Construyendo un Camino Honesto en La Música: Adrián Bello Desde Du Lado Más Sincero
Lo que conecta con la gente es la honestidad en la música,” dice Adrián Bello. En esta entrevista, descubrirás cómo este artista ha construido su camino basado en la autenticidad y la vulnerabilidad. Desde sus influencias en boleros, soul y música latina, hasta los desafíos de destacar en Perú, Adrián comparte cómo la sinceridad en su arte refleja también su historia personal. Prepárate para inspirarte con una historia llena de sensibilidad, pasión y la búsqueda de expresión verdadera.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
You’ve been described as one of the most authentic voices in Latin American alternative pop. How do you maintain that authenticity in an industry that often pushes artists toward trends?
I’ve been doing music for about 7 years now, and what I’ve come to understand is that people connect more with the most honest songs. Maybe the trendy or more pop ones brings them to the dance floor, but honesty is and vulnerability is what makes someone engage in a more profound way with an artist.
Your music has evolved over time, most recently with “Multicolor” showing a more mature sound. What experiences or influences led to this sonic evolution?
My music has always been a reflexion of what I’ve been going through emotionally/internally. Multicolor came to me in a happier and more stable era of my life. I’ve struggle, probably like everyone, to get to this point in my life where I’m actually content with what I have, and so it’s like a celebratory/more cheerful record.
You’ve explored bolero music, especially with “Bellos Boleros Vol. 1.” What drew you to this classic genre, and how did you put your own unique stamp on it?
I’ve always loved the romantic aspect of latin classic genres like bolero, salsa or bossa nova. There is a naiveté and rawness that makes me feel so much. The same thing happened to me with soul music when I started making music. I know it’s cliche to say at this point but I’m more of an old soul when it comes to music. What I bring to my boleros I’d think is my approach to melodies, which is very influenced by soul, r&b and pop music. But I like to honor the traditional bolero so I don’t like to change it a lot. The best boleros have already been written and sung.
Your have collaborations with artists like Ximena Sariñana and Jósean Log. How do these collaborations shape your creative process and your overall sound?
Those collaborations opened a lot of doors for me and introduced me to new listeners in Mexico and LATAM. I really loved the vulnerability and rawness in both Ximena and Josean’s voices, also the way they write. They can be fresh but not shallow, and poetic and romantic but not corny. Those types of artists really influence me and move me.
Your upcoming concerts are described as immersive experiences blending music, visuals, and dramaturgy. Can you elaborate on the role each element plays in bringing your artistic vision to life?
I feel like my shows are still a work in progress and I guess that is how it always is for an artist throughout their career. I studied photography in college so I’ve always been drawn to the visual side of art and telling stories using different disciplines. I really just strive to create an experience of freedom, love and acceptance for everyone that comes to my shows but also for myself. A stage is a playground and its an opportunity for me to heal and to get out of my confort zone.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your artistic journey?
When I was a kid I listened to a lot of pop music, basically what the radio or MTV put on. Then I found soul, jazz and then r&b and become obsessed with those genres. I wanted to sound just like Donny Hathaway and I couldn’t believe voices like Etta James or Sam Cooke in the way they made me feel so much. Then there was Amy Winehouse, Leon Bridges, Sam Smith. Those modern soul/pop acts really caught my attention and sort of molded my voice and influenced my writing. So that world mixed with old boleros, bossa from Brasil, trova and latin singer songwriters like Natalia Lafourcade, Jorge Drexler, etc. are all mixed up in my head and my music.
Could you share a bit about your early childhood and how it influenced your decision to pursue a career in music?
I’ve always been a very sensitive and emotional person. I started writing poems and songs when I was 10 to cope with a complicated and sometimes violent childhood. I found shelter in connecting with my emotions through singing and a way to start to love myself that I was not finding elsewhere. Music is still healing that scared child in me and will probably do so for as long as I live.
When did you realize that music was what you wanted to do? What were some of the early challenges you faced?
