JAIME TRAVEZÁN recently released his album “Everybody Is So Funny,” the songs of which are designed to make people smile or laugh. It is a mashup of his favorite musical genres, house and lounge, with electronic dance music. He believes that the pressures that the average person faces today are extremely high. This album’s goal is to let those times go and have a little fun. This cheeky song, “Straight People Can Be Cursed,” was written as retaliation for all the times he was told in his teens that homosexuality could be cured. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: I’m from Perú but I’ve been living in Europe most of my life. Right now, I’m in Barcelona. I always worked as a photographer but 5 years ago, the sudden loss of my brother hit me so hard that I couldn’t work. My mind was blank, I felt useless. So, while rambling, I opened GarageBand for curiosity and that was it; suddenly I found myself putting loops together. That’s how it all started and how I’ve been coping with grieve since.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: I’ve started by myself, but I’ve soon realised that, in order to learn properly, I needed some classes, upgrade my software and buy proper gear. I’ve done a couple of years of training and I still occasionally follow some tutorials when I need specific info.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: I’m 59 so I have passed through many musical influences starting with Donna Summer, followed by B-52’s, Kraftwerk, Lene Lovich, Communards, Bjork, Everything But The Girl, Portishead and many others.
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: I like to mix elements from different genres, which most people don’t. For example, adding a rock guitar to a House track but then following it with classical instruments, like an oboe, trombone or strings. I do music for fun, it’s not my job, I therefore love to experiment with sounds and go down different routes. Overall, I’m very unassuming with my production, I suppose my ambition is that people will enjoy listening to it as much as I did making it.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as EDM?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: Besides the many decades of music listening, I also did loads of clubbing and really enjoyed dancing. I find magical the way that music could lead you into a different dimension. Good EDM is like a dream to me and achieving that mood is my challenge. Obviously, from time to time, I need to go for something more relaxing: creating some chill or Lounge music.
6. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: Making music gives me a lot of satisfaction, even though it takes an enormous amount of my time and efforts. I just wish I could reach to more people. Reality is that the distribution and promotion process it’s not really my thing, I have very little time and energy for that. I therefore get a bit frustrated by the fact that the diffusion remains confined to a limited circle.
7. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: Is a bit of both. I usually start looking for a loop similar to the one I have in my head, it could be a synth or a beat, even just a sound. From there it flows with the chorus, bridge or verse. In the process I try many different routes and hundreds of loops. As for collaborations I haven’t worked with anyone so far, as it was a personal (therapeutic) process. But now that I’m getting more hooked on it, why not?
8. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: I’m not that big at all! I haven’t come across that type of problem (yet!).
9. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: I have stage fright, so I feel safe and happy working in my studio.
10. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?
JAIME TRAVEZÁN: I suppose is the same like when looking at a piece of art for the first time: you like it or you don’t. Then, if you learn the story behind, it helps you to understand it better and maybe it can even change your mind. Said that, I’m happy for people to be free and interpret my music however they want.
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