We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Xavier Sáez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Xavier , thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and ever since I was little, all I could see around me was art. Whether it was editing videos or seeing performances, I was always surrounded by creativity. In the end, I landed on music. I started playing the piano and I eventually got a Novation Launchpad which introduced me to the musical software called Ableton Live. Initially, I used it for other purposes, but after learning that I could create music with it, new doors opened up for me. I became more invested — I decided to get a keyboard for Music Production and I got a bass guitar which ended up being my main instrument of choice.
All of this is to say that my biggest risk has been choosing to pursue music. It is way more accessible than ever which makes the space much more saturated and hard to make a living out of. I could’ve chosen anything else and have more chances of securing something safe… but in the end, music is what makes me happy. The joy of collaborating, creating and learning with other musicians is a feeling like no other. That drive and motivation led me to move from Puerto Rico to Winter Park, Florida, to pursue a Bachelors Degree in Music Production at Full Sail University, leaving my friends and family for the first time in my life. These past ten months here have brought me so much joy. Meeting new people from around the world has been amazing and learning from others is something I cherish.
Even though it may seem risky in such a saturated area, it isn’t impossible. Following what makes me happy fulfills me. My life is brighter every day knowing that this is what I want to do and I’ll work as hard as I need to for me to keep living it. Keep living my life just how I want it. To keep creating art that resonates with people, that carries a message. That in hard times, they can connect to what I create and are able to feel at ease. My goal as a musician is to paint people’s worlds, because us musicians are the decorators of the world. Without us, everything would be a little bit boring, wouldn’t it?
Xavier , 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?
Heya! My name is Xavier Sáez, and I’m a Music Producer, Composer, Multi-Instrumentalist, and Engineer born and raised in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico. I moved to Winter Park, Florida, in 2024 to pursue a bachelor’s Degree at Full Sail University in Music Production, and since then, I’ve been working hard to make things happen for myself. That’s why I’m here! I’ve been making music for about 5 years, but I’ve been surrounded by art all my life. Previously, my main goal was to be a tennis player. I’ve always loved sports, but tennis was my forte. Suddenly, in 2017, a month before Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico, I was rushed to the hospital due to appendicitis. I was discharged a day or two before the hurricane arrived. The aftermath of it all resulted in my inability to pursue the sport due to my health and the environmental destruction the storm caused. I had to decide what to do with my time, and ultimately, the piano caught my eye. Even though I practiced, it wasn’t fulfilling me the same way (ironic now since it fulfills me in every single way). Wanting to do more, I was interested in a Novation Launchpad, which introduced me to the music production software Ableton Live (later giving me the skills to learn Logic Pro X and Pro Tools). After it was all set and done, I fell in love with music in a way I never believed I could. I got better at piano, and I learned bass and guitar to expand my reach in being both a producer and a musician. This has made me learn a lot, not only about music but also about myself as a person. I’m willing to give it all so that the end product is the best it can be. I’m a determined person but also a good connection to have!
I’m in a band called My Favorite Foods, and we’ve released two singles, the second being produced and mixed by me! It’s a hip-hop song called ‘Glitz & Glamour.’ This is just a taste of what we do as a band. I’ve also been working on the social media site, where you can find several videos I’ve edited and produced. In this day and age, to make a living as a creator, you gotta be, as I call it, an “All-Star.” Being able to cover as many bases as you can is crucial to have several sources of connection. It’s like chess pieces on a board; each skill is a piece that you can use to survive and win in this crazy game called life!
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
The goal that drives me forward, even in times of trouble, is the chance to live a musical life while reaching as many people as I can. I want to make people feel something when listening to either me or the projects I work on. They can have a song define a moment in their lives and make them remember those memories, relieving the past as if they were there. Knowing I can be someone’s inspiration makes me want to continue doing more. Whether it’s making someone cry, smile, remember a loved one, create new memories, or form a bond with my work — that’s what keeps me going. I wanna decorate more of what life has to offer. I want to be the soundtrack to someone’s life through the projects I’m involved in. My goal will always be to enhance someone’s life because music brings everyone together, regardless of the language or any barrier between them. It connects us and brings peace to a world so chaotic it feels impossible to be at ease. Music isn’t only an art form; it’s a way of communicating, connecting, and bringing people together. I strive to achieve that feeling one day with my work, and I’ll keep working hard to make things happen.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Honestly, one of the best resources you could ever get is yourself! It’s that simple. I’ve been a self-thought musician since arriving at Full Sail, but that doesn’t mean the journey should always be solo. Building connections can give you a boost of knowledge that will elevate your abilities to new heights. Learn what you want to learn, work hard toward your goals, and then find people who can guide you on what comes next. When learning, always take any chance to collaborate and be involved. In the heat of the moment, it may feel like everyone’s better than you, but they were in your shoes, too! Don’t let that spark inside you fade away.
On my journey, I was fortunate to have friends who were also musicians. I attended music and production camps like Full Sail Labs, Berklee in Puerto Rico, and Un Verano Contigo, which expanded my knowledge and experience. That’s why My Favorite Foods has been one of the best experiences since I moved to Florida. Since the beginning, they always treated me with respect, always helping me out whenever I’d get stuck. It helped me become a better guitarist, a better musician, and a better person. I genuinely respect and love them for everything they’ve helped me do.
The main takeaway from all of this? YOU are the best resource you have. The way you act, your interests, your talents — they make you who you are. Embrace that — no one else can be you. You’re unique in your own way. Use it. Learn your way. Create something that represents you — because that’s exactly who I strive to be.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xavpr_/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/xavier-sáez/
- Twitter: https://x.com/XAVVPR
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@XAVPR
Image Credits
Jaime Sáez, Camilo Bermudez