ORCHESTRA FUEGO
Orchestra Fuego is a new kind of Latin artist - thoughtful, multi-talented and confident. With the debut radio single 'Vengan Todos A Bailar' running up the charts, Orchestra Fuego is in a unique position to re-define the genre.
LAUREN: Let's just get this out in the open- What is the craziest thing that has happened to you in your music career?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: Latin Grammy nomination has to be on the top of the list, followed by being chosen by the Akademia Music Awards, was just an awesome experience.
LAUREN: Your song '' is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: Super excited! We all got a bit emotional when we heard our song play on mainstream radio.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your radio single?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: I love dancing to Salsa music and being a dancer my songs have that right tempo. My new song is about dancing. Vegan Todos A Bailar or Come All To Dance in English.
LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: Since my college days I always had a passion to create music and that passion still simmers within me till this day. Just love composing and arranging music. I would say that my recent spark to get back into the music scene was when I met up with former members of my old band back in NYC during the late 80's. Just brought back great memories when we performed together and so I started my new band Orchestra Fuego.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: I have a deep passion for music. I love creating new music and have been fortunate to have a group of musicians that are also passionate of what they do. I really enjoy performing with my group, but you also have to be a strong leader and I think that's what my group likes about me; I run a tight ship.
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LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: Incredible! I have had the same musicians for the past 4 years, which is very hard to do these days with the scarcity of gigs. That what make the band so tight! We love practicing and when we do a rehearsal, it's more like a Bar-B-Q; we just have a great time rehearsing.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: Yes, I had two uncles growing up that played guitar and sang; they even had a small club I used to hang out there and just listen to their group. Now I have a couple of nephews and nieces that also sing and play guitar.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: It's still for me this day and awesome experience performing live; I just love to see the audience dance to our music. We have performed for some big corporate events and even the non-Latinos love our music. Challenging is still dealing with some of the club owners and Salsa music is still a bit of a Cut-throat business. But I pay no mind to that and stay true to what we do.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: My role models are Victor Romero, who happens to be our latest producer and an incredible pianist. Arturo Ortiz, who has been my friend for many years, also a tremendous pianist and the former musical director of Ricky Martin Band.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: One of best performances was at the Magic City Casino in Miami; there must have been over a thousand people attend and the band was super excited to perform. We really rocked the place!
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: Stay true to your style and it's hard to make a living on music alone, but stick with it and you never know what can happen. Don't rely on getting a super contract with a record label these days; it rarely happens, but there are a lot of Independent labels out there that can help. Don't be afraid to do a Crowd Fund to pay for your next album or music video. Lastly, stay connected with other artist; they could shed some valuable experiences.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there an album in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
MARCUS- ORCHESTRA FUEGO: We just released our new album titled "Vengan Todos A Bailar" and we are getting some great attention on this new release. Our songs are being played on some big-time Radio stations, which again in these days, artist are usually asked for big fees to have your songs played on top mainstraem radio. We are in the process of shooting our next music video.
LAUREN: That sounds great! Thank you for giving us more insight into your life as an artist. I wish you much continued success in your career!
https://www.theakademia.com/artistkit/OrchestraFuego-VenganTodosABailar.html
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