Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alan Weintraub. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Alan 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?

As a musician and artist, composing holds deep meaning for me. It allows me to express myself and forge connections with others. Music is not just a form of expression but a way to share my human experience on a profound level. Ultimately, my greatest wish is to connect with others through music.

During the pandemic in 2020, I embarked on a journey to create a solo album. “Solo” is an album that I composed, performed, recorded, and mixed entirely in quarantine. It features a blend of instrumental and lyrical songs that explore the human condition and reflect on the wonders of being alive. Creating this album was a cathartic experience and the realization of an idea that had been growing within me for a long time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Born and raised in Brooklyn, I began playing guitar as a teenager and was largely self-taught. My dad showed me the few chords he knew, and from there, I taught myself the basics of guitar using a book. As one of six kids, my parents couldn’t afford private lessons. Fortunately, I had an excellent high school guitar teacher who introduced me to Flamenco and Spanish guitar. This sparked a passion that led me to continue teaching myself and eventually seek out private instruction.

While living in Los Angeles, I performed original compositions and Flamenco music with The Vault Theater Ensemble at the Los Angeles Theater Center. I also accompanied the Duarte Dance Company and played in the band Cuñao. During this time, I balanced the “gig life” with working for a nonprofit music program for children.

After some years of performing, I returned to New York and established myself as a musician under the brand “Salvo Music.” My music is deeply inspired by world music, blending elements of Spanish Classical, Latin, Flamenco, and Bossa Nova styles. I perform a mix of original compositions and reimagined covers.

As a band, Salvo earned recognition for performances at events, including Major League Baseball events, the New York Public Library Stavros Niarchos rooftop, the Winter Concert Series at Planting Fields, the Camellia Festival, and the Make Music New York Festival. Other notable appearances include performances at the NYC Freedom Tower, Hudson Yards, Tribeca Rooftop, and Brooklyn Pride.

As a solo artist, Salvo released the album “Solo.” As a guitar duo, “Salvo and Hugo” released “About Time,” an album characterized by body-moving rhythms and transporting melodies.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Being a musician and songwriter is an integral part of who I am. I need to play music every day to feel complete. I didn’t so much choose the path of a musical artist as it chose me—I felt a profound calling toward music. Beyond being a musical artist, I am also a music teacher, running a music program for children in New York City. It feels deeply meaningful to be of service to others in this way. I see myself as a vessel, channeling the gift of music to connect with others.

I wish schools placed a greater emphasis on the arts. The arts foster creativity and collaboration, which I believe are essential skills for thriving in society. As technology, including AI, continues to transform the world, what sets us apart as humans is our ability to collaborate and create together. Music has the power to nurture these abilities, and that’s why I feel so deeply drawn to it.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

As a mostly self-taught musician, I initially learned some techniques the “wrong way.” To improve my playing, I had to go back and re-teach myself better technique, which required seeking out private instruction on my own. This process was both frustrating and grueling. Imagine spending years playing a certain way, thinking you’ve mastered it, only to unlearn and relearn from scratch!

Through this experience, I learned the value of resilience and self-belief. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to start anew.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.musicsalvo.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salvo_musica
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musicsalvo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-weintraub-89727564/?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.musicsalvo.com%2F
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihLQnx1ermXK3Mu-yrGteQ
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/salvoandhugo
• Other: Spotify “Salvo and Hugo”: https://open.spotify.com/album/5AFiNKVw6BB7AOYs4sLu5M?si=pmBHmdxWS9SJLLG039rXhw

  Spotify: “Salvo”- Solo” : https://open.spotify.com/album/6BuHztxYH1b1IlcZFTYJoO?si=A7GDHSSFRPCSYDNYt2kjbQ