We recently connected with Rigoazulado and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Rigoazulado, thanks for joining us today. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?

I had the opportunity to try out a regular job at a small sushi restaurant, thanks to my friendly relationship with the owner. I made this decision purely out of curiosity about the process, at a point in my life when I didn’t need the job, as I was comfortably sustaining myself through my music productions.

This experience made it abundantly clear to me how valuable it is to have the privilege of living with the freedom to plan your days at your convenience, be your own boss, and know that any work-related decision you make is tied to a project of your own, one that you pursue out of passion.

Currently, I’m going through a somewhat financially uncomfortable phase, but a regular job is a last resort for me to resolve this issue. I’ve only been living off music for three years, and I believe part of this journey is learning that there will be some very good seasons and others in which I’ll be put to the test.

However, my mental stability, despite my current financial situation, is better than ever. This is thanks to the decision I made to forgo several jobs within the music industry that, although they provided me with income, didn’t fulfill me creatively. I felt unhappy working with people who simply didn’t share my musical tastes. I made the choice to keep my favorite clients, take risks, and bet on those projects, knowing that if all goes well, I’ll continue to feel fulfilled and will obtain the means to invest in larger projects.

Rigoberto, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Rigoazulado, a 24-year-old Nicaraguan songwriter and music producer. My journey into the music industry began within the first three months of picking up a guitar at the age of 13. Despite not having a religious background, I was captivated by music, and my school needed musicians for church events. So, I found myself playing worship songs between classes and thoroughly enjoying the experience.

Over the next four years in my hometown of Managua, I engaged in several music projects with friends who shared my passion. Despite my youth, I approached music making with a strong sense of dedication. I began to teach myself how to record, starting with my bandmates on a computer, using my first-ever DAW, FL Studio. I recall my obsession with mixing and diving deep into topics like EQ and compression, which, at the time, I didn’t even realize was considered music production; it was simply a part of the music-making process.

In 2017, after completing high school and having played live at various events, including releasing music on Soundcloud under the name “Cultura Café,” an alternative indie band, I was ready for college. I relocated to Puerto Rico and enrolled in the Conservatory of Music to study Classical Composition, which I wasn’t particularly excited about initially. Looking back, I appreciate how it refined my songwriting, especially the Counterpoint classes. A big shout-out to my favorite music teacher, Pedro Segarra. I spent two years there until I received an opportunity to study at my dream college, the renowned Berklee College of Music. There, I pursued Contemporary Writing and Production, or, as I like to call it, “going to Berklee for the arrangement classes.” While I found the production lessons somewhat underwhelming, the harmony, ear training, jazz arranging, and ensemble classes were truly enjoyable. Additionally, I found the music business and songwriting classes to be quite interesting. In the end, I spent two more years at Berklee, making me a double dropout student.

The primary factor that led to my decision to drop out of college was the increasing number of exciting and fulfilling music projects that came my way. Many indie artists from Latin America and the US were reaching out to collaborate, and in 2020, I earned my first dollar from music – a moment that filled me with happiness and gratitude.

I returned to Puerto Rico, established myself there, and continued working on indie projects, including small films. One of the most significant opportunities came in 2021 when I started working on the music for a soccer documentary for Amazon Prime called “Good Rivals.” It was an unforgettable experience.

In 2023, I also launched a small venue at my house called “Azulado House,” where indie artists showcase their music. Alongside my co-founder, Karina Vélez, I manage the set design, sound recording, mixing, video production, and more. As of November 2023, we have featured more than 10 artists, including prominent indie acts like Tanicha Lopez, Jonathan Suazo, and Sofia Paola. We are excited to see what awaits us in 2024.

As a producer, my greatest strengths lie in my honesty and unwavering commitment to bringing a musical vision to life without compromises. I particularly enjoy working on ambitious projects that bring fresh perspectives to the Latin music scene. Being an artist myself, I have a deep understanding of my clients’ needs, some of whom I also collaborate with. I am a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in piano, guitar, bass, and drums, and I take pleasure in crafting arrangements in various styles, even those I haven’t explored yet. It’s these challenges that I find most gratifying.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

I believe our best bet is to create spaces that we ourselves wish existed, especially in scenes like mine, the music scene, where there may be a lack of support for artists. Last year, alongside my best friend and collaborator, Karina Vélez, we established a small venue in our home, which we rented from my parents. We hosted intimate concerts in the outdoor garage, providing artists with recording and video editing services, as well as mixing and mastering for the live audio. It’s a collaborative effort aimed at showcasing and supporting independent artists with high-quality material, allowing them to enhance their portfolios.

Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

I wish I had known more about music marketing and playlisting when I began my journey as an independent artist. It can be disheartening to invest hours and resources in social media videos and original music shows at various venues. While these efforts are crucial, it’s even more beneficial to strategically invest your time and money in targeted marketing aimed at a specific audience. Connecting with curators and influencers who genuinely give your music a chance for widespread sharing is key to realizing tangible benefits.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rigoazulado/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rigoazulado
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/azuladohouse/

Image Credits
Karina Vélez Alexander Omar