INTERVIEW WITH SPANISH OPERATIC SINGER HAVING JUST WON 3 LATIN MUSIC AWARDS IN LONDON (2011)



Graciela’s songs (including Now It’s Me) are now available on I-TunesWebsite     I-Tunes      Facebook       Twitter  

If perseverance, constancy and illusion are put together in the same person, with a dollop of musicality and artistry, an incomparable sweet and intense voice that doesn't know frontiers, and a handful of passion for living on a stage, we would be facing an artistic phenomenon called Graciela. Singer, artist, composer and actress, Graciela was born in Galicia, Spain, from a musical family, following her passion from the early age of two. Strongly influenced by great artists like Noa, Robi Rosa, Bjork, Madonna or Sting, she creates her own style introducing pop, funk, dance and world rhythms giving intensity and uniqueness to each and every one of  her songs' bars. Her extraordinary potential has made possible her sharing of stage with artists such as Bjork and Yaire. She was a member of the pop-opera girl band Milan, touring the UK in 2006, and she performs in the London Latin scene as lead singer of Yes!!! Brazil Show, maestro Roberto Pla & His Latin Ensemble and others. She won the UK Unsigned competition in 2009 in her category. She has sung for personalities like the presidents of Iceland, Kazakhstan and Tanzania. She collaborates as a backing vocalist for numerous artists, sings classical music and is a member of several function bands in London.

Graciela also has a band of professional musicians: Steve Richardson - bass guitar (Spice Girls, Shirley Bassey), Roberto Ares - drums (Eduardo Niebla, Yasmin Levy), Jaal - guitars (Escala), Elena Kay - backing vocals (Milan) and Tansy Aked - keyboards (West End musicals: Wicked, Phantom of the Opera).

I first met Graciela, a Spanish latin and operatic singer in July 2010, when she came for a casting for a London wide showcase of unsigned artistes. She took my breathe away, because not only was her voice glass shattering powerful, she moved me with every emotion she brought to the song. She is also mesmerizing to watch when she performs and I immediately became a fan. When I organised my first high society gala in 2011, I knew I had to book her to sing. I welcome Graciela to share her journey with the London Guru readers.  

London Guru:   Congratulations on your three awards from the Media and Latin Awards 2011. Is this your first time win?

Hey! Thanks a lot, I am still over the moon and I am not quite sure if it is me who has won this or if it is someone else... It's just amazing that someone have acknowledge my hard work, I really don't have words to express how I'm feeling. I have won other music awards in the past but it feels as if it is the first time. 

Graciela, band & dancers @Latin Music Awards 2011 (1)

Graciela, band & dancers @Latin Music Awards 2011 (2)

Graciela, band & dancers @Latin Music Awards 2011 (3)

London Guru:   You have had an exciting year! You also participated in a competition to perform on behalf of Switzerland in the Eurovision song contest. How incredible was that process?

I always wanted to give it a go in Eurovision, and this time all the elements were there at the right moment, so I grabbed the chance. This songwriter, Judee Kisob, and her producer, from Switzerland, contacted me through a music agency and thought I would be the ideal candidate to sing their song and represent Switzerland in Eurovision 2012. So I said "Yes!" - it was a chance to show the public part of my musical views and the response from the people and the media was overwhelming. They flew me over to Basel, recorded the song, the video and took some pictures and there you go! they were very professional people. It's a pity that the Euro committee didn't appreciate our vision of mixing musical cultures and eventually we didn't make it through to the finals; a pity, considering Switzerland is a country where 3 strong cultures cohabit.

Graciela "You and me again" Eurovision 2012 bid

London Guru:   Tell us about your newly award winning album “Now it is me”. {How did it come about? Who did you collaborate with creatively? Which is your favourite song and why?}

"Now It Is Me" is my own statement of self-determination. Music has always been my life-leading discipline, but I always sang other people's songs, other people's styles and other people's views. I was always waiting for the right producer, the right manager... to help me producing my own album, my own songs which I've been writing since I was 14. It took me years realising that the tools were in my hands for that to happen. So I risked it all, and just went for it. I am so glad I did! It has open a whole new world of possibilities around me. I had the immense luck of having important musicians working on the album, such as: Xantone Blacq, a funk-jazz musician who was the touring keyboard player of the late Amy Winehouse; Paul Carmichael, a jazz-funk bass player and producer who's released his album "Wax is melting"; Dave Kilminster, who is the touring guitarist of Roger Waters' "The Wall" (Pink Floyd)... I mean, I just don't have enough words of gratefulness to all this fantastic musicians. There are so many on the album! And of course my dear live musicians: Jaal, Roberto, Steve, Tansy, Elena... one greater than the other. My songs are mostly the product of inspiration and not created to please a certain style or a certain group of people. The themes are mainly around life, relationships, the world and self-determination. Musically there's a mixture of styles, mainly the ones I grew up with: pop, Spanish, classical, jazz, funk, r&b, world... music in general. Each song has its own identity, so I wouldn't know which one I like the most, you'll have to ask that to the listeners! hehe... When I think about it properly it just gives me shivers, thinking that I have come this far on my very own. If someone told me a few years ago I would be doing this on my own, I would have never believed it. It's the beginning of my dream come true, really.

