Music
Meet Alejandro Amézquita- Mexican Guitarist And Music Director
by Contemporary Approaches December 17, 2021
1.You moved from Mexico to the US to pursue your career. What differences have you found between Mexico and the US?
Alejandro: Well, a lot, if I’m honest. My hometown has a small music scene. I would perform covers at bars, hotels, and restaurants, but there’s not much you can do besides that. I’ve always wanted to perform on big stages, festivals, radio shows, and that wasn’t going to happen if I stayed \in Puerto Vallarta. Even though it’s a beautiful city, I had to move in order to pursue my career. Los Angeles is the complete opposite; the opportunities you find here are endless. I must say, it’s VERY competitive. But you are surrounded by the biggest recording studios, up-and-coming artists trying to break into the industry, and live shows happening every week.
2. You studied at the Musicians Institute Hollywood, and there is where you began establishing yourself. Why is it important for a musician to study at one of the best music schools?
Alejandro: I wouldn’t say studying is the important part, but the people you meet. What you learn in school definitely helps, but networking is way more important in this industry. Coming to a school located in LA is the best of both worlds; you meet people at school, but you are also surrounded by events and gigs where you meet ambitious people working their way up, just as you. I’d say this, 80% of the gigs I’ve got have been through recommendations; that’s how important networking is. Wherever you go make sure to network with the right people.
3. What guitarist would you like to work with?
Alejandro: Mateus Asato. I’d absolutely love to work with him. He revolutionized the way guitar is played, and I feel I’d learn so much from him just by working together. Mateus has performed with the best of the best, Bruno Mars, Jessie J, Tori Kelly, just to say a few.
4. If you had to tell us about your music, in which style would you categorize it?
Alejandro: My style has changed so much. I started by getting into rock and blues and spent four years just playing these genres. Then I explored genres such as jazz and got really passionate about it. If you have studied jazz, you’ll know it’s a different beast. The more I grew up, the more genres I would learn, which is one of the best things I could’ve done. For the last couple of years of my career, I’ve been getting into pop, R&B, Latin, hip hop, and funk. It’s incredible how versatile you become by learning all these genres; you end up sculpting your own style at the end of it. At this point, I can’t categorize my music because it’s simply my own style, a combination of all the music I’ve heard throughout the years.
5.) Who would you like to work with?
I really admire Sebastian Yatra and Alejandro Sanz’s work, I would really love to collaborate with them next.
6.) What do you think a good musician should have?
I think a good musician needs to be comfortable being vulnerable and unprejudiced towards himself and others.