By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) My sound is the combination of many different musical styles. Cuban music, jazz, soul, funk, pop, etc. All through the eye of a musician and singer songwriter.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) In the early years of my music career I was mostly a bass player and through the bass, I discovered American music after being (of course) exposed to a lot of Cuban music, naturally. Jazz sort of caught my ear and I became a jazz bass player, studying musicians like Jaco Pastorios, Charles Mingus, Ron Carter, Stanley Clark, John Pattitucci, Marcus Miller, etc. etc. The Cuban movement of “Nueva Trova” was very strong in those days and I, of course, got influenced by singer-songwriters like Silvio Rodríguez and Pablo Milanés.
Q) What are some themes you explore on your new album ÍNDOLE?
A) I explored on Índole my Afro-Cubanism and beyond, as well as writing songs from a different perspective, not only about happiness.
Q) You have said, “Índole honors my afro-latin roots, and pays deep respects to the African diaspora.” Why was that so important for you to amplify?
A) Well, I am black, and I’m proud of it, so we have to give Africa the power of music. Its rhythms are used every day everywhere, and not a lot of artists recognize the fact that they are using it and how to honor it.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) Melody first, lyrics follow right away. I just live life and something I do or hear triggers a melody and I drop what I am doing and record. I really like making the demo as soon as possible to have the whole arrangement put together with the original feeling. The same really goes for collaborating – I always try to capture the whole song with the arrangement while composing with another artist/songwriter.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I am glad you asked about the production of my music. I am a self-produced artist who records himself, playing most instruments on the last six albums of mine. So, to answer your question. Everything.
Q) My favorite songs on the album are “Espíritu Temba” and “Para Contarte Este Amor.” Which of the songs holds a special place in your heart and what makes it a standout for you?
A) It’s difficult for me to choose one. They all come to me from the same universe, and are treated with the same amount of love and care. I’m glad you told me which ones are your favorites:
Q) I’m also curious about the country tone that mixes with the island breeze feeling of “Palabras Vacías.” I heard you were hesitant to record it. Why?
A) First time exploring a bit of a country music vibe and, honestly, the more simple a song the more it challenges me to find a unique approach to something very familiar.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to ÍNDOLE as a whole – either as a message or emotion?
A) Hope and joy.
Q) You are currently out on tour. What song(s) off this album have fans been loving hearing you perform live?
A) “Seré Feliz” and “Ella es Oro”
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform, and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) I don’t really have favorite places yet. I am grateful to get in front of an audience anywhere in the world.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I don’t think in those terms. I follow intuition. When a song speaks to me of another artist, like they would sound great in the melody or lyrics or vibe – I go after it. I really loved collaborating with Leonel Garcia – we wrote a song in one hour, “Solo Mía.” And I am always so grateful for the feeling of creating!
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) As weird as it sounds, I don’t listen to a lot of music; I create music. Right now, I am producing an album for Lila Downs and listening to her music a lot. She is a powerful singer and an amazing human being!
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) Obviously a big thank you, with the promise that I will always be myself – that same Alex that they found and like for his authenticity.