Now It's Me by Graciela

London Guru:   You have been a member of several ensembles and a regular on the London music scene. Who do you currently perform with and which is your favourite place to perform?

Yes, well, I am currently the lead singer of several bands: Roberto Pla & His Latin Ensemble (salsa), Yes!!! Brazil Show (latin-Brazilian), Riamba (latin-salsa-jazz). I also sing with my duos (Almaloca and Dominic Grant Duo). And besides this, I often dep for other bands in the styles of jazz, Latin, funk and pop. Of course let's not forget my classical singing, which I do mainly in private events. I wouldn't have a specific place to perform, as long as the sound is good, the people are warm and the vibe is groovy. Every venue or every gig is a chance, an opportunity to create something magical.

London Guru:   You have been in the music industry for a long time and have seen it evolve. What do you think of the opportunities that have come with accessibility to music online with social networking (Facebook, Myspace, Youtube, Twitter) and digital downloads such as I-Tunes. Does it still require marketing/PR expertise or has access to large audiences online been an advantage.

The birth of the different internet platforms has taken information to a whole new level, that we wouldn't have dreamed of a couple of decades ago. It has happened very fast, compared to other main events in the history of humanity. I think we haven't had the physical time yet to digest all that knowledge and use it wisely. They are good, yes, but there is a complete lack of humanity about it and we haven't mastered yet how to combine that technology with ourselves and improve as human beings. At present it's quite alienating. Our essence as human beings has changed thanks to all these platforms, we are less human. I prefer reaching the hearts of very few people, genuinely, instead of forcing thousands of random people from all over the world to listen to my song and judge it with external parameters which have nothing to do with the essence of the music. Now artists will compose a song trying to copy a song that has 20 million views on the internet. They will copy the singing style, the arrangement and the sounds of it. They know it will be cool because they will get as many views as the other one. But... do they really feel the song? was it born genuinely? what's the purpose of the music here?... It's a bit of an insult. I could talk around this subject for ages... I am not sure this is what you were asking.

But, on a different matter, no, these platforms do not cancel the PR/marketing work, you still have to do it, and even more.

Graciela on photoshoot

Graciela "It will Rain"

London Guru:   When did you decide that you wanted to be a singer? Was it your first ambition?

Oh, well, I always wanted to be a singer! (hehe...). Since I was very little... that's all I wanted. My parents say I was always singing... in fact there's a cassette of a 3-year-old Graciela singing as her mum was dressing her to get ready to have breakfast, and she sings all the words instead of talking. As far as I remember, singing was always my inner voice, I've always been very honest and sincere... so my singing does the talking, I guess. And my talking reflects the inner singer inside me. 

London Guru:   Which musicians inspired you as you were growing up and developing as a singer?

Ooh! many!... Female voices: Sarah Vaughan, she has that velvety, elegant way of uniting phrases... those romantic inflexions in her voice. Then Ella Fitzgerald, with her playful jazzy phrasing... Musicians: Michael Jackson, Noa, Bjork, Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, Mecano, Mariah Carey, Bobby McFerrin... there are so many! Alicia Keys, Madonna, Sting, Take 6, Presuntos Implicados, Randy Crawford, Shania Twain, Bonnie Raitt... Buff!!! I could continue... But I think the main person who made me develop my own voice as a singer was my singing teacher Lazara Maria Llado, first soprano of the Teatro de La Habana, in Cuba. She made me discover who I was as a singer, and for that I will always be eternally grateful. Singing is not just a fashion, it is a way of life, and it is, above all, a journey of discovery of who you are. Because the voice is the main identity of a person.

London Guru:   Just for fun, if you were stranded in a desert island what CD would you have with you?

Hahaha... Ok. Hmm... that would have to be Bjork's "Greatest Hits", because of the different landscapes she creates with her music, the sounds, the arrangements... her strength, and the lyrics. I hope there would be other desert islands where to take other cd's, though! there are so many I would take...

Graciela reminiscing about Bjork :)

Bjork reminiscing about Graciela :)

London Guru:   I love Bjork, what was it like performing with the charismatic and talented popstar?

I was part of a European choir called Voices of Europe in 1999-2000, and we did a few concerts with her. She is an example of what every artist should aspire to be. I mean, there are many artists who are an example, but Bjork reflects the contemporary version of it. It's all music. I learned many things, difficult to put in words, while working with her. Fearless, timeless, full of energy, truthful... everything, really. I was very lucky to experience that project... at that time the internet wasn't what it is today, and that helped a lot with the magic.

London Guru:   You are very versatile and seem to be able to perform various types of music. What is your favourite genre of music. Who do you think is the best singer around currently in that genre?

