Latin music transcends borders and languages.
54Ultra He is a musician who transcends generations and sound styles. John Anthony Rodriguez He is a virtuoso and creative who grew up in Puerto Rico surrounded by salsa, cumbia and romantic ballad classics. Through his own compositions, 54Ultra He constantly seeks ways to pay tribute to his roots, despite living in another country and facing another culture every day. In an interview, we spoke with the musician about his upcoming visit to Mexico in the Indie Rocks Forum! and the sensitivity required to connect with a live audience.
Indie Rocks! Magazine: Let's talk about the materials that have come out recently. You come to Mexico with new music and an LP titled First Works. What can you tell us about this release?
54 Ultra: Well, I think they're receiving me very well. I feel like people are listening to the music and so far, they're not saying anything bad to me, so thank God. I feel very excited with how they have treated me. It must also be said that these songs are already old; They are about four years old. So I'm happy that they finally came out, but we already have plans to make more music, different, fresher music.
GO!: Fresher? Because? Do you think that this music that has been published is already a bit old?
54: Yes, sometimes it feels old. They are songs that I had since I was playing shows in New York. They already existed and I was waiting for the best moment to release them.
GO!: We are glad that they have finally come out and that they are also accompanied by a fusion of countries and cultures. It seems that it is becoming more and more relevant to be Latino in the industry. How do you see it from your experience? What has it been like to mix cultures in your music?
54: It's something very natural, you know. I grew up in a Dominican household in Puerto Rico and learned to speak Spanish as a child. I speak half-heartedly, but I do it. And that's how I make music: from that place, from something natural and honest.
GO!: Do you prefer to sing in English or Spanish?
54: I prefer to do both. I have always had that idea in mind: to have the two presences, the two languages there, in front.
GO!: Of the music that is already published, do you have a favorite song?
54: My favorite has to be “Does He Know It”. I wrote it on piano and I feel like it's a very special song. There I wanted to be like The Carpenterswith a seventies sound. I made it completely alone and I'm very proud of how it turned out.
GO!: And that's the one you enjoy playing live the most?
54: No, the one I enjoy the most live right now is “I have no value”. Sometimes we start the show with that song, with a lot of energy, and it also serves to show that the show is going to be about two cultures. In that song I sing in Spanish and I love to start like that so that people know it from the beginning.
GO!: How would you define a show of yours? What's it like to see you live?
54: I always say that in my shows you feel everything: we are going to cry, we are going to dance, we are going to laugh, we are going to enjoy the night. I always try to have a lot of energy; I love talking to the public, interacting with the fans and, sometimes, joking with them. Plus, I have amazing musicians with me, and every show is a complete experience.
GO!: So, we can expect a lot of euphoria and fun at your next show in Mexico City…
54: Yes. We are ready with the musicians. We feel very comfortable and safe with music, and that will show. We want to have an incredible time. Sometimes I think about doing a cover of something Mexican, but I'm still thinking about it. I would like to do something José Joséalthough I don't know if it's very old. I am a student of music; I listen to everything. I love José José, Juan Gabriel, Luis Miguel…there are so many songs I could play.
