Rodrigo Cuevas: Tradition with a Twist

Rodrigo Cuevas combines historical folkloric genres with modern elements, like electronic beats. In a recent interview with BØWIE Magazine at Cully Jazz, he shared insights into his music, creative process, and views on the intersection of tradition and innovation.

Cuevas began his musical journey at the conservatory, where he took piano lessons. He got into pop music while playing on the street and eventually started playing in bars. After playing in bars for some time, he finally began doing concerts. "I started at the conservatory, playing the piano, l got into popular music while I was playing on the street, then I started to play in bars and, finally I started doing concerts." Reflecting on his journey, he credits his neighbors in Galicia, particularly their skillful tambourine playing and soulful singing, as his inspiration to delve into traditional music.

Cuevas' songs are constantly evolving and unpredictable. He describes his creative process as anarchic, emphasizing spontaneity and improvisation. Rather than sticking to a predetermined structure, his compositions often undergo significant transformations, shaped by live performances and audience interactions.‍

"I am very anarchic in all this. I don’t have a method to do it simply, when there is something I want to talk about, I write about it. In other words, there remains a lot of improvisation and with that, I also construct a large part of the dramaturgy of the show."‍

As an artist deeply rooted in historical culture, he sees a renaissance in traditional music, as avant-garde and contemporary music scenes foster connections to age-old melodies.‍

"I think traditional music is in a really good time because there's a lot of interest in it and a lot of people have long dismissed traditional music or haven't found a way to approach it."‍

Cuevas believes that his queer statue is due to his genuine celebration of life rather than any contrived image. He feels free and expressive in his identity, and this joyous energy shines through in his performances, giving his artistry a richness and authenticity that resonates with his audiences.‍

"I don't think I'm a queer icon, I'm in love with life... Being a queer, it's very flamboyant, and for the show it's magnificent."‍

His latest album, "La Romería," is a testament to Cuevas’ eclectic style, featuring a collection of songs structured in the traditional vein yet infused with unconventional themes. "La Romería is a collection of songs most of which were written by me, but they are very structured in the traditional way..." Collaborating with artists like Eduardo Cabra, Cuevas continues to push boundaries and explore uncharted musical territories.

Beyond being entertaining, Cuevas' music contains a deeper message. He calls on people to regain their joy through creative expression, rising above passive consumption.‍

"I think people need to make popular music and stop depending on a speaker to have a good time."‍

Cuevas live shows are renowned for their theatricality and visuals. He smoothly shifts into more intimate performances when the occasion demands it, such as at Cully Jazz where he delivered a more intimate performance in a church that transported the crowd into a melancholy experience. His ability to adapt his artistry to different settings underscores his versatility and authenticity as a performer.‍

"This show is a show that I started because I was commissioned... but in reality, these are the songs that I sing when I am near a bonfire in my house, I sing these songs because they are the ones I learned."‍

Cuevas has written a song that explores *Rambal’s story. Rambal was a person who challenged societal norms by openly expressing their gender and sexuality. Through his music, Cuevas aims to highlight the stories of those who have been overlooked by history. They celebrates the resilience of those who dared to be different.‍

"I kind of wrote the song for them (Rambal) because we forgot about it, we don't know this reference anymore which is so cool, so joyful, so positive and so everything. Their statue was inaugurated last year... and then everyone started reminiscing about them."‍

As for the future, Cuevas expresses a simple desire to laugh until his last breath. His commitment to joy and authenticity continues to shape his artistic endeavors, promising a future brimming with innovation, celebration, and unapologetic self-expression.

*About Rambal : Born Juan Alfonso Menéndez Fernández, was a renowned figure from Gijón, Spain, celebrated for their flamboyant personality and openness about their sexual orientation at a time when such expression was both rare and risky. Known for their performances in the 1960s and 1970s, Rambal embraced femininity and sensuality without restraint, becoming a symbol of resilience and pride for the LGBTQ+ community long before mainstream acceptance. Tragically, they were murdered in 1976, likely due to their identity. In 2023, a statue was inaugurated in their honor in Gijón, paying tribute to their pioneering spirit and role as an inspiration for LGBTQ+ freedom and resilience.

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