City, province/state, country:
Buenos Aires, Argentina
What is your first memory related to music?
All kinds of records that we used to listen to in my childhood home in Brazil…
Running and hiding under the living room sofa to catch some tunes from The Wall by Pink Floyd. Dancing along to records by Caetano, Rita Lee, Chico Buarque…
What were your first steps in music?
When I was 9, an upright piano appeared in our house. It was my mom’s when she was little, and she had been hanging onto it for years. I started playing it—along with my siblings—and I never let go! (That’s the same piano I studied on throughout my whole childhood, and it’s still in my house today).
Why did you choose your particular instrument(s)?
Based on my response to the last question, I guess I’d have to say that the piano chose me…haha.
What have the last 10 years of your career been like?
It was just about 10 years ago that I recorded my first solo album. The following year I traveled the U.S. and Europe with those songs. When I got back to Argentina, I kept playing—collaborating on projects and musical adventures of all kinds. I recorded two albums with a trio and another with nine musicians. I got to travel with this music; got to know new people and places. 10 years of growth and enjoyment!
One bit of advice for someone starting out in your field?
Never lose that sense of pleasure that connects you to music. Listen to all kinds of music…borrow some things, invent others, play around and enjoy!
What could be improved in your country with regard to the business and culture of music?
In recent years (since the end of 2015) the government has been reducing the budget not only for music, but for culture in general. They’ve been cutting programs in public schools, orchestras…it’s been a bad time for public education and culture. A society without education and culture can grow neither intellectually nor humanely; and least of all artistically. Even so, the power of independent projects is immense, and always expanding toward new and beautiful terrain. I wish we as artists had more support from the State and that the budget was divided more evenly.
Current / next creative project that you’re excited about…tell us more!
I’m presenting a record with a group of nine musicians called “Don Olimpio” that I feel very proud and happy to be part of. The record is called Dueño no tengo (“No one is my owner”) and recently it was nominated for a Gardel Award as ‘Best Album by a New Folk Artist.’ Beyond the recognition, I’m incentivized and motivated by the great musicality and personal character that permeates the group, as well as the solidarity of the musical community at large, which allows for many shared experiences, shows and trips around the country. We’re also presenting the record Patio with Juan Quintero and Santiago Segret, which revives an old folk repertoire and encourages dancing at every show. Starting this month and throughout the rest of the year, we’ll be performing once a month at Espacio Tucumán.
Is there a new creative direction / kind of project you would like to explore in the future?
I’m fascinated by the world of audiovisuals and I’ve been exploring it, wading in bit by bit. I hope to be able to work more on audiovisual projects and continue learning more.
Favorite project you’ve worked on.
I’d have to say that “Don Olimpio” is the space where I’ve felt best with regard to creativity and the group dynamic.
Favorite artist.
Many! Egberto Gismonti, Caetano Veloso, Astor Piazzolla, Juan Falú, Glenn Gould, Bjork, Nina Simone, Natalia Lafourcade, Stefano Bollani, JS Bach, Charly García…etc. etc. etc..!
Favorite instrument.
Percussion in all of its variations.
Favorite local food from your country.
Güerrín!
Don’t miss Andrés blending a Bach composition with Uruguayan ‘candombe’ drum rhythms:
Andres Pilar Prelud