When I realized it was what I did best. And when I realized I could not just help myself but also others through my music. To connect, to heal, to feel. Some early challenges I faced where basically related to the fact that here in Peru the music industry is very small. As a country, we listen to way more music from abroad than from our own artists. It is not like in Colombia, or Argentina or Mexico, let alone Brasil. So building yourself a name and a local audience is hard. And it is not just the audience. It’s the whole system. The government could not care less about culture and arts. There’s no support system like in other neighbor countries. It is a difficult place to make a living with music or arts.
Your style seems to be very intentional. What inspires your fashion choices, both on and off stage?
I like to have fun with what I wear and be comfortable. In my day to day Im mostly in sweatpants so the stage is a nice opportunity to play dress up. I really like color and vintage pieces, but nothing too on the nose.
How would you describe your personal style, and how does it reflect your artistic identity?
I would describe my personal style as playful, comfortable and romantic. Which goes very hand in hand with the music that I make now that I think about it.
How do you stay grounded and connected to your roots amidst the growing success and demands of your career?
I really don’t feel like there is a big different with the way I live now than before. But I’ve come to appreciate quietness and calmness more. And also my partner, family and close friends. People I can trust and be myself around.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of music that help you recharge and find inspiration?
I love to read and cook. I also love nature and being surrounded by it. Really I get recharged and inspired with the most basic things: a sunday afternoon with my cats and my partner, a nice conversation with friends, making a meal from scratch. I’ve let go of the idea that to make great art you have to suffer. It is a horrible principle to live by.
What is something that fans might be surprised to learn about you?
I am obsessed with animals. I used to raise homing pigeons with my dad and my brother. And I rescued snakes, parrots, toucans, tarantulas. Now I only have 3 cats but once I move to the countryside, which is my goal, I’m going to be surrounded by all kinds of animals and plants. Maybe another surprising thing about me is that I don’t really like concerts. Crowds and loud noises give me so much anxiety.
What do you value most in your relationships with friends and family, especially given the demands of a career in music?
Just the emotional support and the company. After a show or touring I just want to have a laugh, play a board game and have dinner with friends or family. They, and of course my partner, are my home.
If you could have dinner with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
That is a really hard question. Some of my options: Chabuca Granda, probably the best peruvian songwriter and storyteller. Freddie Mercury because gay legend, and maybe someone like Leon Bridges that I feel has a really great sense of authenticity and doesn’t really care about the industry that much.
What does a typical day look like for you when you’re not on tour or in the studio?
Wake up around 8. Make breakfast for me, my boyfriend and the cats, work on my to-dos, work out, make lunch, work a little bit more, play video games or watch a movie, maybe get together with a friend and go to bed. Simple and nice.
What are you most proud of so far in your career, and what are your goals for the future?
I’m most proud of working for about 8 years as an independent artist and not quitting. I’m also very proud of the wonderful community that I have build around my music. Lovely people that want to feel beautiful things and heal through music. My goals for the future is just expand that same community in different places and countries, work with people I admire, be better in my craft and take care of my voice so I can sing when I’m old.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are trying to find their own voice and make their mark in the industry?
Stop chasing virality and start catering to your audience. Whether it is 5 or 20 or 10 000 people that listen to your music and go to your shows. That is where you should be investing your time in. That connection. That is where the art is. If you are chasing fame or tons of money, which are also valid, I don’t really have an advice for that.
What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned during your career?
Being patient. I was never taught the importance of patience. But building a career in music in Peru was the best teacher. Also to celebrate your accomplishments, never downplay them. Give yourself love.
How do you prepare yourself mentally and physically for a live performance?
Not eating too much the night before, going to bed early, working out for a while the day of the show to get rid of muccus (tmi? sorry) and trying to focus on having fun and enjoying it. I’ve been working on the latter because before I used to think about the expectations of the people that where there more than the fact that I should be enjoying the opportunity to do a live show! It’s such a gift.
With your growing success and evolving sound, what can fans expect from Adrián Bello in the next five years?
That I wont stay the same. I will always try to find new ways to feel and express myself and to allow myself to be more vulnerable and overcome fear. I hope we can all to that together!
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida García D Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographers: Giuseppe Falla (@giuseppefalla) , Red (@red.186c)
