Bowie's DIAMOND DOGS and Iggy Pop's
RAW POWER. I wanted to combine the pop
brilliance of the former and the punk
rawness of the latter. I do like that you got
this 60's "hippie vibe", as you said, though.
I definitely love that period too. If you heard
that...fantastic!
JC - Yes...that they influenced you is
wonderfully obvious! It’s great how you
channel from everyone like Iggy Pop to
Robert Plant. Why these musical role models?
AA - I am a big fan of music. There are many, many influences, but when you say
"role models" there are 3 very specific people - Bowie, Richard Butler from The
Psychedelic Furs and Chrissie Hynde. Ms. Hynde has probably had the biggest
impact on my artistry and musicianship. I really do want to be her!!! Way, too
cool. Yeah, Pop and Plant are there too.
JC - In this day and age of overly processed studio sounds in pop and even hip-
hop – does punk and rock have a solid footing still on the musical spectrum?
AA - Yeah, I think so. There will always be guitars and people who want to play
them. So therefore, there will always be rock and punk and different variations
of that.
JC - How did your Latino culture influence you as an artist? As an individual?
AA - My Latino culture is part of who I am and I think music is a big part of our
culture, so it remains and has always been, a big part of my life. You know, the
first concerts I saw were some of the Giants of Latin music...El Gran Combo, Tito
Puento and the queen herself, Celia Cruz. Wow, what a superstar. She was
bigger than life on stage and always the utmost professional. Before I wanted to
be Chrissie Hynde, I wanted to be Celia Cruz.
RAW POWER. I wanted to combine the pop
brilliance of the former and the punk
rawness of the latter. I do like that you got
this 60's "hippie vibe", as you said, though.
I definitely love that period too. If you heard
that...fantastic!
JC - Yes...that they influenced you is
wonderfully obvious! It’s great how you
channel from everyone like Iggy Pop to
Robert Plant. Why these musical role models?
AA - I am a big fan of music. There are many, many influences, but when you say
"role models" there are 3 very specific people - Bowie, Richard Butler from The
Psychedelic Furs and Chrissie Hynde. Ms. Hynde has probably had the biggest
impact on my artistry and musicianship. I really do want to be her!!! Way, too
cool. Yeah, Pop and Plant are there too.
JC - In this day and age of overly processed studio sounds in pop and even hip-
hop – does punk and rock have a solid footing still on the musical spectrum?
AA - Yeah, I think so. There will always be guitars and people who want to play
them. So therefore, there will always be rock and punk and different variations
of that.
JC - How did your Latino culture influence you as an artist? As an individual?
AA - My Latino culture is part of who I am and I think music is a big part of our
culture, so it remains and has always been, a big part of my life. You know, the
first concerts I saw were some of the Giants of Latin music...El Gran Combo, Tito
Puento and the queen herself, Celia Cruz. Wow, what a superstar. She was
bigger than life on stage and always the utmost professional. Before I wanted to
be Chrissie Hynde, I wanted to be Celia Cruz.
| . |
www.ambiente.us MARCH | MARZO 2009
Brilliant Things are Happening to ARIEL APARICIO
by JC Alvarez, Exclusively for AMBIENTE
ARIEL APARICIO is a new kind of emerging artist...Ariel is one of a thriving breed
here in New York City, the underground vocalist that is making waves on the
nightclub music circuit. Traversing the alternative music scene that was once
dominated by the likes of more familiar names like Blondie and Oingo Boingo;
characters that frequented haunts like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City and opened
up for Patty Smith or The Pretenders. If these names are unfamiliar to you,
imagine the audiences that Ariel is drawing into these crowded, sometimes
subdued and often times impossible to locate venues...these kids who are
feasting on his sound weren't even around to familiarize themselves with the
likes of those legends! Thank God they've got Ariel around to give them a taste
of what it was once like.
