Romeo Is Back: Romeo Santos

Romina Martinez: In three words, can you tell us: who is Romeo Santos?

Romeo Santos: A passionate, modern-day poet.

 

RM: With nearly two decades of professional experience producing countless hit songs, not just for the Latin community but worldwide, what would you say is the secret to staying relevant in the music industry?

RS: Surprising people with my music. Doing the unexpected even after they may feel that there’s nothing else that can be done to modernize bachatas.

RM: You are known as the “King of Bachata” and continue to reign supreme on the Latin charts with over 15 million monthly listeners on Spotify alone and growing. How do you think streaming services have helped or hurt artists today, and what do you see as the future of music and technology?

RS: There’s pros and cons, but more positive. Every so often, things evolve and I feel strongly that if you wanna capture new generations with your music you have to recreate yourself with time.

 

RM: What are your thoughts on NFT’s possibly revolutionizing the music industry?

RS: I think it’s great, but I need to get more knowledge in the field.

 

RM: When creating music, what comes first to you? The music or the lyrics? And can you give us a glimpse at what the creative process looks like for you in the studio?

RS: It’s more likely for me to get a melody-muse first. I normally lay down melody ideas, and then structure the lyrics. I try my best to not repeat themes unless it’s a request.

RM: As a singer and songwriter, you are essentially a vital part of human history that has been around since the beginning of time which is being a storyteller. Would you consider your songs as short autobiographical stories and a look into your life, or would you say some of your songs come from your imagination and are more like works of fiction?

RS: Some are real life situations with me, or occurrences that friends have experienced. Either way, I try being honest as to what I would say or do in that scenario.

 

RM: A creative storyteller and passionate artist, you have also transitioned into some film roles such as your debut in Fast and the Furious 7 as well as voicing the Early Bird character in the Angry Birds film. Is acting something we can expect more of from you in the future?

RS: I love acting, and I have some HUGE projects that soon I’ll announce.

RM: You seem to be a very private and humble person despite all your success. What are your top tips or daily habits for staying grounded in such a fast-paced industry, and even amidst the integration back into a post-pandemic world?

RS: Well, I’ve surrounded myself with humble and honest individuals. Sometimes they tell me what doesn’t make me happy at the moment, but it helps me in the long run.

 

RM: Your son was featured in the trailer of your upcoming ‘Formula Vol. 3’ album. How special was it to include your son Valentino in the trailer, and was he excited to be a part of it?

RS: That was a very special moment for both of us. He was very excited and surprisingly cooperative considering I didn’t have to bribe him with toys and candies.

RM: Do your children have the same passion for music as you do like singing or playing any musical instruments, and can we expect to see more of them in your songs, or possibly in their own albums in the future?

RS: My oldest (Alex Damian, 21) has no interest in music, and my other two are too young, but for both of them, if dancing is a sign, well let’s just say I got the next MJ and Prince.

 

RM: Fans are anxiously awaiting your upcoming album, 'Formula Vol. 3.' What can we expect from this album, and how is it different from your previous work? What other exciting projects do you have in the works?

RS: It’s a special album that shaped into Formula Vol 3. The music was born before the narrative to make it that concept. After several listens, my team and I just felt it was definitely Vol. 3 essence.

I can say during the pandemic lock down I created tons of music, and I have another album idea ready. There’s a large amount of music ready.