Entrevista Jon Secada. English version.

ZAPPHY – I have listened very carefully to two new work from you: Classics and Stage Rio. First, let’s talk about the second one. This album shows you in an intimate and at the same time, very intensive concert given here in Rio de Janeiro. Why Rio? Why Brazil?

Jon Secada - My brazilian fans have always been some of the most passionate fans I’ve ever had…when the opportunity came to do this live dvd in Rio, I immediately new that the audience would be perfect for a live taping….

ZAPPHY – During the CD and the DVD, it is possible to listen you singing greatly. Your voice is still the same and it seems that time has been a good thing to you. How have you being keeping your voice from the effects of time?

Jon Secada - I think that my background in music education, and the years of voice I had when I went to college has helped me a lot to keep my voice health through the years.

ZAPPHY – In the “Stage Rio”, there are two guests appearance: Marina Elali and the Monobloco group. Why did you invite them? As far as I now, you and Marina Elali have released a single together in the USA. Is that correct?

Jon Secada - The idea to work with Marina and Monobloco came through the suggestion of my record company Som Livre…they introduce to their talents and I’m glad they did, because it was amazing working with them. Up to now the song I did with Marina has not been released in the US yet….but, it will be soon….

ZAPPHY – I also have listened, by your website great part of the “Classics”. It is a very interesting album, specially if we consider the songs you recorded, such as “la bamba”, “besame mucho”, “evil ways” and “my ways”. Why did you choose this playlist and why did you choose to make a mix between “latinos” and american classics? And why isn’t Som Livre releasing this album here in Brazil?

Jon Secada - I wanted to do a cd with a selection of nostalgic songs I grew up listening to that I consider classic crossover songs recognized both in the English and Spanish markets…the cd will be released by Som Livre in Februry of 2011…

ZAPPHY –In the whole world, we have the illegal copies problem. Here in Brazil I believe that it can be a little wider since there is poverty here. Do you believe that this problem can be solved? Why won’t the music industry cut down the CD prices to attack the illegal copies?

Jon Secada - At this point I think is not a matter of fixing the problem but more a matter finding new ways to market music…..embracing new technologies and the internet I think is a good way to start and work out new pricing guidelines to discourage people from buying pirated music..

ZAPPHY – Right now, we have heard here in Brazil that you will take part in the Tv show “Latin American Idol”. How did the invitation came? How do feel into the position of judging and not being judged? Do you believe that, today, the new musicians are more concerned in writing, singing and producing what the music industry wants instead of making good music?

Jon Secada - I have loved being a part of Latin American Idol…It has been a wonderful experience as a part of my career….and I think that it’s a good way for new talent to represent themselves , as long as they know that the foundation of what they do still has to be based on good music, good songs, good production, and a lot of hard work….

ZAPPHY – Some people don’t know, but you have a charity work in the USA. How does it work? Do you think that people, after success must use the fame in the name of the poor and the needed?

Jon Secada - I have been a part and continue to be a part of a lot of different causes…whenever I’m asked by a charity to help them, if I can do it, I’m there for them..for me I consider it to be a responsibility as a part of my success and a way to be a good example to young people…

ZAPPHY – Do you think that, for example, in your case, critics get to be more cruel to people who already are a success than the ones who are not? I ask this because I have read some critics to your work, and even though I have listened to the criticized work, they are good and honest. Do you think that after winning two Grammy Awards, the critics expect from you only smashing hits and not honest music?

Jon Secada - Critics have a job to do, the same way that I decided that I wanted music to be my job. I feel lucky that I have been successful enough for critics to notice me.

ZAPPHY – When you will be back here in Brazil? Is there a chance of you touring in more cities than only Rio?

Jon Secada - I’m working on new show dates as we speak to go back to Brazil…

ZAPPHY – A message to your fans and to the readers from ZAPPHY magazine?

Jon Secada - To all my fans and the readers of ZAPPHY, Obridago!! I will see you very soon once again in Brazil!!

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