Aw! you've hit the Achiles question here, hehe... I always say you can't choose between breathing or keeping your heart beating. You need both in order to live. To me you can't separate a style of music from another. Because music is a complete language. You can't choose to speak one set of words or the other, you will use all or some of them depending on the context, the situation, the need... Regarding genres... I think someone along the way lied to all of us. Musical genres do not exist as such. There are different structures, different classifications, different organisations of notes, of chords, of sequences, of beats... but that's just that: formalities. The function of music never changes. You can transmit the feeling of anger with a classical symphony, as well as with a dark rock song. And the beauty and the challenge of it lies precisely on that: a good musician should be able to express his music through all genres. Sometimes it is difficult for me to get this idea across, people feel more secure when they put things in boxes.

London Guru:   If you had the opportunity, what venue anywhere around the world would you like to perform and why?

A venue with good acoustics. Something happened to me recently when I performed at Ronnie Scott's in London. The sound was so perfect that I was feeling a bit uncomfortable. I could hear absolutely everything. I sat in a corner of the venue for a few minutes, while memorising some words, and I could hear the sound technicians with the musicians on stage plugging cables, testing mics... with crystal clear precision. You could hear a pin drop. That kind of sound is what you need in a venue, it puts you to the test. And then, of course, the right back-line on stage and a great sound technician. I don't mind if it is a small or a big venue as long as it has those conditions. A dream: The Madison Square Garden in New York.

  

London Guru:   Is there anything about the music industry that you don’t like and if you had the power you would get rid of?

Yes. I would ask music executives to pay more attention to real talent and be less focused on their pockets. But I don't think that'll change.

London Guru:   You are also a songwriter, can you take us through your creative process. How does your song come to fruitation? Do you ever write for anyone else?

Normally the best songs happen when you are at a point of inflexion in life. When things are about to change. It's imperative to open your ears to the inspiration when it comes, and let it guide you. To me the best tunes come all together: the lyrics and the melody. On these occasions I also hear the harmony and the style of the song. It will be a chorus and a verse. The rest of the song will develop later. This hasn't happened many times, but I can tell you that my songs "It Will Rain" and "Everything" went through that process. Other songs happen more technically or more pre-meditated, like in my case for example "Just Another Night". In this case I wanted to write a dance song, with superficial lyrics. I hated it at the beginning. It was not what I wanted to achieve. But eventually it grew up and finally the result was satisfactory. In fact I like it now more than other songs which were more inspirational at first.

I do not normally write for anyone else. It is difficult for me to be honest with my music and put it in other people's lips because it's like a son, a daughter, you don't want to give it away to anyone. But yes, I write songs for others if I place myself in character mode and pretend it's not me who is writing. It's kind of fun and it's also very amusing. 

London Guru:   Do you have a formal academic background in music and did that help in your “real life” career?

I have a degree in Musical Education Sciences, a diploma in Classical Singing and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Jazz Singing. I also have courses and seminars in several music disciplines. It does help, I would neglect myself if I said otherwise. It sharpens your brain and helps you visualise music graphically. It makes you a quicker thinker, musically. Technically, it also helps you in critical moments such as emergencies. I always encourage my singing students to learn musical language, it comes as an extension of what you already are.

London Guru:   You have sang for three Presidents, that’s quite an achievement. I am part Tanzanian so I am curious to find out about your trip to Tanzania to sing for the President.  What was the occasion?

Oh, it was an amazing trip full of adventures! hehe... We travelled as part of the Yes!!! Brazil Show and we were there to do a few shows. In the meantime, the director of the hotel where we were staying announced that the President  was coming to celebrate his birthday party and they would like me to sing for him at his celebration. I was asked if I could write a song for him, and also sing a classical song. A well-known fashion designer of Tanzania gifted me with a special dress for the occasion, and everything run smoothly. It was a day to remember.

  

Graciela  at Radio X offices

Graciela with Pop-Opera group Milan touring in 2006

London Guru:   You have managed to keep yourself going in the industry all these years. What advice would you give to aspiring singers in the current climate in the business?

If you really have the passion for music, no external factors should stop you from pursuing your dream. It matters little to the real artist if there is a crisis going on, you sing because it's like eating, like breathing. It is not a job. So just keep on being yourself and following your instincts. Never give up. Listen to your heart, that's my advice all the way through.

London Guru:   What are you currently working on?

Well, right now I am promoting my album and trying to get gigs with my band all over the place. Since I am my own manager and agent, that's my main role at the moment. As an immediate project, we have a mini-tour in Spain coming over in March 2012 with my Trio setup. That's what we are working on right now.

Graciela with host on the Sporah Chat Show, Sep 2011

Graciela promoting album on the Sporah Chat Show, Sep 2011

London Guru:   So what can we expect from Graciela in 2012?

Besides the Spanish mini-tour in March 2012, I look forward to performing my music to an increasingly bigger audience, with my full band and dancers, and for that I hope to collaborate with promoters and agents who understand my musical vision and who are an extension of the work I am doing. If I could achieve that, I would be floating in ecstasy. I hope you interview me next year around the same time and I can say I've made it!

To get updates and follow her gigs you can go to her WEBSITE

Graciela - Live Band (The Mayor's Newham Show)

Graciela, photo shoot 1

Graciela, photo shoot 2

Graciela, photo shoot 3