In 2017, one half of [a popular rap] duo, René Juan Pérez Joglar—better known as Residente—released his first solo album. To find inspiration, he took a genealogical DNA test and traveled to every part of the world that showed up in the test, where he collaborated with local musicians. Now, Residente is working on his second solo album, which involves the brainwaves of worms. Maria Hinojosa sits down with Residente to dig into the mind of the man who has experimented with so many musical genres.His father was a lawyer and social activist, helping indigent clients. His mother is an actress and Franciscan, giving time and material goods in personal interactions with the needy. Of his faith, I know nothing; but his voice, even groping for an English expression, communicates a humility, self-discipline, and respect for the worth of everyone he meets, and of people he hasn't yet met.
His most recent project builds songs on the sounds of brain waves of worms, but also those of believers deep in prayer.
The clips from the DNA album were most striking. He told how he asked his collaborators to sing whatever they liked, including ancestral songs, and he would propose ideas for how his drum and voice could be layered in. He has shared his composition royalties with them.
No comments:
Post a Comment