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Gerardo Meny Collette
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| Gerardo (Costa de Oro, Uruguay/Malmö, Sweden). Music became everything for him after he discovered the classical guitar discipline at his native country. Guitar duos led to a chair in several south american ethnic and crossover music ensembles, and that contributed as well to pop and jazz music influences. A turning point on his career happened when he took part on the recordings of a trip hop album in The Netherlands. After that, and as an autodidact (with the occasional help of DJ colleagues), Gerardo began experimenting with colours and musical textures, always with a laptop on his side. | ||
A SHORT GLANCE INTO THE MIND OF
GERARDO MENY COLLETTE
By Elio Leon
A couple of days ago we had the opportunity and the pleasure to exchange some questions with Gerardo Meny, the person behind the music of Kixote Project. Sitting comfortably on a red leather couch, sipping something what appeared to be Uruguay's national beverage, he soon revealed himself as someone who loves to talk about music, his project and the different ways of keeping your wife happy.
How were you first exposed to music?
I can still recall when my mother used to sing cradle songs for me so that I could fall asleep.
How did you start with Kixote Project?
I spent a lot of time playing for other people, investing my time and energy on their personal dreams, but somehow I got bit tired out of it. Starting with my own project was something I had in mind for a long time; I was busy composing electronic music with my computer in my room and one day I thought it would be nice to play it live. I guess the idea behind it was to share my music with other people, let your little creations be alive by exposing and sharing them to the public. Art which is not being shared becomes something static, empty, inanimate.
How do you approach composing? Is it just you or do some members of the band take part in it?
I just provide the harmonies, colours, rhythms, a space where the musicians that play with me can feel comfortable enough to let their own craftsmanship flow.
So, what about the melodies of some of your tracks?
Well, usually I invite one or two of my musicians to see if they can come up with something that can fit the mood of a particular song. It is quite a challenge because you never know how is it going to be at the end.
We can hear many influences in the music, lounge, dance, chill out, latin-american music, jazz...
Yeah, that is true. I like to get inspiration from what I like and from what I am listening to. Sometimes I ask myself: "why didn't I come up with that?" Then I try to copy it but it always ends up being a totally different song. We cannot create from scratch. Music evolves from a style to another, but I think there will never be a completely new style with brand new elements. Listen modern jazz for instance, they are good examples of the evolution of a style that is connected to already existing ones. I Think rap is one of those really new forms that you can not find anywere going back in the music history.
What is the reaction of the public when they listen to your music?
I do not know if they are being polite or if they like me a lot, but I always get nice compliments and constructive criticism.
With which computer programs do you work usually?
Ableton Live 7 among other software, as well as floor pedal effects for live concerts.
What would you be doing if not this?
Probably cooking, cleaning...you know, being a good houseman (laughs)
What are you listening to lately?
As many styles as possible. I like to discover and let myself be surprised and inspired.
How do you think you will develop as a band in the future? Any outcoming gigs?
Let me think about it and I will tell you one of these days...
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myspace.com/laguitarradegerardo
Earlier collaborations with:
stefkamusic.com
myspace.com/donpopo
larsbauermusic.com
myspace.com/yoavlachovitsky
Exequiel Caldas