04 abril 2013

Alejandro Sanz "Loves Mexico" Baja Traveler Magazine

 Alejandro Sanz. Cover Story 2013-2014

 By Pat Tyson and Mayté Rodríguez Cedillo

World famous Latin artist, Alejandro Sanz, writes and composes all of his songs. The internationally renowned Latin Grammy winner is not only one of the most successful Spanish singers of all time, but is widely recognized as a global philanthropist and for his dedication to improving access to education for children – and he LOVES Mexico!

BajaTraveler® was honored to interview him and here’s what he had to say on his first visit to Mexico.
“It was back in 1992 when I first visited Mexico for my Viviendo Deprisa tour. I will never forget the love with which I was received by all – the fans, the press, the crew I got to work with.
I fell in love with the country, its corners, its people – their sense of humor.
I made friends back then with whom I’m still close friends.” We then asked him if he had a favorite dish from Mexico and here’s what he had to say…
“I also adore Mexico’s gastronomy, and if I had to select a favorite one, I’d say… tacos al pastor, or cochinita pibil, or birria, or tortas ahogadas, or carne seca, or enchiladas, the arrachera…” it was hard to pick one.
Born in Madrid, Spain, on December 18, 1968, he was the youngest son of Maria Pizarro and Jesús Sánchez. At age seven, inspired by his father who played the guitar professionally, he learned to play the instrument, too. Being exposed to traditional flamenco music, he originally aspired to becoming a flamenco performer, but finally decided to focus on creating popular music with a flamenco flair. At age 20 he was young and courageous and, at 23, walked with great confidence onto Spanish and foreign stages.
At the start of his career in the nineties, Sanz released his debut album Viviendo Deprisa (1991), the top selling record of the year in Spain.  Si Tú Me Miras (1993) and Alejandro Sanz 3 (1995) followed with great success.  However, his true breakthrough was the internationally acclaimed Más (1997), selling more than five million copies.  El Alma al Aire (2000), No Es Lo Mismo (2003) and El Tren de los Momentos (2006) were followed by Paraiso Express (2009), which brought him major recognition, leading to one of the biggest concert tours of 2010.  More than 800,000 viewers enjoyed TOUR PARAÍSO concerts in major venues throughout Spain, Latin America and the United States.  He explains his name adjustment.
“I am a common man with a common name,” he jests.  “The first time I arrived at a music company, I was told that ‘Sanchez’ was very long and very common, so they removed the ‘che’ from the middle!”
He has received 16 Latin Grammys and 3 Grammys – “I should know, especially when I have to clean them!” he says with great humor.
In 2011, Sanz was honored with prestigious awards that include the Spanish Ministry of Culture’s Merit in Fine Arts, the White House Vision Award for his philanthropic work through the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, and the ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) Award in recognition of his great contribution to Latin music.  He is especially committed to social causes and actively supports such organizations as Doctors Without Borders, Save the Children and Greenpeace, among others.  He personally promoted the Positive Generation CD for Doctors Without Borders, which aimed to help fight pediatric AIDS in Zimbabwe.
His latest album, La Musica No Se Toca, was released on September 25, 2012.  It was produced by Sanz himself, along with the famous producer and arranger Julio Reyes Copello, a winner of two Grammys and nine ASCAP awards.  Before its release, La Musica No Se Toca was already reaping huge success with its first single, No Me Compares, which debuted in the Number One slot on the iTunes charts in seventeen countries around the world, and hit the top of the radio charts in the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, Colombia, Chile and Ecuador, as well as others.
This album has shaken up the scene with stunning sales figures, which comes as a welcome surprise considering record launches in recent years.  It has gone Quintuple  Platinum in Spain, Double Platinum in Colombia, Platinum in Mexico, Venezuela and Argentina, Gold in the United States, Puerto Rico, Chile, Uruguay, Peru and Central America.  Sanz’s new record has been certified nationally and internationally as the biggest-selling Spanish language album of 2012.
Additionally, the track No Me Compares recently scored nominations for the “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year categories at the XIII Edition of the Latin Grammy Awards.  His second single, Se Vende has been extremely well received, positioning itself at the top of the radio, television and digital download in a number of different countries.  His third single, Mi Marciana, off La Musica No Se Toca album, was launched in December 2012; Sanz was in Veracruz, Mexico to record the official music video.  The video was directed by  Angel Flores Torres, a talented Mexican scriptwriter, producer and film director who has won seven MTV awards,  Cinematography was handled by Jesús “Chuy” Chávez, widely acclaimed in the film industry in Mexico and the United States. The album reigned over the charts in 2012 and is still holding its ground as one of the top-selling records in 2013.
“Veracruz is an amazing state!” Sanz exclaims, “it gave us a great day – and  magnificent weather.  It is a pleasure to be in a state which truly welcomes you!  It’s an amazing place!”
Mi Marciana marks a turning point in his career.  It blends his unmistakable poetic style with and fresh and innovative music production.  In a very short time, the single has become a big favorite on the album and, after just a few weeks, was a strong contender to the Number One spot on radio and digital download charts.
Sanz set off around the world with his La Música No Se Toca tour in October 2012.  The first leg of the tour was kicked off in Mexico City, where he gave a history-making performance at the Foro Sol for more than 50,000 people.   He continued to perform nine more highly-attended concerts in Mexico and selling out his shows in every province including Cancún, Mérida, Monterrey, Guadalajara, Puebla, San Luis Potosí and Tijuana.
“During a performance, Mexico is amazing, the audience gives themselves to the artist and truly enjoys themselves during a concert,” Sanz added.  “As an artist – while on stage – it’s an honor to be facing an audience as such,” Sanz exclaimed.When we asked him what place in Mexico he loves the most, here’s what he had to say…
Recently, Sanz received three “40 Principales” Awards: Best Music Video for No Me Compares and Best Album for La Musica No Se Toca.  Furthermore, he was rewarded with a special mention as Best Spanish Artist of the 21st Century.  As a tribute to his brilliant career, Sanz has received the “Premio Excelencia” in the 25th Anniversary Edition of “Premios Lo Nuestro” granted by Univision.  He was also nominated for a Best Album of the Year for La Musica No Se Toca, Best Male Pop Artist of the Year, and Video of the Year “Premio Lo Nuestro” award for No Me Comprares.
Most recently, we witnessed how Sanz received the “Premio Lo Nuestro” award for “Male Artist
Of The Year” in the pop music category.  Sanz was worldwide trending topic during his performance and award presentation as singer Ricky Martin presented the singer with the prestigious “Award For Excellence” which honors extraordinary artists for their exceptional achievements and professional excellence throughout their careers.
Although he has succeeded in the “cross-over” from one world to another, he continues to sing in his native tongue.  At times he has joined forces with other famous singers such as Shakira, Alicia Keys, The Corrs, Calle 13´s René, Joaquín Sabina, Dani Martin, Ivete Sangalo and the legendary Tony Bennett to name a few.
“La Musica No Se Toca means “Music is not to be touched,” he explains.  “There are a lot of things in life which can be negotiated – can be changed – but music is something which one must always respect – like when you were a kid and your father said ‘don’t touch that!’   Well, there.”  We concluded the delightful interview with Sanz and asked him what he takes with him from Mexico every time he departs.
“After each visit, I take a little piece of Mexico – in my memories, Mexico is very close to my heart – as it is part of some of the happiest moments in my life.”

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