On the heels of the release of his latest album project ALL THESE BRILLIANT
THINGS Aparacio hopes to reinvigorate the NYC club scene -- but not the one
that you’re probably thinking needs his help. We might often associate the
“club scene” of interest to a gay artist the hot, hard-thumping kind, filled with
shirtless, sweaty bodies and gyrating hips. Aparacio is setting his sights on a
much more ambitious (if much more fickle) audience. He’s interested in
focusing his attention to what some may consider a dying art in the urban
Brilliant Things are Happening to ARIEL APARICIO
by JC Alvarez, Exclusively for AMBIENTE
ARIEL APARICIO is a new kind of emerging artist...Ariel is one of a thriving breed
here in New York City, the underground vocalist that is making waves on the
nightclub music circuit. Traversing the alternative music scene that was once
dominated by the likes of more familiar names like Blondie and Oingo Boingo;
characters that frequented haunts like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City and opened
up for Patty Smith or The Pretenders. If these names are unfamiliar to you,
imagine the audiences that Ariel is drawing into these crowded, sometimes
subdued and often times impossible to locate venues...these kids who are
feasting on his sound weren't even around to familiarize themselves with the
likes of those legends! Thank God they've got Ariel around to give them a taste
of what it was once like.
On the heels of the release of his latest album project ALL THESE BRILLIANT
THINGS Aparacio hopes to reinvigorate the NYC club scene -- but not the one
that you’re probably thinking needs his help. We might often associate the
“club scene” of interest to a gay artist the hot, hard-thumping kind, filled with
shirtless, sweaty bodies and gyrating hips. Aparacio is setting his sights on a
much more ambitious (if much more fickle) audience. He’s interested in
focusing his attention to what some may consider a dying art in the urban
| . |
| . |
| . |
| . |
| . |
jungle. New York City was
considered the music
epicenter for a very long
time, giving birth to
American punk rock and
some would even argue
was the genesis for rap
and hip-hop. All those
emerging artist came out
from the underground
punk scene that seemed
to have died with the
advent of pop -- after all
video killed the radio
star so what chance was
there for something so
obscure as punk
Ariel isn't particularly
defined or limited by
what’s currently popular.
His music is inspired and
dictated by a higher
order -- it’s generated by
pure adrenaline and is
kinetic in the same way
that made David Bowie
a presence on the stage and a voice that swirled around you and transported
you beyond the limits of your 9 foot long headphone cord. When Ariel Aparicio
considered the music
epicenter for a very long
time, giving birth to
American punk rock and
some would even argue
was the genesis for rap
and hip-hop. All those
emerging artist came out
from the underground
punk scene that seemed
to have died with the
advent of pop -- after all
video killed the radio
star so what chance was
there for something so
obscure as punk
Ariel isn't particularly
defined or limited by
what’s currently popular.
His music is inspired and
dictated by a higher
order -- it’s generated by
pure adrenaline and is
kinetic in the same way
that made David Bowie
a presence on the stage and a voice that swirled around you and transported
you beyond the limits of your 9 foot long headphone cord. When Ariel Aparicio
| . |
| . |
JC - There’s nothing like performing live in front of you audience – is that where
your music mostly comes to life? Do you prefer the live forum to the studio
experience?
AA - Yes...I prefer the stage. The studio - not so much. When I'm there I just want
it to be over as soon as possible! I do love the songwriting process, though.
Especially with my band. I love bringing a song to them and watch it develop
and take a life of it's own. I think that's really my favorite part.
JC - I’d love to here you do a duet with Christina Aguilera or even Justin
Timberlake. Who would be your dream collaboration with?
AA - Well of course there is the obvious...Chrissie Hynde. How many times have
a mentioned her name in this interview already? Actually, we do this awesome
version of “American Life” -- I would love for Madonna to do it with me! That's an
open invitation to Her Madgesty!
JC - From Havana, to Little Havana...now you've landed yourself in Brooklyn! Of
all the NYC boroughs everyone associates Brooklyn with arts and culture and
certainly pride. What is it about the borough that sets it apart?
AA - All the lesbians...I'm in Park Slope! Actually...look around! The best bands
around today are from Brooklyn...plus the best Thai food in the world - JOYA and
SONG - both restaurants owned and run by me and my partner!!
JC - What else is it that keeps you so busy?
AA - Facebook!
JC - (LOL) OK...that’s not what I’m referring to, but I’ll go with it! Among perhaps
your greatest achievement is that you recently became a father. How has
fatherhood changed your perspective musically and personally? Your little one
must give you all sorts of new inspiration.
your music mostly comes to life? Do you prefer the live forum to the studio
experience?
AA - Yes...I prefer the stage. The studio - not so much. When I'm there I just want
it to be over as soon as possible! I do love the songwriting process, though.
Especially with my band. I love bringing a song to them and watch it develop
and take a life of it's own. I think that's really my favorite part.
JC - I’d love to here you do a duet with Christina Aguilera or even Justin
Timberlake. Who would be your dream collaboration with?
