The music of Eduanis Zerquera is upbeat, bursting with life in a very festive mood. I could imagine an evening of live jam in the open-air, percussions rolling in, with a gathered group of friends singing each song while stomp dancing. Fond memories are brought back by such themes of cultural novelty. That is how it gets to me as a listener. In response to my invitation, Eduanis agreed to share his thoughts on some of my prepped musical questions, which I am glad to share with you:
Share your favorite quote or epiphany as a musician:
"Music is an incandescent journey into the depths of the soul: Music is a divine light that transports you to a blessed, colorful, harmonious and intense world. It takes us on a journey inside ourselves."
How do you organize your thoughts and come up with great tracks?
"The muse often appears unexpectedly at night. It surprises me, I pick up my phone and immediately record the beginning of my future song. Then I work intensely with the different instruments or with the guitar.
For my first original song, I was fortunate that a young person asked me to do an art and music collaboration for her project in high school. It all happened very quickly. We wrote the lyrics, and I wrote a melody.
Inspiration was born between two continents. Thanks to her and to the enthusiasm of many people who support me, we opened our Youtube channel. A few months later, we put it on Spotify. From that moment, I took pleasure in composing. This was the start of a beautiful musical and artistic journey."
What exactly do you like about making music?
"Music is everything. It's the only thing that makes me really happy. It distracts me in the saddest days. It has opened many doors for me and I need it to feel alive.
For Cubans, music is everywhere, it is the soul of our lives, it is this feeling of joy, lightness and sharing. All suffering is erased thanks to it.
For ten years, I was able to play every night in a magical place and share this music that I love so much but it was only covers. Three years ago someone who liked my voice and songs very much formed a private group on WhatsApp with people from all over the world. Before a song comes out, I send it to them exclusively. Music is sharing, the gift of oneself. These people push me, follow me and help me. Thanks to them, I continue international art and music collaborations."
What instrument/s do you play?
"I have been playing guitar since childhood, Cuban percussion and piano."
If you are not doing music, what are your other interesting diversions?
"When I'm not playing music, I like to play sports and also to walk in Nature and admire its beauties. Nature is a source of inspiration. I just finished writing a song to celebrate it. It is so badly led by men. I also really like to go fishing."
Who is the musician you could be best associated with the most?
"I would like to play with Silvio Rodriguez, this mysterious musician."
What is your most memorable experience as a musician?
"My most memorable experience was when I wrote Madre la patria mia with my uncle who lives in New Zealand. This song is a danzonete, a traditional music of black Cubans of the 1890s, at the end of slavery. It combines several voices and instruments. This music is spontaneous and allows for improvisation and changes of rhythm. I dreamed of writing this kind of music. I was looking forward to my friends' impressions and they wanted to dance. I was happy in this difficult time. We need lightness. The words are a prayer to Our Lady of Cobre to protect the world. In addition, my 87-year-old illustrator friend, Wright Salisbury, did a wonderful rendering for the video. The New Zealand musicians I work with do a great job. It is a beautiful international collaboration art and music."
- That is indeed very heartfelt and a great read! -- Ann
If you go to Mars and are only allowed to bring 20 musical selections to play and nothing else, who would those artists be?
"Silvio Rodríguez, Pablo Milanés, Ricardo Arjona, Buena Fe, Van Van, Bryan Adams, Backstreet Boys, Maickel Blanco y Salsa Mayor, Polo Montańes, Habana de Primera, Akon, Juan Luis Guerra, Jose Feliciano, Camila, Mana, Alex Ubago, Luis Fonsi, Leoni Torres, Mark Antony, Prince Roice."
What is HOT music to you?
"Hot music is reggaeton: I saw it born; it got everyone excited with its infectious sound. Over the years, it has deteriorated and has only become repetitive with sex and violence. To make good music you need quality, the genre is not important."
Name your 3 most influential musical figures of all time?
"Silvio Rodriguez, Buenas Vistas Social Club and Beethoven"
What word best describes you as a musician?
"Progress: By working on all my new compositions, I continue a quest inside myself and I realize myself. I overcame fear by playing my first piece of music. Now I'm just getting bigger every moment. That makes me happy."
Name your 3 most favorite tracks from your discography.
"1. A mi pueblo
2. Madre de la Patria mía
3. Sueños para recordar"
-o0o-
