We were lucky to catch up with Blake Carrera recently and have shared our conversation below.

Blake, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Music itself is taking a risk. It’s highly personal. To make good music, you have to be naked in front of your fans, baring your soul and your heart, your confidence and your insecurities. It’s what makes a good musician and a good performer. But to be a musician is also a risk because there are zero guarantees of any success. The success that I’ve had with Aiwass has been mostly due to hard work, but it’s also due to a little bit of luck catching on with fans. I think part of the reason I’ve caught on is because I’ve taken risks, personally and sonically.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Blake Carrera. I am the vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and primary songwriter for the psychedelic occult doom band Aiwass. We specialize in bludgeoning riffs and sonic explosions, all within the theme of the occult and especially Aleister Crowley. We are unique in that we blend the heaviest guitars, bass, and drums we can with lyrics that dive into both the personal and the universal, all through an occult lens.

Overall, I’m most proud of the reach that we’ve had with our audience. We always do our best to respond to comments and messages and we take the time after shows to spend time with fans and treat them like they deserve – as people, not just consumers. I never would’ve imagined that this project that started in my bedroom would have led us to where we are now.

The most important thing to know about our music is that we aren’t just a metal band or a personal project. We’re everything that those entail and more.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The connection with the fans is undoubtedly the most rewarding aspect. Hearing a teenage kid tell me that I inspired them to pick up an instrument or start writing their own songs is one of the great achievements in my life.

Second to that, I’d say that the creative expression involved with being an artist is the most rewarding. I live and breathe these songs and to put them out into the world is to put a piece of myself out into the world.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Aiwass has been a solo project, a touring band, and now a multi-piece band spread across the continent. The previous lineup of Aiwass didn’t work out and I thought about packing it in and saying goodbye to this crazy dream. But I found that I had more to say, more to express, more to let out of my mind. That’s what led to The Falling, my next album, which releases October 13th 2023.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Aiwass has been a solo project, a touring band, and now a multi-piece band spread across the continent. The previous lineup of Aiwass didn’t work out and I thought about packing it in and saying goodbye to this crazy dream. But I found that I had more to say, more to express, more to let out of my mind. That’s what led to The Falling, my next album, which releases October 13th 2023.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiwassband/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiwassbandaz/
• Other: aiwassband.bandcamp.com

Image Credits
Adam Gutierrez