The musical project Aciz, the creation of Alicia Cid and Rayco Gil, has garnered several nominations for its released material, which includes the Samsara EP and various singles
The duo released their debut single, Phoenix, in 2019, followed by their first EP, Samsara, in 2023. Their sound, shaped by Afro-descendant influences encompassing reggae, soul, neo-soul, and jazz, led to them being hailed as a breakthrough act in 2024, the year that saw their career take off, according to Rayco Gil. This recognition includes nominations for the Clinton Awards from specialist music magazine Enlace Funk for Best New Group and the Canary Islands Music Awards for Best Jazz Album with Samsara.
Aciz has a unique collaborative approach to live performances. Whilst professional musicians Alicia Cid and Rayco Gil, are the core members, they invite other musicians to join them for live shows. Both Alicia and Rayco, along with their collaborators, also maintain active roles in other bands and projects. ‘For instance,’ says one half of the duo, Rayco, ‘the bassist on Samsara regularly plays with Malú, and the drummer, Carlos Sosa, is currently touring with María José Llergo.’
Looking ahead to 2025 Rayco says, ‘We always aim to make the current year our best yet. We’re exploring new ways to push boundaries with more modern sounds, and we’ll be releasing singles in that experimental vein. Also on the cards, though,’ he continues, ‘is to compose in Spanish.’
Rayco hints at a possible collaboration for a new EP: ‘We’re about to team up with Ms Maiko, the Barcelona-based Canarian artist who’s worked with Ariana Grande, among others. This will enable us to explore a more urban and commercial sound, although it’s just one avenue we might pursue.’
Rayco confirms that Aciz will release six or seven collaborative singles this year, building on the success of previous collaborations such as Agua, their tribute to Pau Donés, featuring Iván Torres from Efecto Pasillo and Althay Páez on timple, and Black Vibes with Tomy Roots, the theme tune for the Radio 3 programme of the same name. He adds, ‘We’re already writing material for another EP, planned for 2026.
Aciz is currently booking gigs for the summer. Their schedule is still being finalised, but so far, the duo hopes to play at the Canary Islands Jazz Festival, the Maspalomas Costa Canaria Soul Festival, and potentially Fuertemúsicas in El Cotillo. ‘We’re definitely playing at the Gran Baba in El Palmar, Cádiz. And for other dates, we’re open to all offers!’ adds Rayco. Aciz can be found on social media @acizsound
