Animals As Leaders Interview: Javier Reyes on The Joy of Motion | Ryan Minic, Ryan's Rock Show

In an interview with Ryan Minic of Ryan’s Rock Show, Animals As Leaders guitarist Javier Reyes reflected on the band’s growth, memorable touring experiences, and the creative process behind The Joy of Motion. He recounted a surreal moment opening for Deftones in Estonia, where they played in a church that had been burned down by the Nazis. The venue, which had no ceiling and only four standing walls, had been transformed into an open-air concert space, creating one of the most unique shows of his career. With over 2,000 fans in attendance, Reyes described it as a highlight of his musical journey.

Reyes also discussed Animals As Leaders’ evolving sound on The Joy of Motion, emphasizing the band’s efforts to showcase their current musical identity while incorporating contributions from outside producers. He revealed that the album featured input from Misha Mansoor and Adam “Nolly” Getgood of Periphery, as well as Diego Farias of Volumes, bringing new dimensions to their sound. The band wanted to recapture some of the energy from their debut while also pushing forward with new production techniques and organic drum tracking.

The conversation turned to Reyes’ diverse musical background, including his past as a hip-hop producer under the alias Dirty Sanchez. Before fully committing to Animals As Leaders, he spent time producing beats in Washington D.C., but eventually shifted focus back to guitar when touring opportunities became more demanding. He admitted that while he still loves hip-hop, his passion for progressive metal and extended-range guitars ultimately took priority.

Beyond Animals As Leaders, Reyes spoke about his side projects Mestis and T.R.A.M. While T.R.A.M. was on hold due to the band’s busy schedule, he expressed a strong desire to record a full-length Mestis album, as fans were eager for more music. He described Mestis as an outlet for his Latin and fusion influences, allowing him to explore a different side of his creativity outside the technical intensity of Animals As Leaders.

Reflecting on his journey as a musician, Reyes emphasized the importance of persistence, practice, and patience. He advised young guitarists to challenge themselves by playing material they find difficult, stressing that continuous learning and problem-solving are key to improvement. He acknowledged that today’s aspiring musicians have more resources than ever, with YouTube tutorials and online tabs making it easier to learn than when he was growing up. However, he emphasized that dedication and hands-on experience are still essential for true mastery.

Despite the pressures of maintaining Animals As Leaders’ reputation, Reyes stated that the band remains focused on making music they genuinely enjoy, rather than catering to fan expectations. He believes that staying authentic is what keeps bands relevant, and that their goal has always been to write music for themselves first and foremost.

00:04 playing a burnt down church w/ Deftones
01:20 Thrice's farewell tour
02:23 the Boston case
03:03 getting their house burglarized
04:06 producing hip hop
05:02 evolving as a musician
05:49 The Joy of Motion
07:55 on mastery
08:54 T.R.A.M. & Mestis
09:53 how AAL's fame affects creativity
11:14 advice to young musicians

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