Hello Joni and welcome to College Radio Charts. Your latest release is titled “Respira – Cumbia Version.” Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single?
If you can imagine the story of a couple that has to leave each other would kind of be the gist of it. I also love to broaden the story and have it work for most scenarios. Losing the love of your life, or having to say goodbye to someone you love are just some examples.
What was the writing and recording process like for this latest release?
We’ve recorded this song in 4 different versions soon to be released. Mariachi, Reggae-ton, Cumbia, and Acoustic. So I believe it has a great melody and I’m excited for my followers to hear the other versions.
How did you get your start as a musician?
I was in a couple of local bands and then got my break with a band called “El Tiempo.” Learned the in’s and out’s of the music business and was able to kind of learn from experience after that.
Were you raised in a musical family?
A few of my family members do play but I could still remember how much I struggled before being able to do anything on any instrument… it was tough. There were many long nights with no sleep and I remember saying to myself “ man if I ever learn an instrument it’ll be a miracle.”
Who were some of your earliest musical influences?
Honestly my earliest influences were Metallica, System of a Down, and the Ramones to name a few. This is mostly because of my brother and the people in the environment at the time.
What drew you to the genre of Latin music, particularly Cumbia and Norteño, and how has it influenced your artistic style?
My stepfather used to be in a Latin band called “El Tiempo.” So I would listen to their music and a few other similar bands, since I was joining that band and went from there. Regional Mexican is one of those genres that is so diverse that you never get tired of it. There’s Mariachi, Norteñas, Cumbias, Gruperas, Boleras, and each genre has many other sub genres.
You typically perform with a 5-member Latin band. What is it like performing live in front of an audience compared to recording the songs in a studio?
Very different, I would say nerves and the energy from the crowd influence a lot. Most of the times I feel it’s for the better of the music. It’s really tough imitating the energy of the crowd in a studio… I would say even impossible.
Collaboration is essential in the music industry. Did you work with any other musicians or producers on this release? If so, how did their contributions enhance the final product?
I actually didn’t for this one besides the band that I perform with.
Music has a powerful way of connecting with people. What kind of emotions or experiences do you hope your listeners will take away from “Respira – Cumbia Version”?
I always strive for my listener to feel a sense of nostalgia from every song I release. If I can do that, I’m a happy person.
Your live performances are known for their energy and passion. How do you maintain that connection with the audience, and what do you enjoy most about performing on stage?
I love letting loose and really just having fun onstage with my band and the people. Laughing our mistakes away. Seems like most musicians and bands think the stage to be something super serious. That’s to say it is a profession but I feel the audience can feel what you’re feeling so if you’re having fun they will also.
As an independent artist, how do you navigate the challenges of promoting and distributing your music in a highly competitive industry?
That’s one that I don’t have a clear answer to. I feel all artists struggle just a bit with that part or even if the song becomes a hit there will always be that question “if I would’ve promoted more would it have done better?”
What’s next for Joni Sandez after the release of “Respira – Cumbia Version?” Do you have any upcoming projects or collaborations in the works and where should people go to find out more about you and your music?
We’re finishing up on an English Acoustic album and so far it’s amazing for me because I’m kind of going back to my roots of my old time favorite songs I first learned when I was kid.
http://www.jonisandez.com
http://www.tiktok.com/@jonisandez
http://www.YouTube.com/jonisandez
