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.”
