What inspired you to write “Rock to the Top,” especially its vulnerable opening?
Well, literally is part of my life. When creativity strikes, there´s not much you can do. Except take it as a hobby and lie to yourself that it´s not really your call. So I chose the truth. I was writing songs alone in my bedroom in my twenties, waiting to get out of an exhausting routine. And sometimes with no sleep at all since I created most of my songs at night. 3 am has always been the time for this. And then going to a corporate job the following day completely knackered.
How do bands like Bon Jovi and Mötley Crüe influence your sound today?
I wouldn´t say their sound is an influence. It was more for me the catchy structures they created. And my goal was to make a CD where you don´t hear 1 or 2 songs that sound like hits and the rest is just to fill in 10 or 12 tracks. If I don´t think a song can be catchy, I don´t continue the composition. For me, it has to be a full circle. And by the end of it, even if you heard it once, you need to be able to sing it or hum it. That has always been my intention. And I have tried my best around it with good results so far.
What was your process for creating such a catchy and memorable chorus?
It started actually when I was working in the street visiting clients for this company I used to work for in Buenos AIres. And I couldn´t record it anywhere. So, I remember I kept in my head the verse melody first and then I twisted it a little bit on the chorus. At night when back home, pen and paper helped to continue and finish it. And the lyrics I think belong to any musician / artist that wants to consider their craft as a passion and not a mere weekend hobby.
How does your work as an actor shape your performance style in music?
It helps a lot by getting you closer to the audience. I also worked as host in events, so being a public speaker has never been a limitation to me. I think a show with only great songs and no connection with the public is half way there. That´s why I always introduce the tracks, tell the story behind them & even make a few jokes to make people laugh. I learnt what not to do from my teenage-years concerts, like The Ramones: never a word with the audience. That´s not good, despite being legends.
Do you see “Rock to the Top” as a personal statement about your journey in music?
Yes, definitely. It´s a constant struggle through passion, creativity & hard work. But never desperation or anxiety. And by all means, no ego at all. No matter how good your art can get. If that happens, you would have lost the battle confirming you´re too weak for what God put over your shoulders to endure and share in a healthy way with others.