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GroundSounds recently caught up with singer/songwriter Alejandro Gonzalez Gomez to discuss his music, background, and the shows he helps put on in Los Angeles.
Describe your sound for those unfamiliar with your music.
I call it Acoustic/Electronic with a touch of rock and pop.
How did you get your start in music and what has your journey been like so far?
Well, I grew up listening to nothing but rap music and cumbia. I was born and raised in the East LA/Boyle heights area and that’s what my ears were surrounded by. I was given a drum set by my aunt at the age of 4 which I destroyed within 3 days. Then my uncle bought me my first keyboard at the age of 8 which entertained me for a while but didn’t quite do the trick. My mother bought me my first electric guitar at the age of 12. From there I started writing my own music. I started with a rock band, went thru hell and back with it and now I’m here as a solo artist. Oh yeah, and the night stalker (Richard Ramirez) almost got me at the age of 2. So I consider myself to be a very lucky guy lol.
Tell us about the shows you help put on. What type of production are you involved with and where do you hold these shows?
Every 2 to 3 months I put together 5 to 6 acoustic solo artists including myself for a fundraiser called “Acoustic Stem”. My production company (Operating On Dreamtime) put’s the shows on. We’ve been having the shows at Rafa’s Lounge and art gallery in Echo Park, but I’ve been thinking of moving them to lot 1 cafe also in Echo Park. I donate 20 percent of the proceeds to a different charity each time. So far we’ve had (performers) Sean Paul Cruz, Dez Hope, Kristopher Escajeda, Lauren Kinney, William Hawkins… just to name a few. I am also looking to book anybody who’s an acoustic artist and is interested in performing.
You’re currently working on a 6 song EP. Do you have a title or release date? What can readers expect from the EP?
Yes it’s called “Irregular Heartbeat” it will be the follow up to my first EP titled “Acoustic Noise”. There is no release date as of yet, but it is due sometime during winter. Readers can expect a mixture of high energy and soft sounds.
“Respira” is a song with a lot of energy and passion. What was the inspiration for this track?
Pain and love gave birth to that song. Personally I believe that most people in the world struggle to love themselves so I wanted to write something from the heart with the hopes of inspiring people to love themselves more. At the end of the day, thru all the pain and the bullshit you are still alive.
Do you have one song that you’ve written that stands out as a personal favorite?
Probably “Glimpses.” It reminds me of how I overcame many hardships.
What musicians inspire you the most from a songwriting standpoint?
Various. It can go from Gustavo Cerati to Kurt Cobain to Ritchie Valenz.
What are your goals with your music? Where would you like to be a year from now?
I like to build on small wins. One of my goals is to inspire people to become more empathetic. The world is majorly lacking consciousness and empathy. A year from now I would like to be performing in front of at least 5,000 people. That’s not too much to ask for is it? lol.
Where should readers go for updates on your EP and information about your upcoming shows?
I’m currently in the process of building my own website which will be www.operatingondreamtime.com
For now visit these links or email me at oodreamtime@gmail.com
https://www.facebook.com/AlejandroGGMusic
http://soundcloud.com/alejandrogonzalezgomez
http://www.youtube.com/alejandroggmusic
Alejandro Gonzalez Gomez – “Respira”
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