Have you ever met someone and immediately after tons of questions (some good and some a tad inappropriate) came to your mind but you were too shy to ask? That’s what happened to me when I first met pop sensation Alejandro Reyes. I was invited to the preview release of his new song Solamente in Montreux. I must admit that I hadn’t heard of him prior to that evening and had zero expectations. I went to discover something new and interesting.
Upon meeting him, I was first impressed by his sweet and kind demeanour. Then I noticed his missing hand. I was dying to ask him about it but it felt inappropriate. It’s quite possible that I was projecting my own discomfort and insecurities, because he didn’t seem to think twice about it! He was going about his business, rehearsing with his guitar and shmoozing in between. I had never seen someone play the guitar with one hand and I was completely blown away!
We chatted for a while before he took the stage and he didn’t disappoint me. Alejandro was sincerely grateful to everyone who came to see him. He was open and took his time to answer all of our questions. We spoke about all kinds of topics but I still couldn’t get myself to address my white elephant in the room!
ALEJANDRO, THE SINGER
The good-looking and sweet guy took the microphone and a transformation happened right before my eyes. He picked up his guitar, situated himself, and took over. What I had imagined being a “handicap” didn’t phase him one bit, on the contrary. He played powerfully and confidently using both arms and hand like any other guitar player would. Then he opened his mouth to sing.. wow! What a sound. One of the journalists had brought her 7-year-old boy who was totally mesmerised by his new idol.
Alejandro sang in both his native Spanish and English.
After the concert was over and I went back home to my routine, I decided that I couldn’t just let it be. I needed to ask my questions to learn from him but mainly to put things into perspective. I knew what he would share would inspire not only me but also anyone reading me. So I just went for it and asked!!
TELL ME MORE
How was it to grow up looking different? You were born with one hand missing. Did it stop you from living your life as a “normal” kid? What lessons did you learn already as a kid?
Well, it’s very visible on me. I was born without my left hand. It never made me feel less important or very different, actually it made me feel very often the “special guy” in the room. Obviously, as children don’t filter their words, I had a few “mean” interactions during my early years. Thank god, I was born a very determined person, and that’s why nothing stopped me from moving forward. I know now, whenever you are convinced about something you want to achieve you will succeed. I think, unconsciously I give a lesson to those who don’t try to do things because of excuses.
You stumbled upon music by pure accident at 18. What went through your mind? Why did you decide to turn this new-found talent into a career? What did people around you and in the music industry tell you? Were they encouraging or not?
I was given a guitar as a gift. I really thought in the beginning it was just going to be a hobby or even nothing at all to me. I started being asked to sing for my friends, for private parties, and even to sing Live at radio stations. All those signs made me realize that singing, playing music and writing songs could be more than just a hobby.
I was always pushed by my friends to perform and give concerts and show my songs everywhere possible including the music industry. From the very beginning, I always had some “helpers” who made me confident with what I was doing.
How did you turn your “handicap” into your strength?
People stood in front of me, listening to my music, only looking at my face and body language. My “difference” was always noticed after my music, my voice and my personality.
People were always surprised once they noticed. It turned into a strength without me acting differently. People’s positive reactions increased my confidence and made me feel strong.
How much work and sacrifice did it require to get up to speed?
I could answer this question just by saying “a lot”. But I would add passion, patience and determination to it as well.
How did it feel the first time you stepped on a stage?
I don’t really remember where and when it exactly was. I remember that my first concerts were in Lausanne at a little bar which let me use the corner to perform my songs. I was happy to see that not only my family and friends showed up but also people interested in discovering new talents. It was the most gratifying feeling!
What lessons have you learned so far and what would you like your fans to know and understand about success and the road to it?
So far, I’ve learned that we’re never done with learning. I’ve been through so many ups and downs, personally and professionally that I have come to realize that no matter your talent, no matter your contacts, no matter your body, face, color of your hair, color of your skin, height, etc, if you want to achieve something, you have to be sincere. You have to be authentic, passionate and do things first for you then for others. If a song makes you feel good, it will automatically make people feel the same. If you know what you are saying, expressing it in a good and positive way, then you will get people’s attention. We really have to believe and love what we do in order to make it happen and to make it powerful.
We are what we choose to be.
What does beauty look like for you (for your female fans)?
To me beauty is simple. Beauty is about the details. Beauty has to natural and not fake. Well, to be a bit more specific, those little things I really love on girls are, long hair, hair buns, a beautiful smile, and eyes. The color doesn’t matter. In the end it’s not only about body, face, smile, etc. It goes way deeper than that. It’s about the personality.
Tell us about your single Solamente? How is it doing since its release?
Amazing. I’ve been waiting for this “Latin” song for a long time to be released. Now it’s out and, as I mentioned before, since I was sure about it, its impact is also massive. I’ve received so many messages, videos of fans singing, cute and sincere words, I’m very very happy about all the feedback so far. Music platforms are also very very interested, and the hype is growing.
What next?
Next comes music and more music. We plan an EP for very soon (beginning of 2019) and live concerts of course. That’s why, at the moment I’m 100% focused on writing new songs and producing new music. Next songs are going to be very special.
SOLAMENTE
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