“Windows” at Sam Bond’s Garage on Nov. 7, 2024. Photo by Ginger Nunnally.
Vibrant Los Angeles band “Windows” consists of Matteo Arias (guitar and vocals), Julian Ducatenzeiler (drums), Marissa Yardley (keys and percussion), Eyal Lidergot (bass), and Anthony Aragon (guitar). Having toured on the west coast previously but never quite hitting Eugene, Arias and Ducatenzeiler couldn’t wait “to be in actual, real Eugene this time,” playing at Sam Bond’s Garage on November 7. Originating in 2018, “Windows” in its current form releases refreshing singles and EPs with colorful melodies that captivate the listener.
Arias describes the band as “a revolving door”. Though ever-changing, “Windows” consistently contains the same essence and positive energy. “I want everyone to get along emotionally and harmoniously,” Arias says. “Windows” strives to involve members who have their hearts in the music, because if you’re not having a good time together, everyone can hear it.
“Windows” focuses on the band's chemistry and the many elements that make up their sound. Coming from the ever-inspiring Los Angeles, simply walking down the street or getting coffee raises ideas for the band or for Arias, the main songwriter. The essence of “Windows” mixes country, psychedelic rock, and indie pop, taking heavy influence from the California country rock scene. Pioneers of this scene include bands like “Creedence Clearwater Revival” and “Canned Heat”. Arias describes the California country rock scene as having a “jangly, bright essence”, something that “Windows” actively incorporates in their discography and highlights in their new EP “Raindrops on the Open Road (Rotor)”.
Matteo Arias and Julian Ducatenzeiler in the KWVA music library on Nov. 7, 2024. Photo by Ginger Nunnally.
Exciting things are in the works for “Windows”. In spare time between work and shows, the band has been working on their next EP with Tyler Fogerty, the son of Creedence Clearwater Revival frontman John Fogerty. Arias feels it is “one of the most exciting things on the horizon”. Peering into the future, “Windows” hopes to have its first East Coast tour in the United States and potentially a Europe tour next summer.
Much like anything worthwhile, pursuing music is no easy feat. “Just try. If it’s what you like to do, then put your all into it,” Ducatenzeiler advised. “Don’t try to conform to something you’re not because then it’s not authentic”. Natural connection is an aspiring musician’s best friend, and Arias adds that if you align yourself with authenticity, “those things will just fall into place”.