Mara Gilbert

Def Con Dos and Strawberry Hardcore are household names in Spain and Mara Gilbert is an integral part of both of them.

I first met Mara and Cesar Strawberry in a club in Madrid a couple of years ago. Since then both of them and the rest of the band members have not only accepted "El Guiri" as a photographer, but also become friends. I have photographed Def Con Dos at festivals and venues across Spain, but not Strawberry Harcore - so when the band invited me along to Concerts Del Pinar as part of the crew, it was an offer I wasn't going to turn down!

We hung out backstage and here is what Mara had to say:

Hi, great to see you here today at Pinar. How are you and how are you feeling about the festival?

It’s so great to see you again with your camera in hand, moving around a festival! I’m really happy to be here. I think it’s such a cool place to play, with a great lineup and in this amazing setting.

Tell me about Strawberry Hardcore – is it like Def Con Dos or something completely different?

It’s a very different project from Def Con Dos, and that actually makes it more interesting to be part of both bands. With Strawberry HxC we move away from rap metal and dive into hardcore and punk, which gives you some really fun possibilities when it comes to singing the songs, especially with those wild lyrics César has written for this band.

Last time I saw you, it was at Viña with DCD. Since then you’ve had loads more DCD concerts, Strawberry Hardcore events, released a new song and video – how do you manage to fit everything in?

Being really organized is essential to make sure everything fits and every detail works in the schedule so we can do it all the best way possible without missing anything. It helps a lot to be surrounded by people who keep the whole machine running smoothly. César and I work really well together, and that makes handling many aspects of both bands much easier. On top of that, we’re lucky to have amazing professionals around us, like Samuel Barranco – someone you can always count on to get the best out of anything he does.

Talking of a new song and video – “Punk Forever In The World” has been getting amazing press reviews. Tell me about it!

We’re super happy because, as you said, it’s got a really positive response from both the public and the media. I might not be the most objective person to say this, but I think it’s such a solid song! I was really excited about it because it was my first one with the group, and getting to record it with someone as legendary and professional as Daniel Alcover was a real privilege. And filming the video was a fantastic experience too – dancing in those dark, graffiti-covered tunnels was something else!

When you’re not touring or in the studio – how do you like to kick back and relax?

I have to admit my lifelong guilty pleasure has been video games. They’ve always been there in my downtime – though funnily enough, the ones that relax me the most are the hardest and most frustrating! I also absolutely love going up into the mountains, taking a walk uphill and soaking in those breathtaking views. It’s like escaping into another world – an incredible feeling of peace.

If you guys could perform with any band (dead or alive!) who would it be and why?

Years ago I went to a Bloodhound Gang concert and I remember thinking, “Damn, these guys are having the time of their lives on stage – it must be amazing to be up there with them.” So maybe as a tribute to that old memory, I’d say them, even though they’re not a band I’m especially into nowadays. But honestly, I would’ve had a blast performing with Fat Mike and the rest of NOFX!

Who are your musical influences?

I’ve always been proud that my musical taste is a mix of my family’s. Since I was little, they always took me to festivals and concerts. Thanks to that, bands like NOFX and Bad Religion have been a part of my life since childhood, but also artists like the Australian Nick Cave, and iconic Spanish bands like Lagartija Nick.

You gotta choose – DCD or Strawberry Hardcore. Killer question! Who would it be?

You’re evil and you know it! Haha. I truly enjoy playing in both bands – it’s such a gift to be part of two projects that allow me to do very different things. Singing those DCD anthems that we’ve all grown up with and feeling the crowd sing along with you is otherworldly, it always gives me such a thrill! But I think I have more fun on stage with Strawberry Hardcore – I feel like I can give more of myself, and the little girl who grew up listening to melodic hardcore and punk is right there on stage dancing with me, happier than ever!

What’s next for Mara, DCD, and Strawberry Hardcore?

With Strawberry Hardcore, we’re putting together a small tour for the autumn, so now it’s time to go full speed ahead with DCD this summer! We’ve got quite a few festivals lined up in the coming months, and I’m really excited to give it our all everywhere we go!

Do you have a message for the fans out there?

Honestly, I can only express my deepest gratitude. Joining two such legendary bands and being welcomed so warmly by the fans in both cases has been incredibly moving. It really motivates me to keep working my hardest. And above all, I’d say: keep enjoying the concerts like you do! It’s amazing to see you all out there from the stage, so fired up, moshing, singing the songs… That energy is just fucking awesome.

Thanks Mara - as always we could spend the day chatting about music, puppies, bands and everything else!

Thanks, Rhyan! – it’s always a pleasure talking with you, and I can’t wait to share more festivals and stages with you and your camera!

And with that she was gone - transforming like a mysterious superhero. One minute chilling and chatting backstage, the next commanding the main stage with the rest of the band.

Long live Def Con Dos & Strawberry Hardcore!

If Facebook is your thing then check out: Mara / Def Con Dos / Strawberry Hardcore

Or if you are more of and Instagram person: Mara / Def Con Dos / Strawberry Hardcore

Interview and photos: Rhyan Paul