Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Willy Calderon. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Willy 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?
Every music production I take on is meaningful and important. I don’t start anything unless there’s magic around it. The ideas flow from a higher source and I’m really just there as a vessel.
My debut album, L.A. Impromptu, was really important in my production career. I had released and recorded on other albums prior to that release, but this was my first time really showcasing my talent as a producer. I gathered 30 of the world’s best musicians and put them on one album. This process took 5 years of traveling from studio to studio, troubleshooting, polishing, and dealing with people’s schedules. But in the end, the album really hyper-launched my career as a record producer.
Then, I came out with my 2nd album, Project Neon: The Birth Of City Pop Salsa, which gave me the title of creator of a new genre of music, City Pop Salsa or J-Pop Salsa, where I fused salsa music with 80’s Japanese pop songs. This album gave me my real first “hits” reaching hundreds of thousands of streams and music video views in its first few months out. As an independent artist with no financial backing, I consider this a milestone.
I’m currently working on a documentary/song called “La Historia Del Tambor,” where I take the listener on a musical journey through the history and geography of the drum, along with a massive, star-studded roster of solo artists. I think this will garner a lot of attention and will inspire many people.
Willy, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I am a musician and a record producer. I play piano, bass, and specialize in hand percussion and drums. I’ve been playing percussion instruments since I could sit up in my crib. I began my professional career at the age of 13 and spent several years touring the world and playing gigs.
Now, I am primarily a studio musician, a music producer, sponsored artist with my favorite music companies,, and I manage my name and image as a brand, focusing more on my own productions and path as an artist.
Most of my career had been as a sideman on gigs, tours, and productions. The most important step I’ve ever taken is getting out of the routine, stagnant circles, and learning how to say “no.” I focus on quality, not quantity. I say no to mediocrity and push hard for excellence. You can imagine, it’s much harder and slower this way, but the rewards are much greater and meaningful.
I thank everyone who took the time to read this and ask that they connect with me on social media so we can perhaps open the doors to collaborations and inspiration someday.
@willycalderonofficial
www.willycalderon.com
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
The best thing society can do is treat upcoming and independent artists the same way they treat their favorite artists being pushed by the “machine.” You comment, like, and share artists who don’t even know you exist. You can definitely do that for your indie artist friends. And more.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I believe that we all live forever through the legacy we leave behind. If my music, projects, videos, stories, lyrics, or can inspire wonder, motivation, inspiration or creativity in someone, then I consider the mission accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willycalderon.com
- Instagram: @willycalderonofficial
- Facebook: @willycalderonofficial
- Youtube: @willycalderonofficial