The title of Sen Senra's new album is Sensations... But, if there is a sensation that shines in his work above the rest, it is precisely love. The food of life. Also the food of the new R&B. And even the food of the conversation we had with the artist.
Sensaciones is the title of Sen Senra's new album, but it is also a declaration of intent. This album is, indeed, a kind of emotional color pallet in which, song by song, the Galician artist explores the feelings in their different textures. There is a song for every mood but, above all, there is a sublimation of that new R&B that has been throwing the most stimulating music here and now for some years now.
To understand these Sensations, however, it is necessary to know Christian Senra's history. His is a biography marked by pure and hard exploration: not only did he moved from his native Vigo to Madrid in search of new creative borders, but that search has also translated into a transition from one genre to another that has ended for leading to the nu-r&b of more sensual draft. About halfway between Rhye and Clubz. A halfway that sounds powerfully urban (as the current canon dictates) but that goes from fashions and trends to explore much more timeless qualities.
Like love, which is the sensation that spreads the rest of the sensations in Sen Senra's new album. And which is also the perfect excuse to start a conversation with the artist, in which he explains everything about his latest work to date.
Your new album is titled Sensations... But what would you say then that are the sensations that you wanted to convey with the album songs?
Many. Each bar is a sensation. Each bass drum and box too. And every detail, to the smallest. Not that I chose a few Sensations to transmit. They were born naturally, and so are the ones that you will receive and interpret by listening to the album.
The album is produced by Anxo Ferreira of Novedades Carminha. Do you think that, today, the most stimulating music in our country comes from Galicia?
I don't really like including things in boxes, but it is true that in Galicia there are now really interesting and characteristic projects.
What artists would you mention among your greatest influences?
I listen to a lot of music that transmits me different emotions and put me in different states. I have never felt having major influences, but I do enjoy all the music that surprises me.
In this album, you definitely embrace Spanish as a language in your songs. And this is something that happens to many new artists: they start in English and, finally, they go to Spanish. Is it because you gain in security or because you are looking for more naturalness?
When I sang in English it was because I wanted to play like that. Now I sing more in Spanish by naturalness, and by pleasure too. But tomorrow I could sing a song in English, French or any other language. I like to experiment not only with my music, but also with myself.
You paid for yourself and produced your first album, Permanent Vacation. Is this the only way out for your generation, so accustomed to precariousness?
That particular album was a bit chaos, but it was a very positive experience. You value, learn and realize many things. Now I have much more knowledge. And, yes, it is true that today you can make an album at home with a sound card and a microphone. I come from the organic, from the acoustic, that's why I always like to light an ampli or play some congas.
It took you two years to record Sensations. Why did it take you so long and how did this process affect you?
I was not in a hurry, I wanted to make a lot of music, play a lot in the studio, get to many places. Basically, it took me so long for that, for the experimentation, and because with every detail you hear on the album, I want to tell something. Everything is done with intention.
The recording of the new album coincided with your arrival in Madrid. Did the creative energy of the capital influence you in any way?
Yes. It may have. I always thought that many things inspired me that I sometimes don't even realize.
Anyways, there is one thing that is clear: love is the main engine of your songs. Why do you think you are not running out of this feeling?
Because it is what moves me. The day this feeling runs out, I'll be off.
By the way, speaking about love: what is the garment that you treat with more love and that pampers more in your closet?
A handmade sweater that my grandmother gave me.
