Pablo Delgado
One thing that is constant in every culture is music. It is very interesting how musical sounds and trends can spread throughout various cultures. Pablo Delgado is a prime example of the influence of various genres of music. While his music encompasses many styles, his sound is described as a mix of Jazz, Pop, and Soul. I was first introduced to Pablo through his song “Despacio,” which I thought was a remarkable sounding song. Pablo music is very honest and it is true reflection of his life. It is always refreshing to hear an artist that is willing to bear his soul for our entertainment. Musically the instrumentation on Pablo Delgado songs’ are very full and incorporates the sound of a big band. Pablo Delgado is very talented and if he is able to keep making music that is very emotional and powerful, he will soon be an international superstar. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce a star in the making, Pablo Delgado…..
1. I read that you are from Zamora, Spain. What was it like for you growing up?
A- Zamora is a pretty small city on the North-West of Spain. I lived with my parents, and siblings until I was 17 when I had to make my way to the big city. Zamora is way too calm for someone as hyperactive as I am. I guess I had a pretty normal and quiet childhood really.
2. How old were you when you started getting into music?
A- I've been singing since I can remember. I was always really passionate about music and started buying adults music at the age of 7. I would rehearse at my bedroom for hours both singing and dancing even skipped classes to do it. Funnily enough, my family didn't have a clue I wanted nor that I could sing. I was always into acting and jumped to the stage at the age of 4 for the very first time. I'm a trained actor but music interests me a whole lot more.
3. Does your family support your music career path?
A- They do now! I guess they were shocked at the beginning especially since I left my house being really young to pursue this dream. I think they started taking me seriously the moment they saw me at a big theatre acting in a musical and getting money for it. They never objected either. Bless them!
4. Is Jazz and Soul music a popular genre of music in Spain?
A- Not at all! We do have some amazing artists on those genres in Spain and I'm lucky enough to have worked with some amazing singers and musicians, but we're really underground with our projects still. I'm willing to change that though!
5. Your music has a very full sound almost like you have a big band playing behind you. Do you prefer music that has a lot of instrumentation?
A- I adore huge instrumentations. Nothing can beat a full orchestra and the richness of strings and brass arrangements. I've listened to Burt Bacharach and Phill Spector since forever so it had to come out somehow. I'm getting in the studio tomorrow to record the brass section of my album and I'm over the moon with how it'll sound.
6. I notice that some of your songs are in English and some are in Spanish. Do you prefer to sing in a particular language?
A- I prefer singing in English. I like myself better in that language. That's probably because the music I've always been into has mostly been British and American. I would have done the whole album in English if I didn't live in Spain where it would have closed many commercial doors. As I said I would love being mainstream as long as it happens doing things the way I want.
7. You don’t really subscribe to boundaries when it comes to music. I read that you have done music in genres that consist of Dance, Rap, and even Classical. Do you feel it is important as an artist that you draw from a variety of music genres for musical inspiration?
A- It really is for me! I listen to all sorts of music so it makes me want to do them too and it happens a lot! Contrary to many singers I'd like to think of myself as eclectic even if my influences are stronger than I'd like them to be.
8. I understand that your lyrics are a reflection of your life. Do you find it therapeutic to sing about what is going on in your life? Also are there any songs that you have created that really evoke a strong emotion for you?
A- There is nothing as therapeutic to me as writing a song. It's just the best way to clean up my head and let it all out. Even though I'm really outspoken I still have that Zamora influence in me which makes it difficult to me to talk about my feelings (we're tough people). Singing is a completely different story. All my songs evoke strong memories of different situations where I've lived. I could never write about something I haven't lived. I don't care if that makes me limited as a writer but that's the only possible way in which I could be 100% truthful. “So Gone,” “We were too good,” “2 de Noviembre,” “No fui yo,” and “Tu est Paris,” are probably the ones that came out of the deepest feelings I've ever had (both of happiness and sadness)
9. Who are some of the artists from the 50’s and 60’s that you really admire?
A- Georgie Fame is the coolest guy ever, Otis Redding makes my hair stand, Booker T and the Mgs are amazing for a boogie, Paul Anka is sweet, Dinah Washington makes me sigh, France Gall evokes the Nouvelle Vague era that I look up to so much, Etta James literally turns me on... I could go on forever!
10. If you could work with any artist dead or still living, who would it be and why?
A- I'd actually be terrified if I had to work with someone I really admire. Dreamed collaborations would be Mark Ronson (which recreates perfectly the kind of sound I love), Amy Winehouse is also the most amazing artist I could think of and so is Björk. Now that would be really interesting...
11. As an artist do you feel it is important for you to say what you feel even if you may offend or hurt somebody’s feelings?
A- Story of my life! I'm not one to be politically correct. I swear a lot so I use strong language on my songs as well. On my songs I talk openly about the times when I used to drink a lot to get over shit going on in my life, about sex, drugs, ambition, psychological issues and everything that happens in a real life of someone my age (in mine at least). Artists must be honest; otherwise I'm not interested in them at all. Honesty hurts but I couldn't care less.
12. The new album is coming out in 2010. Do you have a title for the album?
A- Indeed I do! Due to more projects I have been involved in at the time of recording the album; it took me a long while to get it all done. So I conveniently decided to call it “Despacio” (which means slowly in Spanish) It happens to be the name of one of the songs from my album as well.
13. How many songs do you expect to have on the album?
A- It'll probably be ten. I didn't want to force people a zillion songs as I want to leave them wanting more!
14. Do you plan to tour for this upcoming album and is there any chance that you would come to the United States?
A- Touring has to happen. I adore singing live, I feel powerful and I have to pay my bills. Making it in the States is the biggest goal for every artist I guess. I would probably have to get there through the Latin market and they've always been supportive of my work in Miami and New York, so let's see. Fingers crossed!
15. Do you plan to shoot any videos for any of your songs?
A- Sure! That'd be a dream come true. I've worked on other artists music videos both as an actor and as a creator! I hope I can come up with good ideas for my own songs (I already have a few)
16. It seems like you keep yourself pretty busy within the music industry. Do you ever get tired of all the work and think about doing something else?
A- I'd go mad if I didn't... Been touring the country with a black music -gospel band for years, and I've done collaborations with Spanish, German and even Bollywood artists as well as being a backing vocalist and a session singer. I can't even imagine myself doing something else other than singing. I've done occasional modeling and I'm getting back into acting but ideally those would all be side projects .
17. What kind of things do you like to do for fun, besides music?
A- I love watching indie movies and classics (French specially). I'm that much of a snob. I love fashion. I'm always preparing looks, videos and image concepts for me and other artists. I like reading and I'm a bit of a gym freak. I can cook pretty well I've been told and I like to keep my house clean. I could never live without the internet.
18. Is there anything else you would like the fans to know about Pablo Delgado?
A- I've just arrived but I'm willing to make as much noise as I can. I've opened up a window to my soul on this album and everyone is allowed in. You can catch up with me at my lovely website: http://www.pablo-delgado.com and a big fat THANK YOU for listening to me. You guys have good taste!