Thinking In Sound: Why Each Moment Holds Its Own Magic with Elisa Blanco
During her first year as an advertising student, Elisa stumbled upon a class that sparked a passion she never knew existed: Music in Advertising. It was a moment of revelation that ignited a passion within her.
In 2011 Elisa relocated from her sunny hometown in Spain to the vibrant pulse of Germany. Amidst the bustling streets of Germany, Elisa found herself drawn to the captivating allure of creative industries. From mastering the art of photography to fine-tuning her production skills, she was always on the lookout for new ways to express her creativity.
However, it was again, in the enchanting realm of music supervision that she found her true calling.
Elisa is part of the team at 86Tales, working between Berlin and Barcelona. As a music supervisor and creative producer, she plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between clients and composers, assisting in projects, and conducting creative searches and synchronization
LBB> When you’re working on a new brief or project, what’s your typical starting point? How do you break it down and how do you like to generate your ideas or response?
Elisa> When I face a new project or briefing, I prioritise communication from the outset. I consider it essential to have detailed conversations about the vision, feelings, and objectives of the project.
Then, according to the specific needs of each project, whether it's composition, licensing, sound design, or voice over, each part is carefully organized and analyzed. This enables us to offer creative solutions that perfectly fit the client's needs.
LBB> Music and sound are in some ways the most collaborative and interactive forms of creativity - what are your thoughts on this? Do you prefer to work solo or with a gang - and what are some of your most memorable professional collaborations?
Elisa> For me, teamwork is crucial in creative production. When we engage in group brainstorming sessions, I find it incredibly inspiring and interesting, as they often lead us to consider different approaches that might otherwise go unnoticed.
One of the reasons I love my job is the opportunity to collaborate with people whom I admire, which is truly fulfilling.
LBB> What’s the most satisfying part of your job and why?
Elisa> Each moment holds its own magic and significance.
In my work, I find satisfaction and inspiration at every stage of the process. From communicating ideas and collaborating with individuals I admire, to transforming intangible concepts into final musical pieces, each step is crucial. Witnessing the culmination of our efforts, with everyone involved happy, is a gratifying experience.
LBB> As the advertising industry changes, how do you think the role of music and sound is changing with it?
Elisa> Music and sound have long been significant components in advertising. They are crucial resources for brands to establish authentic connections with their audience and evoke emotions.
While historically they have contributed to differentiation and enabled brands to emotionally connect with customers, I now perceive them as the quintessential tool for standing out.
Their strategic application becomes increasingly critical for brands to differentiate themselves and engage meaningfully with consumers amidst all the noise.
LBB> Who are your musical or audio heroes and why?
Elisa> Selecting my musical heroes is quite the challenge, given the abundance of worthy candidates! Yet, if I were to spotlight a few, I'd begin with the Soulquarians. However, within this esteemed group, I must single out the sole woman, Erykah Badu. From the first moment I heard her, I was in love with the sincerity and authenticity with which she expresses herself in her art.
In the realm of soul and R&B, Donald Glover also warrants mention. Not solely as a musician, but also as a music supervisor, his work on the series Atlanta is truly exceptional.
And finally, returning to my Spanish roots, I must acknowledge Antonio Flores, José Mercé, and especially C. Tangana. His album "El Madrileño," crafted in collaboration with other luminaries of Spanish music, stands as a masterpiece that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Spanish culture.
LBB> When you’re working on something that isn’t directly sound design or music (let's say going through client briefs or answering emails) - are you the sort of person who needs music and noise in the background or is that completely distracting to you? What are your thoughts on ‘background’ sound and music as you work?
Elisa> When I listen to music, I tend to pay close attention to it, so it's something that distracts me. Therefore, when responding to emails, and especially when analyzing the client's briefing, I prefer silence.
LBB> On a typical day, what does your ‘listening diet’ look like?
Elisa> I would say that my musical diet is quite varied and eclectic. It depends on the projects I'm immersed in at the moment, but I always make time to explore new releases and discover emerging artists.
I'm passionate about the process of finding new music, whether it's through my own research or exchanging recommendations with friends and family who share my love for music. It's a constant exchange of playlists and suggestions that enriches my listening experience.
When I'm on the move, whether it's on the subway or walking around the city, I prefer to delve into podcasts that cover a wide range of topics, from art and music to film and philosophy. It's a way for me to stay inspired and connected to various forms of artistic expression while on the go.
LBB> Do you have a collection of music/sounds and what shape does it take (are you a vinyl nerd, do you have hard drives full of random bird sounds, are you a hyper-organised spotify-er…)?
Elisa> I'm currently curating a vinyl collection, infused with treasures passed down from my parents' cherished archives. Digitally, in my hard drive I have music organized by artists and genres, while my Spotify playlists are crafted to match specific moods.
LBB> Outside of the music and sound world, what sort of art or topics really excite you and do you ever relate that back to music (e.g. history buffs who love music that can help you travel through time, gamers who love interactive sound design… I mean it really could be anything!!)
Elisa> I have a passion for photography, and I've been taking photos since I was 14 years old. Music has always been an integral part of my photography sessions. Often, I title my photos with songs that inspired me during the shoot or reminded me of the scene.
Cinema, philosophy, and sociology are other subjects that ignite my interest and which I easily relate to music. My role as a music supervisor is particularly fulfilling because all these topics are directly or indirectly intertwined.
LBB> Let’s talk travel! It’s often cited as one of the most creatively inspiring things you can do - I’d love to know what are the most exciting or inspiring experiences you’ve had when it comes to sound and music on your travels?
Elisa> Travelling and music have been two inseparable companions for me for some years now. Often, when deciding on a mini vacation, the destination is chosen based on a concert happening there. For instance, I caught Vulfpeck in Amsterdam and Mac Miller in Paris.
LBB> As we age, our ears change physically and our tastes evolve too, and life changes mean we don’t get to engage in our passions in the same intensity as in our youth - how has your relationship with sound and music changed over the years?
Elisa> Since childhood, my heart has danced to the rhythm of music, and with each passing year, this fiery passion has only grown stronger.
