Francisco Meza, a progressive rock and metal guitarist hailing from Canada, releases his latest instrumental work, “Textures.” This eight-track album is a journey that pays homage to the sounds of Metallica, Opeth, Mastodon, and Guns ‘N Roses, while carving out a unique space for Meza’s own artistic vision. Recorded and mastered entirely at his home studio, “Textures” is a testament to Meza’s skill and creative balance.
In 2015, Meza’s music was featured in the compilation album “Electric Gathering,” alongside other talented solo artists, including ex-Megadeth guitarist Chris Poland. This recognition underscores Meza’s standing in the instrumental music scene and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of his music.
“Textures is purposefully an album where I try to include acoustic and electric sounds into every song (except one), as well as experimenting for the first time with ambient reverb and other effects to create multiple layers of sound, or ‘textures’ if you will.” -Francisco Meza
I got the opportunity to ask him a few quick questions for Elevar:
Instrumental music is a tough genre; for aspiring artists who admire what you do, what advice would you give about developing a unique style and place in such a competitive area?
At the risk of sounding cliche, I’d say be true to yourself. If you believe you have something to say instrumentally then don’t be discouraged when told only “songs” with a singer are worth listening to. Yes, it is more viable and more people may pay attention, but ultimately it depends on what your goals are with your music.
Speaking strictly on developing a style, I’d say the most important thing is to take time with your melodies and not blaze through the song with an eternal guitar solo. Chances are there are far more intricate soloists than you out there. Kids nowadays can play circles around me and it is truly amazing what they can do, but call me old school, there is nothing better than a melody that conveys emotion, and harmonies that connect through sections of your musical piece, or may even serve as a traditional “chorus” in a song.
I heard Marty Friedman say in an interview once not to “waste time with instrumental music”; Would you encourage collaborating and playing in bands as well if you’re out to become the next instrumental guitarist?
I believe I’ve read those words from Marty as well, and agree with him (LOL), so I truly appreciate you enjoying my album not being a guitar player. (after mentioning to Francisco that as a non-guitarist, I still loved listening to his music) It means I have achieved what I mentioned above on not just blazing through the music with a long guitar solo.
I definitely encourage collaborating and playing in bands, even if your goal is to be an instrumental musician with a DIY approach. Playing with others you will learn about dynamics, how your sound can blend in a mix and stand out from it when needed, how to approach other instruments if they are not your primary one, etc. It is of course fun and in many occasions ideas will start popping out that you can later work on.
Exploring the Layers of “Textures”
Francisco Meza’s “Textures” is a rich tapestry of sound that showcases his ability to blend acoustic and electric elements seamlessly. The album’s eight tracks offer a diverse range of emotions and atmospheres, each one a testament to Meza’s skill as a composer and musician.
From the intricate melodies to the powerful harmonies, “Textures” is an album that demands attention and rewards careful listening. Meza’s advice to aspiring instrumental artists is not just sound; it’s evident in every note of his music. By staying true to himself and focusing on the emotional impact of his melodies, he has created an album that stands out in the competitive world of instrumental music.
Conclusion
Francisco Meza’s “Textures” is a must-listen for fans of progressive rock and metal. His dedication to his craft and his unique approach to blending acoustic and electric sounds make this album a standout in the instrumental music scene. Whether you’re a guitarist looking for inspiration or a music lover seeking a rich and immersive listening experience, “Textures” delivers on all fronts.
Check out “Textures” now and hit up his Bandcamp page (scroll down for more links):
