Allow me to transport you to Boconó, Venezuela, the city where I was raised. It is a remarkable town nestled in the beautiful Andean region. ‘Bocono is a place of noble souls and indomitable spirit,’ said the great Simon Bolivar, and I couldn’t agree more. But Boconó is not just known for its natural beauty and the spirit of its people. I remember it as a city that pulsated with a vibrant cultural scene, a place where it was almost impossible not to fall in love with music. And fall in love I did, head over heels.

I can’t recall my first encounter with music. Was it my father, a fervent music lover, who ignited the flame within me? I fondly remember the countless times we listened to his favorite bands together, such as Rubén Blades, Héctor Lavoe, salsa legend Willie Colon, but also Barry White, Robbie Williams, and The Beatles. Or perhaps it was my uncle, a talented musician, who never missed an opportunity to pass down his passion to his eager young cousin. In any case, both men were instrumental in igniting my passion for music, and for that, I am forever grateful.

Loving music is one thing, creating it is a different journey altogether. That’s what I discovered at the age of fifteen when my father gifted me my first guitar. I wasn’t a child prodigy like Mozart or Michael Jackson. Yes, I possessed talent, but it was raw and unpolished. Youthful enthusiasm, relentless practice and countless YouTube tutorials were necessary to master my newfound instrument.

Learning how to sing was my next challenge. Not because I wanted to contend in the Voice of Venezuela. No, my mission was to share my own tales—songs about love, songs about spirituality, and, oh boy, a whole lot of protest songs. I was a rebellious teenager, after all. Taking cues from legends like James Brown, Led Zeppelin, and the mighty Al Kooper, I stretched my vocal chords and got to work.

At the age of eighteen, I moved to the city of Mérida, where I enrolled in the Universidad de Los Andes, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Venezuela. At the university, my talent for music did not go unnoticed. I was invited to join Teleplay, a bold rock ‘n’ roll and funk band led by a group of remarkably talented college kids. Joining Teleplay proved to be a stroke of genius. I immersed myself in the artistry, diligently crafting one song after another, while simultaneously honing my voice and guitar skills. Not only did I find a musical outlet, but I also forged deep friendships with my bandmates, as we embarked on a thrilling adventure together. Our music reverberated through the air, as we took our sound to parties, clubs, and festivals across Mérida. The world became our playground, brimming with limitless possibilities. We were primed and ready to conquer whatever lay ahead. And then everything changed.

As political upheaval gripped Venezuela, several of my band members left the country. I also faced a difficult decision – to leave everything behind and seek a new beginning in America. With a heavy heart, I bid farewell to my family, friends and my beloved band, embarking on a journey that would change my life forever.

I ended up in New York City. A city that never sleeps was a great destination for a restless soul like me. But that was the only upside. I was completely alone—no friends, no family, no band. I fell in love, this time with a woman, but it wasn’t meant to be. Left heartbroken and isolated, I clung to the one constant in my life, the one thing that held true significance: my music. It became my steadfast companion, guiding me through the challenges of navigating a new country and culture.

Looking back on that difficult period, I can only say that my companion served me well. In 2018, I pitched my music to Brooklyn-based musician and producer Jose Luis “Cheo” Pardo. It was a Hail Mary pass. After all, as the co-founding member and lead songwriter for the Latin Grammy-winning Los Amigos Invisibles, Pardo is a heavyweight in his field. But not long after, I received a phone call—Pardo loved my music and offered to produce my first album.

In 2019, we set to work, embarking on many arduous but fruitful days in the studio that ultimately resulted in “Mal de Amor,” a diverse and soulful journey through the genres of Latin soul, rock, pop, and dance. Videoclips of the songs were produced in Tijuana, Mexico, and New York City. The album’s first single, “Distante,” was launched in June 2023 and received positive feedback. The renowned music magazine Bravo Revista described it as follows: ‘Distante is a song that blends disco, dance, and pop, creating a fresh melody with funky vibes, accompanied by heartbreak lyrics. It depicts the experience of giving your all to someone in a relationship that isn’t reciprocated. Despite the melancholic tone of the lyrics, the melody urges you to dance.’ These kind words are a crown on my work thus far and a promising prelude to the release of “Mal de Amor,” which will take place in December 2023.

These were the first chapters of a book that is still being written. I don’t know how or where it will end. But what I do know is that I won’t make this journey alone. My trusted friend will accompany me every step of the way.

Music has been my lifeline. And it still is, to this very day.