”The BLUES is and will be an inexhaustible source of inspiration to put all human experiences into music, regardless of the country they are from. That is why it is very important that we continue to support and promote all BLUES musicians around the world.”

Gustavo Filomìa Gonzàlez: Armadillo Blues

Gustavo Filomìa Gonzàlez is an Argentinian guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He started his musical career at age fourteen, his instrument was from the beginning the electric guitar like every teenager in the eighties trying to play rock shortly after started to listen to bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Pappo`s Blues, Johnny Winter, Cream, John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers. Embed a band with friends in his neighborhood (played their own songs) and was a period of very good musical and compositional growth. After that period started his first Blues band THE SUBURBAN with which worked from 1991 to 1996 playing landmarks scene of Buenos Aires. Then integrate CITY BLUES, band he worked from 1996 to 1998. Time then spend part of more musical projects near Rock.

(Photo: Gustavo Filomìa Gonzàlez)

In the year 2004, after spending some time to assimilate and compose part of the own subjects, study merges with Gènero Marcelo Salusky and Mariano Losauro what would later be HAMPERS with strong influences of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers, etc. Parallel to these projects since 2011 also part (as rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist) of a tribute band Creedence Clearwater Revival. In 2012 gave way to the SWAMPERS which also assumed the role of guitarist / singer. In 2013 formed Dluxe R&B remixing classics Blues Artists. His new band project called “Armadillo Blues Band”, Gustavo pays tribute to the late great bluesmen Freddie King and Otis Rush.

Interview by Michael Limnios  Archive: Gustavo Filomìa Gonzàlez, 2016 interview

How has the Blues influenced your worldview? How did the idea of Armadillo Blues Band come about?

For me, the Blues has always been a way of expressing myself with a very real vision of life. The idea of forming the ARMADILLO BLUES BAND came about because of the desire I had to pay homage to FREDDIE KING & OTIS RUSH through their songs.

How do you think you have grown as an artist since you started making music? What has remained the same in your musical creation process?

Initially I grew up playing Blues (which is still today) the style I identify with the most. Currently, in addition to playing guitar, I also sing and that is something I really enjoy doing. What has not changed since the beginning is the desire and passion.

What is the balance in music between technique and soul? What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, develop it and present it to the new generation?

The balance between technique and soul is something very personal...for me the most important thing is to transmit...the technique always has to be at the service of expressiveness. For me the key to everything is to play live and also spread it through social networks and all possible methods to spread it. I have for music.

”For me, the Blues has always been a way of expressing myself with a very real vision of life. The idea of forming the ARMADILLO BLUES BAND came about because of the desire I had to pay homage to FREDDIE KING & OTIS RUSH through their songs.” (Photo: Gustavo Filomìa Gonzàlez, Buenos Aires Argentina)

Why do you think that Freddie King and Otis Rush's music continues to generate such devoted followers?

I think it continues to generate followers because it has been honest and genuine music. And that will never go out of style.

What moment changed your musical life the most? What have been the highlights of your life and career so far?

One of the most important moments for me in my musical life was when I fully devoted myself to developing myself as a full-time musician. There were several highlights throughout these almost 40 years, but I will summarize them in just a few. Having founded LA SUBURBANA BLUES BAND in 1991, a band with which I played professionally and which allowed me to meet and share shows and recordings (Argentine and foreign) such as: Cheryl Renee, Harry O, Conejo Jolivet, Rinaldo Raffanelli (R.I.P), Ciro Fogliatta, Miguel Vilanova, Gady Pampillon (R.I.P), Daniel Raffo, Adrian Flores...and many more. With DLuxe R&B I was able to have LEWIS STEPHENS (FREDDIE KING's pianist) as a special guest who generously recorded several tracks from the album. 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience on the musical path?

There are many, but some of the most important are being able to work with other colleagues who feel respect for the musical and professional. It is being able to enjoy every moment whether on stage or in a recording studio.

Why is it important to preserve and spread sadness? What is the role of music in today's society?

The BLUES is and will be an inexhaustible source of inspiration to put all human experiences into music, regardless of the country they are from. That is why it is very important that we continue to support and promote all BLUES musicians around the world.

(Photo: Gustavo Filomìa Gonzàlez)