By: Jamie Steinberg
Photo By Francis Karkoszka
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) I would describe it as American influenced songwriting told through the rhythms and harmonies of Cuba, Flamenco and Jazz. I grew up between Boston and Madrid listening to everything. From Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen to Bebo Valdés and Paco de Lucía. My music is really a reflection of growing up in two places at once.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) As a songwriter, I was heavily influenced by Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon – amongst many others. On the Latin side, people like Joaquín Sabina, Joan Manuel Serrat and Juan Luis Guerra had a huge impact on me. The aspect of putting together the story telling and metaphors of Spanish songs with the language and rhymes of the English language was a turning point in my songwriting.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Pearl White Rose.”
A) “Pearl White Rose” is a song about looking in the mirror and confronting your flaws. It’s a tribute to the realization that growth often comes from learning through the mistakes one is afraid to face. The image of the pearl white rose came to me as something beautiful and delicate surviving in a difficult environment – something that shouldn’t be able to grow in a burning field. The song asks what happens when you stop blaming the uncontrollable factors around you and start looking honestly at yourself and the things you can control. The roots grow!
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
As deep as the lyrics and the concept of the song are at the end of the day it’s a salsa! I do believe everyone has something they want to improve about themselves. And growth is crucial to becoming a better person. But the thing that connects the most is that you can dance to it, and who doesn’t love to dance.
Q) Javier Limón directed the short film of the same name and built it around four of your songs from your upcoming album.
A) All nine songs from the album are very connected but these four tell exactly what the record is about. The noir style black and white gave it a touch of nostalgia and is a great hint at the crooner aesthetic that vocally this album is partially inspired by. Black and white, suit and tie, but sunglasses on – showing it’s still music made in 2026.
Q) You are joined by Reinier “El Negrón” Elizarde, Yuri Nogueira and Paul Sánchez. What was it like for you to collaborate with this talented trio?
A) It was truly incredible to watch these masters at work. They understood the concept of maintaining the roots of Cuban music while also innovating upon it with the utmost respect. Reinier, from the first day, said “All these songs are poems,” and brought a delicate touch to the basslines. Yuri had ideas like adding a tambourine in the last chorus of the song “Back Then” – a song that is in the style of Macuta but still had space for a contemporary “pop” tambourine in the final uplifting moment. Paul is a delight to work with and is always smiling. He wrote an incredible horn arrangement to “Dinero” that made the cha-cha flow and dance.
Q) Your debut album Back Then drops this month. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on it?
A) There are multiple key themes in this record. The connection of a triangle of musical cultures between Madrid, New York and Havana. The storytelling behind every song, always trying to guide the listener through a journey. And, finally, the idea that people miss quality in music. Back then, meaning that in the massification and globalization of music, quality was diluted. I think that is why people go back to listen to such great records like Chet Baker Sings, “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole or “Lagrimas Negras” by Bebo Valdés and El Cigala. And I think that’s why artists like Olivia Dean are working.
Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It really depends on what I am writing about. When I have a chorus idea or something that I want people to sing along to I do it all at the same time with a guitar or a piano. But my favorite way is lyrics first because I usually end up writing better lyrics. When you don’t have the harmony and melody to support the words you end up thinking of more clever ways to make a text interesting. That way when you do add the chords and melody the foundation is there.
Q) As a music producer in your own right, how much of a hand did you have in the production of your music on the album?
A) Javier Limon and I produced this album together. It’s honestly really funny because we forget what ideas are his and what ideas are mine. It’s like the musical taste was passed down through the genes. He told me about this idea of using the Cuban influence of musicians that have been through his studio for the past twenty or thirty years in a project. And I brought him a set of songs with that concept in mind and added in the English storytelling. From there the project grew wings of its own and we just followed along.
Q) What songs off this album are you most looking forward to performing live?
A) “Back Then” is really fun. We have a great arrangement of just guitar and voice that with the band is really going to grow. When singing live I noticed people listen to the lyrics more carefully than when streaming the music. So, for that reason, “Pure” is a song I’m really looking forward to. I think it’s one of the best songs I’ve ever written and I’m hoping people will connect with it.
Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your album Back Then as a whole?
A) We live in a world that is moving so incredibly fast every single day – where you only have ten seconds to entertain someone and capture their attention. I wanted to create a project where people sit, slow down and listen. I hope it reminds people that stories still matter. If someone listens to the album from top to bottom I hope they have the feeling of being inspired to put every ounce of care into whatever they are doing that day. To tell their story and be proud of their roots.
Q) Rumor has it that maybe you and Javier will be headed out on tour together. What can fans expect from a live Frank Maza performance?
A) We are so ready. Some of these songs I wrote over five years ago so it’s an incredibly rewarding feeling to see people listen to them live. People can expect a fun but emotive show where we really give it our all. The musicians are incredible and having Javier Limon on guitar accompanying me is something I’m very grateful for. He truly makes me sing better when he plays.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) Madrid is like home. It’s like singing in my living room – so many familiar faces and it’s such a warm environment. But anywhere in the US is incredible because people really listen to the words. They pay attention to the stories behind every song and you can feel they are captivated while listening. New York has that special feeling, it truly feels like people know how to listen.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I’m very lucky to have worked with some incredible people in a very short time. But one singer and legend I look up to is Mariza – the queen of fado and the voice of Portugal. I’ve never felt such a dominating presence and control on stage. It would be a dream come true.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) Olivia Dean has been creeping up on my “recently played” more and more. I truly believe she’s doing something great with her music, bringing high quality and a solid concept to her records and shows. I’d love to see her live soon.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) First of all, thank you. I’m eternally grateful to anyone that has ever listened to even thirty seconds of my music. Creating is something so vulnerable. Sharing it and having people listen and pay attention is a dream. I hope I’m able to tell my stories for a long time and I promise to only try to make them better and more captivating as I go along.