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SubscribeWe recently connected with Fernando Subirats and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Fernando thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
Yes, on 2.22.22 I launched my first conscious festival, The Manifestival, a Ted-talk-meets Woodstock style event with Thought Leaders and Heart Centered musicians. It was inspired in 2008 after attending an “Art of Allowing” all-day workshop with Jerry and Esther Hicks (The teachings of Abraham). The second iteration of The Manifestival took place on 9.30.23 and the third installment is being considered for 4.24.24. www.manifestival.miami
The Experience Project is my latest musical venture; it signals a turning point for me by moving from behind the drum set (for the majority of my musical career) to stepping forward as a singer/songwriter and band leader. We have an upcoming show on February 24th at the South Miami Rotary festival at Sunset Place.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I grew up in South Florida in the 80’s; a time when break dancing, video arcades, Madonna and Prince were all the rage. I was very much influenced by my older sister and cousin who had Duran Duran and Prince vinyl records on repeat. And I have a very supportive mother who took us to see Prince on his Purple Rain tour which came through Miami on Easter Sunday in 1985. That was my first concert ever. Very influential and life changing indeed. My father is quite a character who influenced my tendency to be quirky and “ham it up” in front of a crowd. My younger brother is also very supportive and has come out to my shows.
I awakened to my life path during childhood with a strong calling towards music and stage performance, having grown up in the early 80’s MTV era. I’ll never forget the first time someone approached me (as a child, after a stage performance) to tell me how they were having a really bad day; and that my performance totally cheered them up. That inspired me to follow my calling and enrich others in the process.
I identify primarily as a songwriter and performing musician and also have had the privilege of serving others as a Healer.
I am currently the lead singer and bandleader for my newest band called The Experience Project, a musical comedy band that is influenced by candid life stories and authentic relating. Our songs touch on themes of parenting woes, dating fiascos, and laughing at ourselves for distraction-led mishaps. It is a milestone for me as I have made the choice to move from behind the drum set (where I sat for over 20 years) to behind the mic.
The bands I have played drum set for in the past are Axe and the Oak, B Natural, and Somebody’s Mama, with my then-wife. Our children were little at the time and would sometimes be at gigs with us in their strollers (with an attending Aunt or Uncle).
I have released music under my own name- (Fernando Subirats) “Another Day”; “Duces Tecum” as well as my comedic alias (Emil Sects).
I also currently play hand percussion and sing in an indigenous jam band/Kirtan band called Intinaad.
My healing journey began with my own spiritual inclinations and childhood curiosities which led to associations with friends which led to the discovery of entire spiritual communities.
For example, as a young adult, I made it out to India on grants I had received in college to pursue my love of Tabla drumming and classical Indian music. Although I was there to study music, I experienced a lot of mystical moments of hyper synchronicity and lucid dreaming which acted as a springboard for the inclusion of healing abilities into my musical identity.
In 2016 I combined my love of drumming and meditation and formed an experience called “Drumming & Dreaming” which helps others remember and understand their dreams and awaken to their purpose. It is a shamanic sound healing experience which has been presented in healing centers all over Miami as well as in private, home-based workshops and one-on-one sessions as well as an online course.
A highlight of my healing career was working with the cast of Real Housewives of Miami (season 5, episode 7) where I traveled down to the Florida Keys for a 2 hour authentic connection/shamanic journey circle with the cast. All of them had experienced deep loss in their relationships or with family, and they got to be very vulnerable with themselves and each other. One of my favorite parts of the session (not televised) was where I introduced some introductory Tantra practices of rose brushing, eye gazing, and deep sharing. I was approached by friends and viewers for that appearance long after the episode aired.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is the ability to create lasting connections. To put something out there and for it to be appreciated for months, if not years, later. The capacity to leave a legacy.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My particular goal is to empty myself of the creative ideas I’ve acquired over the years. To be prolific with my music and entrepreneurial ventures. To feel so satisfied with my wealth of output that I can engage in things that currently seem beyond my bandwidth of time and attention- charitable causes, the environment, innovations in technology, etc. And to connect with as many people as I can on an individual and mass basis to spread the energy of inspiration, in the same way I have received from others.
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Image Credits
Chance Nkosi Gomez (personal photo)
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