ROMAN
My first memory is the orange tree in the vacant land next to the house I used to live in Buenos Aires, where I used to play with my brother. We grew up in a neighbourhood with a French name, Boulogne Sur Mer.
I grew up surrounded by music. My father had an amazing voice; he was the tango singer of the orquestra ‘Jose Colangelo’, my uncle was a famous tango dancer and the creator of the tango school ‘Tango Escuela Carlos Copello’.I remember listening to Bela Bartok for first time and realizing there was another world out there...
The first time I toured Argentina was a mix of both shocking negative and positive experiences. I learned about the music industry, the behind the scenes, fan clubs, gear, studios, how to act on stage in front of an audience, whether to 10 people or 1000.
The most useful piece of advice I’ve been given is …“you're good but not as good as you think" It was a revelation for me and I am so grateful. Thanks to that, I'm today a better musician and person.
The movie that most moved me is an Argentine film called "Man Facing South East." Despite of the lack in the production, it moves me because of the humanity it conveys
ANDRIA Frida Kahlo is my inspiration. I am fascinated by her uniqueness, her love os freedom and adventure, her identity, her confidence and resilience. Those traits make you live in depth, make you capable to fight any obstacles and grow stronger from every experience. The most useful piece of advice I’ve been given is…“Comparison will kill you.” It made me understand that all the power and inspiration lies within us and is therefore unique and that its only through focusing on discovering your own voice and creativity that you find freedom. Even though I’m not Latino…I see lot of similarities between Greek/Mediterranean and Latino heritage; the importance of family, the enjoyment of good food and music around a table, the fiestas, the intense and passionate expressions of feelings and the tendency to be loud and extrovert amongst others.
London called me because of the education and work opportunities and the big Latin community where I thought I would meet Latin musicians and start making collaborations.
I didn’t like it at all at first. It was too busy, too overwhelming. I came from a small village and I arrived in a city where I had to learn how to use the tube, use the map and travel for a long time on a daily basis. I grew to love London more when I immersed myself into the realm of its multicultural character, the different world cuisines, the endless shows and festivals. I needed time to find my little spot in this big city and create a circle of people that make me feel at home I have experienced the best and the worst of London; Amazing collaborators and opportunities to grow as a person and musician. I also witnessed a man being shot and dying just a few metres away from me.
I find it fascinating how London is totally contrasting depending on the area you are, for example Highgate or Brick Lane can feel like totally different places, but they are still English in their own way. There is something for every type, every mood and every phase of life. This pandemic made me appreciate the power of now and the importance of not making so many plans. It gave me the opportunity to just stop, spend time with myself and what I need, reflect and re-evaluate how I choose to spend my time and with whom. It made me see the world as an abundant source of energy and pleasure that is enough to bring all the joy we need in the now without always expecting something else to happen in the future.
In Lockdown am listening to the new album of Natalia Lafourcade on repeat. It gives me time with myself that I don’t have as much when not in quarantine and time to read and learn about new things outside music.
My favourite word in English is …Serendipity The word I most dislike is… interesting. It’s an empty word. Listen to Andria Antoniou and Roman Gomez' Encuentro here
