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Alejandro Gonzalez Gomez is set to release his new album Irregular Heartbeat this Summer. GroundSounds caught up with Alejandro to discuss his background in music, trying to stand out in LA, his new album, and more. Check out the interview below!
How did you get started in music? When did you play your first show?
Well, I was in a rock band previous to my solo project and our first show was at a house party in highland park. I grew up performing in the east LA/Boyle heights punk scene (which is Where I’m from) even though we weren’t really punk. Just straight up rock ‘n roll. We had a decent following in east LA and in highland park at the time..some of the best times of my life. very fun.
Who are some of the musicians you admire or look up to?
I grew up consumed by Spanish music because of my family and hip hop (which at the time was called rap) because of my surroundings in the 80’s. I Also really liked a few iconic pop stars. Around the age of 11 I discovered the Seattle grunge movement and that changed my life. So if I had to name a few artists that influenced me growing up (since there’s so many) it would be La Sonora Dinamita, Soda Estereo, Mana, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Run DMC, Too Short, The Beatles, David Bowie, Nirvana, Sonic Youth, Nine Inch Nails etc..
Tell us about your new album. How long has it been in the works and what can we expect from the sound of it?
Its been in the works for about a year now. It’s both in English and rock en español. It ranges from high energy rock dance grooves to electronic down-tempo ballads.
Do you have an album title or release date yet?
Its Called Irregular Heartbeat. If everything goes right it should be out by June followed by a few music videos.
Do you have a track from the new album that stands out as a particular favorite?
Yes. “Cielo Rojo.”
How has your experience been as a musician in Los Angeles? It’s such a saturated music scene..has it been difficult to get your music out there?
It’s so saturated that its been very difficult to rise above. I‘m not too worried about that as long as i keep making things happen and continue to believe in myself.
Along the same lines, what separates you or makes you stand out from the vast sea of musicians in Southern California?
The fact that I am sincere with what I do with músic. I’m more concerned with what I’m going to create and leave behind to better the world in my own way before I die rather than being concerned with what sounds cool or what’s “hip” or trending right now. I think some musicians in Southern California approach músic like it’s some sort of pretentious gag or joke. A short cut for the “cool factor.” Some People Here don’t value Good músic anymore. A lot of it is not their fault. They’re simply stuck in the illusion of what they believe good músic is because no one has offered them anything of better quality. at the same time there’s some decent music out there too. I mean its important to have fun with it and make people dance and all those great things, but músic should be inspiring and therapeutic (both for yourself & other people) and passionate. Words/lyrics are very powerful, they should be used properly.
What’s coming up for you this spring/summer? Where and how often do you expect to be on stage?
A new album means new shows. Preferably 2 to 3 times a month. I’ll be performing in East LA/Boyle heights. Downtown LA. Echo park. Silver lake. A few shows in Hollywood. And possibly a few shows in Tijuana, Mexico, I like it over there.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of the music world?
I like to spend time with the people that I love. I also like having conversations with total strangers. You never know who’s day you might be making Just by hearing them out and listening to them.
Where is the best place online to stay updated with your music, shows, and updates on the album?
My website is the best place. You can follow me on instagram under oodreamtime. You can also like my Facebook page or you can find me on Twitter
Thank you, I am very grateful for your time.
