Juan Jaliquias is a Spanish musician that writes progressive metal music. He grew up listening to mostly Prog Rock and Jazz/Bossa Nova music that his parents plaid. He has been playing instruments his entire life. Even though his main instrument is a guitar, he also plays piano, bass, banjo and sings. MITL MAG's own, Malik Moodela interviews Juan to discuss how he became a musician, his dream collaboration and more.

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Did you always dream about becoming a musician? How did it all happen?

I've always been drawn to music and it is one of the most important things in my life. Writing songs became my creative outlet even when I barely knew how to play chords and I'm always learning new things as I write new stuff.

What's the most challenging part of being a musician? and why?

I'd say the inspiration, getting stuck compositionally and being unable to progress. Another challenge is time. For me; as someone, that apart from playing music, I also have a full-time job so it comes down to time-managent as well.

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“I've always been drawn to music and it is one of the most important things in my life.”

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What musician would you like to collaborate with next?

If I could choose whomever I wanted, then I would love to write a song with musicians that I look up to like Mark Tremonti or Mikael Akerfeldt.
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What's next for you?

Right now I'm in the midst of doing an acoustic EP with acoustic renditions of songs from my album titled: "A Lighter Shade of Black" as well as salvaging 3 demos that I have and a brand new song.

I have also started recording a concept album which is heavier than anything I've done until now, that's all I can say

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Best memory you have performing as a musician?

Probably a concert I did as lead guitarist for a psychedelic band that was called "Honey Chipotle". For the last song on a set we played, I was given the freedom to perform a solo until I signaled the band. I ended up doing an 8-minute guitar solo.