BenAnthony LaVoz – Aunque Me Mate

By starrymag | July 5, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe my sound as Canada’s very own Latin sound. Fully produced In Canada; using traditional methods of making music such: as composing the songs from scratch, using live musicians, and story tails of true events from my life. All while hitting urban pockets that will leave even the best of rappers inspired. It’s Modern Latin music alive again.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I tend to acquire influence from artist of the past: recording live, keeping the tempo, no autotune, telling stories of hurt and passion. Music that is alive and well, still after all these years – Celia Cruz, the Beatles and Mozart to a name few.

Q) Please tell us some themes you explore on your new solo album Aunque Me Mate.

A) Latin sounds, Fully produced In Canada; using traditional methods of making music such: as composing the songs from scratch, using live musicians and story tails of true events from my life. All while hitting urban pockets that will leave even the best of rappers inspired. I’m bringing the power back to the artist in this album. There was no right or wrong way – it’s just my life in song.

Q) This is your first full-length solo album. What has the fan response been like to it through social media?

A) Most importantly my family has responded, with adoration and respect for this piece of art. Especially after coming out to the release party where I performed the album with my band; they really got a glimpse of how far I have come, that I will never stop, and they saw hope – hope that this music, this feel, this movement will part of our communities’ heart. As for social media and numbers, I tend not to pay too much attention.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) My writing session are extremely straining and very personal to me. All my songs come transmitting for a higher power and gifting it to the masses.

The whole song comes to me at the same time. I record a voice note, then dissect it and I rebuild the whole sound, starting with a root instrument. They are both one.

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) All my songs are composed from this mind. From there I have only a select few in which I will go over the composition to help polish it out. Therefore, I have a hand in very sing movement of process. It a beautiful thing; it’s like raising children I suppose.

Q) Are there particular tracks on the album that challenged you the most creatively?

A) I think with this album getting out of “creative” mode was the toughest. The pandemic essentially served as time in the lab; however, taking all that information and then recording it and putting a ribbon on top was the real challenge.

Q) Which song(s) on the album hold a special significance for you personally?

A) My songs are like my children, and I am not one for nepotism. I love them all equals they are all a part of me.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your album Aungue Me Mate as a whole?

A) I hope they realize that with was all done independently that this is my dream come to reality, and from the bottom they too can rise to the top of whatever their calling is. They will realise this is the “official Sound of Canadian Latin Music” and it’s time for the Canadian Music Industry to acknowledge it.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I love to perform outside in the sun, and in an event where the culture is strong. At the end of my show there is this enormous amount of pride and faith as much in me as in them, it’s a feeling you can only experience there and then.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Most artist I have wanted to work with passed; however, possibly Bruno Mars or Marc Anthony would be artist of interest as I feel they emulate their art. And with that hit of class, something that is defiantly lacking

Q) What artist/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I listen mostly to music recorded live I love to hear live jazz, salsa and cumbia to name a few. Once in a while I will peer into so see what’s at the top of the charts

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) For me, social media is like a glimpse into my life, it’s nice to connect through the veils of social media; however, I much prefer connecting whilst performing with the masses.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Latin music is at the top of the music charts, Canada’s current Music market for Canadian Latin artist does not reflect that. Though international Latin music is flowing through our airwaves, there seems to be a neglect or better said platform our SOUND. I plan to change that. Junos get ready to open up a Canadian Latin Song of the year Category – Eyah!