AA - Well of course there is the obvious...Chrissie Hynde. How many times have
a mentioned her name in this interview already? Actually, we do this awesome
version of “American Life” -- I would love for Madonna to do it with me! That's an
open invitation to Her Madgesty!
JC - From Havana, to Little Havana...now you've landed yourself in Brooklyn! Of
all the NYC boroughs everyone associates Brooklyn with arts and culture and
certainly pride. What is it about the borough that sets it apart?
AA - All the lesbians...I'm in Park Slope! Actually...look around! The best bands
around today are from Brooklyn...plus the best Thai food in the world - JOYA and
SONG - both restaurants owned and run by me and my partner!!
JC - What else is it that keeps you so busy?
AA - Facebook!
JC - (LOL) OK...that’s not what I’m referring to, but I’ll go with it! Among perhaps
your greatest achievement is that you recently became a father. How has
fatherhood changed your perspective musically and personally? Your little one
must give you all sorts of new inspiration.
AA - By far the thing I'm most proud of in this world!!! Being a parent just puts
everything in perspective. That extra day of rehearsal isn't really that important.
Changing the "specials" at the restaurant isn't really that important. Sleep isn't
really that important. Yes, he inspires everything I do now.
JC - You’re latest singles are “Pretty in Pink” and “I’m the One”. “I’m the One” is
so powerful! It’s very timely and incapsulates the times we’re living. Is it also
perhaps a Valentine’s to fatherhood?
AA - Sure, why not. A Valentine to Fatherhood!!!!
And so very fitting! In an era where we've embraced and encouraged change,
Ariel Aparicio takes the time to pay homage to a musical movement that
undoubtedly still thrives in the heart of the city, for it has beat in the soul of a
Cuban immigrant who danced to Celia, bopped to “Holiday” and at the end of
the day finds solace in the embrace of a family that he’s made his own.
For generations to come Ariel Aparicio will be the template of
the new punk-rock legend and the sound that reinvigorated
the underground club sound and he will be some new artist’s
inspiration -- he may yet get his wish and one day be someone’s
Chrissie Hynde.
You can check out Ariel Aparacio’s latest album ALL THESE BRILLIANT THINGS
(including the new single “Pretty In Pink”) on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. When
in New York City, check out the Thai restaurant experiences JOYA and SONG --
both are located in the borough of Brooklyn. Also, check out Ariel Aparicio's
interview on my cable access show TALKING ABOUT (in the NYC Metro area)
CLICK HERE For more articles by JC Alvarez
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing these sources.
everything in perspective. That extra day of rehearsal isn't really that important.
Changing the "specials" at the restaurant isn't really that important. Sleep isn't
really that important. Yes, he inspires everything I do now.
JC - You’re latest singles are “Pretty in Pink” and “I’m the One”. “I’m the One” is
so powerful! It’s very timely and incapsulates the times we’re living. Is it also
perhaps a Valentine’s to fatherhood?
AA - Sure, why not. A Valentine to Fatherhood!!!!
And so very fitting! In an era where we've embraced and encouraged change,
Ariel Aparicio takes the time to pay homage to a musical movement that
undoubtedly still thrives in the heart of the city, for it has beat in the soul of a
Cuban immigrant who danced to Celia, bopped to “Holiday” and at the end of
the day finds solace in the embrace of a family that he’s made his own.
For generations to come Ariel Aparicio will be the template of
the new punk-rock legend and the sound that reinvigorated
the underground club sound and he will be some new artist’s
inspiration -- he may yet get his wish and one day be someone’s
Chrissie Hynde.
You can check out Ariel Aparacio’s latest album ALL THESE BRILLIANT THINGS
(including the new single “Pretty In Pink”) on iTunes, Amazon and CD Baby. When
in New York City, check out the Thai restaurant experiences JOYA and SONG --
both are located in the borough of Brooklyn. Also, check out Ariel Aparicio's
interview on my cable access show TALKING ABOUT (in the NYC Metro area)
CLICK HERE For more articles by JC Alvarez
Copyright © AMBIENTE MAGAZINE. Do not reproduce without citing these sources.
| . Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
. LGBT/Latino/Hispanic Civil Rights unitycoalition.org |
| . IMAGEWEBDESIGN herbsosa.com |
| . 70's Inspired Purses GLOSSgear.com |
| . AMBIENTE ONLINE STORE |
| . CLICK to SHOP |
. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals |
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL |
| . REDUCED for '09! REBAJA en Precios de Anuncios |
| . AMBIENTE CLASSIFIED ADS EASY | AFFORDABLE ONLY $5.00 |
| . Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
. LGBT/Latino/Hispanic Civil Rights unitycoalition.org |
| . IMAGEWEBDESIGN herbsosa.com |
| . 70's Inspired Purses GLOSSgear.com |
| . AMBIENTE ONLINE STORE |
| . CLICK to SHOP |
. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals |
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL |
| . REDUCED for '09! REBAJA en Precios de Anuncios |
| . AMBIENTE CLASSIFIED ADS EASY | AFFORDABLE ONLY $5.00 |
lets loose with the primal force inside his soul, sharing his music, it sears you to the
core and cauterizes you with his guitar licks. His audience is held hostage by the
glamour in his movement, the roll of his thighs as they wrap around a mic stand
and his swagger of the stage -- his lyrics ring true with the studied substance of an
artist aware of where he’s standing and especially where he’s been and anxious
about where he’s going.
All these brilliant things are apparent. “I was 3 when my family came to the
States. It was pretty wonderful growing up exposed to both cultures. I'm sure it
must have been quite challenging for my parents but for us, the children, we
knew no different. Plus, we were in Miami so it was almost like being in Cuba.”
Ariel immigrated from Cuba to the States and as a youth grew up listening to the
music that most of us who are Latino couldn’t escape no matter how hard we
tried! “We grew up surrounded by music, so it was such a part of our lives. My
mother was singing all the time. Either at home while doing the dishes or at any of
the many house parties that would occur several times a week complete with a
salsa band.”
We can all relate to this story, but Ariel who always wanted to
be a singer, has turned his inspired dreams into a hard-core
reality.
JC - I love your rock sound and feel, especially on All These Brilliant Things. It
reminds me of several rock genres – there’s a very 60’s hippie-like revolutionary
vibe to these tracks. What were some of the inspiration behind the songs?
Ariel Aparicio - The core of the inspiration for the sound and feel of this record, is
more early 70's. I used as my template 2 very important records for me - David
core and cauterizes you with his guitar licks. His audience is held hostage by the
glamour in his movement, the roll of his thighs as they wrap around a mic stand
and his swagger of the stage -- his lyrics ring true with the studied substance of an
artist aware of where he’s standing and especially where he’s been and anxious
about where he’s going.
All these brilliant things are apparent. “I was 3 when my family came to the
States. It was pretty wonderful growing up exposed to both cultures. I'm sure it
must have been quite challenging for my parents but for us, the children, we
knew no different. Plus, we were in Miami so it was almost like being in Cuba.”
Ariel immigrated from Cuba to the States and as a youth grew up listening to the
music that most of us who are Latino couldn’t escape no matter how hard we
tried! “We grew up surrounded by music, so it was such a part of our lives. My
mother was singing all the time. Either at home while doing the dishes or at any of
the many house parties that would occur several times a week complete with a
salsa band.”
We can all relate to this story, but Ariel who always wanted to
be a singer, has turned his inspired dreams into a hard-core
reality.
JC - I love your rock sound and feel, especially on All These Brilliant Things. It
reminds me of several rock genres – there’s a very 60’s hippie-like revolutionary
vibe to these tracks. What were some of the inspiration behind the songs?
Ariel Aparicio - The core of the inspiration for the sound and feel of this record, is
more early 70's. I used as my template 2 very important records for me - David
| . |
| . |
| . Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
. LGBT/Latino/Hispanic Civil Rights unitycoalition.org |
| . IMAGEWEBDESIGN herbsosa.com |
| . 70's Inspired Purses GLOSSgear.com |
| . AMBIENTE ONLINE STORE |
| . CLICK to SHOP |
. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals |
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL |
| . REDUCED for '09! REBAJA en Precios de Anuncios |
| . AMBIENTE CLASSIFIED ADS EASY | AFFORDABLE ONLY $5.00 |
| . Fresh-Squeezed Paradise MIAMI RIVER INN miamiriverinn.com |
. LGBT/Latino/Hispanic Civil Rights unitycoalition.org |
| . IMAGEWEBDESIGN herbsosa.com |
| . 70's Inspired Purses GLOSSgear.com |
| . AMBIENTE ONLINE STORE |
| . CLICK to SHOP |
. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals |
CUSTOM RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL |
| . REDUCED for '09! REBAJA en Precios de Anuncios |
| . AMBIENTE CLASSIFIED ADS EASY | AFFORDABLE ONLY $5.00 |