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In this action packed episode we have singer/songwriter Rodeo Jonz and illustrator/painter Carelle Dunn. Rodeo talks about being a graffiti artist and how he salivates at blank concrete walls, while Carelle does her best to learn new sports by exchanging her creative skills. We chat with spoken word artist Shane Koyczan and get his thoughts on Nationalism. In addition, we talk with Smithers based singer songwriter Alex Cuba about creating from such a far away place.
New recruit and associate producer Ashley Collins also keeps everybody in-line during this episode. Here’s the archived broadcast, may take a few moments to load.
Part 1 (30 mins)
Part 2 (30 mins)
Rodeo Jonz
Carelle Dunn - The West Lion Collection
Most fans of the Cuban-Canadian singer songwriter know Alex Cuba moved from his birthplace to Victoria and eventually to Smithers BC over 4 years ago. A 14 hour drive north from Vancouver will get you to Smithers, so what keeps Alex Cuba there? For some musicians a rural escape is merely a tepid venture outside of the city, and one urban artists can only sustain temporarily. For Alex, it was a destination of the heart that brought him there, but as he will proudly tell you, he discovered a soul that inspires his art. When speaking of his move to Smithers, Alex states, “since I moved up here my career really started taking off. It something that I am aware of. I am providing a lot inspiration to people because of that.”
Alex has fallen in love with Canada, partially because it reminds him of the life back in Cuba. Even though miles away from his original beginnings, that bond to his heart remains very close. Moving to Smithers gave him some simplicity in life, free from the pressure of living in an expensive city and afraid of being drawn in by the monotony of what can happen to the urban musician. It also allows his children to have a life that is connected to the earth and close to family; a similar life Alex had while growing up in Cuba. He says that living far away from the city also gives you a different perspective. Its similar to being in outer space; when you come back to the city people notice something different and they really become attracted to it.
Awhile back, Cuba recalls a meeting with his publicist about a press article that was titled ‘from Cuba to Smithers’. He was originally hesitant about making that public, likely because of the perceived awkwardness. Alex’s latest self-titled CD in his words, ‘speaks of an artist in evolution’. He went with no pre-conceived notions about this latest album, but he does state “its a lot about embracing what’s new in front of you and incorporating that peace and enjoyment that you feel because the new place has welcomed you.”
The pace at which Alex speaks, is calm and gentle, maybe that’s the Smithers’ soul. However, its affects are powerful, he shared stories of how people who had been in despair and after listening to his music feel injected with life. He recounts stories of how individuals have come to him to say that his music has essentially changed their lives. For some musicians that may seem like a burden, but Cuba comes off as humbly knowing that is the magic of his music. Alex however, doesn’t take it for granted, knowing that he has to come a far physical distance to perform, he treats it with the respect it deserves.
“Music for me is like a mission, I was there even when the money wasn’t and I didn’t put conditions around it.” Through his feelings he can travel back in time. Cuba says the nervousness and anticipation of being on stage, reminds him of performing with his father, as a child. He revels in creating that essence for every performance.
Alex says, “When I fly out from here, I land somewhere and in some city. But when I go out on stage; I feel like I have all the power in the world!”
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Alex begins touring in Ontario and Quebec in April. alexcuba.com
Listen to the radio interview with Alex, Tuesday Mar 23rd 7pm on ‘The Artist Lounge’
