Written interview with guitarist and vocalist Bobby Rozario and about of him new album Healer.
Jazz Blues European Union: – What do you consider to be your hometown and how does that affect your music?
Bobby Rozario: – I consider New York City- to be my hometown. New York to me is the world capital for art and music where musicians from around the world and different cultures sojourn and find the opportunity to get inspired, exchange music and collaborate on diverse musical ideas.
What performers have been your inspiration?
I have been inspired by a vast array of music and musical masters throughout my life, from Ravi Shanker to Zakir Hussain ( one of the great drummers -Tabla) in the eastern and jazz world. And when it comes to guitar players or Jazz and blues music-people like John Mclaughlin, John lee hooker , Stevie Ray Vaughan, T-bone walker just to name a few. However when you talk about being inspired, it doesn’t always have to be a famous name or a legend as these names are easy to throw out and sound cool. Inspiration can come from any musician who’s playing connects with your heart and spirit and that musician does not always have to be very famous.
What do you find the most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?
I would like to say the most challenging part for me is the unnatural act of talking about yourself on social media platforms. The idea of it is not a part of my natural being. However since it is a part of today’s world, me and my team are well aware of it and know how to use it when needed.
What do you base your success on?
Honesty Consistency and the Urge to keep moving ahead.
Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?
Collaborating with other artists or musicians is a time to give birth to a new or modified sound. I’m selective about who I collaborate with musically, as it is important to connect our vibrations and thoughts first and then elevate that idea through music.
What was your latest musical release?
”HEALER” is the name of my latest album.
Do you have any news to share? Could you share the story behind your latest new CD Bobby Rozario – Healer what inspired its creation?
Healer- Is more than music, it’s a story and a process of moving forward in life, and music being that stream of healing waters, that if we allow ourselves to soak in, it makes everything new in life. HEALER- the album is inspired by life music rhythm and beauty.
How does your latest album fit into your creative path? Is this a goal you wanted to achieve?
My latest album is a part of who Iam and so is any music I compose and produce, which is naturally a part of my creative spirit, it has to be! Every repertoire of music I create is a journey and never a goal.
How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?
My process of songwriting is based on real life situations and any aspect that describes “Life” as a whole. There are no specific themes, however with HEALER- the theme is Life ,beauty, strength in rhythm and music.
As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?
To me, creative freedom is what matters most, commercial appeal is upto the people to find in my work.
I do not create music for commercial appeal but only to spread the spirit of joy and to uplift people.
What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?
Technology keeps changing so you need to keep adapting, Social Media is very important in today’s world, but to the point where it keeps things real and not superficial.
Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?
A memorable experience for me was touring with the tabla maestro Ustad Zakir Hussain a year or so before he passed. It reminded me yet again how important it is for musicians to have mutual love and respect for each other’s craft, regardless of your commercial success.
In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?
Technology is good when it benefits all people.
Streaming platforms need to come to the realization that if there is a day where musicians are not able to keep creating and recording music, due to the greed of big streaming companies- all that the future generations will be left with is AI and Robots.
The streaming platforms have given an unreal financial advantage to a small percentage and has made it more difficult for a much larger scale of musicians.
Currently we have no choice but to be a part of it- but something needs to be changed!
Musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?
Fan engagement has become very independent and hands on with the access musicians have to social media. My fan engagement is also based on a combination of social media, radio and content creation to name a few.
How can fans find you? Lastly, please share some final words with the fans.
Fans Can find me on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram – Music on streaming platforms, CD’s which will now also be available on my website/webstore.
Final Words with the fans – We play this music for you, to be able to take you away from the everyday norm to a world of abundant joy, to help you disconnect and get away from reality and join us on this journey of Music and love.
By Olivia Peevas
