumping through genres like jazz, soul, and electronic so freely. His sound mimics scattered thoughts and ideas in a cohesive manner and feels completely serene. The multi-instrumentalist captures the feeling of home on his latest dream-like single, “Just Bright, describing it as a nostalgic love letter to his childhood. The lyricism within this track demonstrates the feeling of trying to capture a significant sense of warmth that’s been long forgotten. Through our disposable series, we get to take a glance into Soft Glas and his world through his eyes and delve deeper into his sophomore album, Orange Earth, and his upcoming goals.

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

Do you mind introducing yourself? Hi! My name is Joao. My artist moniker is Soft Glas.

When did you start making music? I was in bands when I was a kid (I played drums) and was in the marching band in high school, but I didn’t start my “solo” career until 2013.

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

Your projects are very detailed with a specific focus on instrumentals. How many instruments do you play? I play drums, and lately have been playing the guitar more. I can work my way around a piano and a bass guitar. And I can play random percussion instruments (marimba/vibraphone). I can’t say I’m very good at any one instrument. I think of the instruments as production tools - a way to get my ideas out independently from relying on others. But to say I’m an instrumentalist triggers my imposter syndrome.

Let’s talk about your latest single “Just Bright.” It brings on this intense feeling of nostalgia and warmth. What does this track mean to you? It’s funny that the reaction to it has been so consistent in describing it as “warm.” I wrote it when I was back in freezing New York City after spending the holidays in warm Florida. And a lot of the instrumentation was recorded in even COLDER Boston (with Adam Straus). Maybe we were chasing the warmth! But the song is about missing the time that I was living with my parents. I missed the feeling of “home.”

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

It’s been two years since your sophomore album Orange Earth . Do you mind delving into the creative process behind it? Along with the short film that accompanied it “The Undiminished Sky”? That was the first project that I tried singing on. It’s very strange to listen back to it because I can hear how insecure I was (I drowned myself out with reverb and effects). It holds a special place in my heart because that’s how most people came to find my music. I was trying to make an album that served as an ode to my home town (Coral Springs). The Undiminished Sky is the visual partner to the album - it showcases my old hight school and the parks I hung out at and the roads I’d drive through when I was younger.

Shot By: Jillian Gomez

What’s your favorite track that’ve you made so far? I have so much music that’s yet to be released, and I feel like my best work is my most recent. So, my favorite track isn’t out yet haha. My favorite released song might be Basil or Wilma, because they feel closest to my current writing style. Sky in the Lake, Noon, and Just Bright are my favorite productions.

Who are you currently listening to? I’m listening to Alex Szotak (he just released a gorgeous song called “Closer to Me”). I’m also listening to Mulherin, Cehryl, Dijon, Zack Villere, Nilufer Yanya, Daniela Andrade, Jay Som, Joy Again, Mid Air Thief, Raveena, Pinback, The Shins, The Strokes, Stevie Wonder, Solange, Jessica Pratt, Death Cab, Badly Drawn Boy and I’m always listening to Debussy and Ravel.

What are your upcoming goals for 2020? I want to tour! A lot! I want to release all of this new music and play it for people. I want to share a stage with my friends and connect with others in person.

I love the creative direction of these photos! Who took these pictures? Thank you! My girlfriend Jillian Gomez took them. She takes a lot of my photos, and she’s without a doubt my favorite photographer.

I noticed from watching your music videos, you direct them all. Is that something you will always do? I love the visual medium. Yeah, I either direct or co-direct all of my videos. Aaron Vazquez is often my visual partner and will co-direct most videos. I can’t imagine not being heavily involved in my visuals going forward.