Emerging from the vibrant rock scene of Barcelona, Whisky Sugar are a band driven by raw energy, sharp social commentary, and a deep love for classic rock n’ roll. With their stomping new single ‘Tannen’s World’, the group delivers a punchy anthem that blends grunge grit and stadium-sized hooks while taking aim at the darker edges of modern capitalism. Inspired in part by the infamous Biff Tannen from Back to the Future Part II, the track channels a sense of disorientation and rebellion, capturing that unsettling moment when the world around you suddenly feels unfamiliar.
Formed through conversations about politics, post-pandemic uncertainty, and the possibility of a better future, the band’s earlier single ‘Breakfast for Millionaires’ set the tone for their bold, metaphor-driven storytelling. With a lineup solidified in 2023 and two albums already recorded, Whisky Sugar are now performing across Spain and building momentum beyond their home city.
We caught up with the band to talk about the ideas behind ‘Tannen’s World’, their influences, and their ambitions as they set their sights on taking their rock-charged sound to audiences around the world.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Rai: It was the generic black and white stratocaster my older brother first bought. I was 12, my brother 14. That thing set us on a new path of life.
Vic: It was the first time I saw a Gibson Les Paul, the same model that Slash uses.
John Side: A Pearl Studio drum set in my teacher’s sound studio and later his Kramer Neptune electric guitar, this guy had a lot of beautiful toys, Rest in peace S.I
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Rai: I listened to a lot of stuff as a kid, but punk rock, grunge was the thing. It was Nirvana that always stuck with me.
Vic: I listened to a variety of styles and bands. Grunge, Punk, Blues and Rock & Roll. I'd highlight Green Day, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Queen.
John Side: A lot of styles but mostly Hard Rock from the 70’s and 80’s like Bon Jovi, Kiss, Acdc, Aerosmith, poison, skid row, soda stereo, pink floyd and more, trash metal like megadeth, slayer, sepultura, salsa like Héctor lavoe or Willi colon, latín american rock like Kraken or charlie garcía.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Rai: Fatboy Slim’s “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby” on cassette. I think I was 11 then, that album still slaps today!
Vic: Legend by Bob Marley.
John Side: My first original cassette paid with cash from a playboy magazine sale was Season in the Abyss from Slayer and my first cd was Crossroads from Bon Jovi, a greatest hits.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Rai: Come As You Are
Vic: These are the Days of Our Lives by Queen.
John Side: Run Like Hell- Pink Floyd
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Rai: Write. Panic. Write some more.
Vic: I rarely write songs, only during important moments that I want to be remembered.
John Side: Just play my guitar and search for the right riff.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Rai: Right now a lot of Fleet Foxes, man they make some beautiful music.
Vic: Right now I'm listening to a lot of Prince, Elvis, and soundtracks that catch my attention, like the Oceans movie saga.
John Side: Supertramp and Eric Clapton are my tunes at this moment.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Rai: Anyone? How about opening for RHCP, Pearl Jam, and newer band-wise, Khruangbin? Yea I’d love to open for all of those.
Vic: I would love to be the opening act for AC/DC.
John Side: Black Label Society, Alice Cooper, Phill Campbell and the bastard sons.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Rai: Playing live, jamming and writing with your pals. That lifts me up.
Vic: Building something with friends and having it sound amazing live.
John Side: Make friends and enjoy the music you made with these friends. It's very hard to find musicians to make a band, it’s almost a miracle.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Rai: Getting venues and promoters to treat us seriously.
Vic: Exactly the same thing Rai says.
John Side: The entertainment business.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Rai: Don’t stop. Never give up.
Vic: Don´t stop playing because you sound amazing.
John Side: Always play music with a feeling in your mind.
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Whisky Sugar's new single 'Tannen's World' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.