Imagine a dimly lit dancehall, filled with salsa dancers high on music, their bodies basking in the rhythms emanating from the stage. You can begin to have an idea of the passion delivered by hot newcomer, James Zavaleta, on his debut EP.
Having toured with, sung with, and played percussion for some of the biggest names in the Latin music industry, Zavaleta is now stepping out and becoming a star in his own right.
He took five minutes out of his busy schedule so that Suite101 readers could get to know the man behind the music.
JB: Let's start with the pleasantries. Would you like to introduce yourself?
JZ: I'm James, 25, half-Salvadoran, half-Mexican; born in LA and raised in Long Beach. I am a songwriter, composer and producer.
JB: So, where did it all start? Did you always have a fondness for music or did you fall into it by accident?
JZ:Music was not an accident; I was meant to do this! (laughs) Since I can remember, I've always loved music. My musical journey started when I was 3 years old. Music was and has always been very comforting to me. I was very influenced by my Latin culture when I was being raised. I even lived in El Salvador, where I fell in love with Salsa when I was 8 years old - the reason I started playing the Timbales, bongos, etc. Music is still very important to me.
JB: How long have you been working professionally in the music business?
JZ: Professionally, I started working in music when I was 15 years old.
JB: Since your professional journey began, has your work led you to any exciting opportunities?
JZ: For sure! A major highlight in my musical career came in 2009, when Orestes Vilato was nominated for a Latin Grammy Award for his debut album, It's About Time, an album that I was a part of. I was also working for a local Salsa Band - Los Duenos Del Son - from LA who were invited to play the role of the salsa band in the movie Meet Dave. Then I was offered a part in Prison Break - The Final Break. You can see me singing on the beach at the wedding.
JB: Wow that's some experiences - part of a Grammy nominated album, a movie and an award winning television series! How did the filming experience feel?
JZ: It felt great! Especially to have the opportunity to see how things worked behind the scenes. I met with Amaury Nolasco (Fernando Sucre in Prison Break) and also Gabrielle Union (No 3 Cultural officer in Meet Dave) on both shoots; they were great people.
JB: So does this mean you'd like to pursue an acting career alongside your music?
JZ: Acting! (laughs) I'm not sure about that. I've never really thought about it, to be honest, but maybe in the future. If an opportunity arises, i'd definitely consider it.
JB: Well, going back to your music, who are the artists/people who have had an influence on your music and life?
JZ: The reason why I started singing at the age of 13 was down to a Marc Anthony concert that my father took me to. After seeing how he connected with the audience and how much he could get out of them, my life was changed.
Now, the reason I play piano would probably be Jamie Foxx. Every time I saw him sing on his show - The Jamie Foxx Show - I thought it was amazing.
JB: So, leading onto your amazing self-titled EP, which is very soulful, were Jamie Foxx and Marc Anthony your only influences there?
JZ: I love soul music, which is why I tried to incorporate both my worlds - the Latin and the American. My professional background comes from the LA Salsa scene, but at the same time, I was listening to the likes of Donny Hathaway, D'angelo, Maxwell, Dru Hill and a lot more R&B groups.
JB: Now you'll have to forgive me here as I can't speak Spanish very well. Can you give the non-Spanish speaking listeners of your EP a quick rundown on the tracks?
JZ:Sure!
'Tu Laberinto' - translates to 'Your Labyrinth.' This song is about a woman using flirtatious games, playing "hard to get" if you will, while the man is very up for the challenge and enjoying the flirting game.
'Mentirosa' - translates to 'Liar.' This song is a little more on the not so successful side of a love story, but, as you'll notice from the music, it's a very playful song.
'Ya No Se' - 'I Don't Know,' is about the challenges we face when we deal with a tough breakup and feel we can't move on in life. Quetzal Guerrero plays violin on this track; it's one of the favorites.
'Cuando Despiertes' - 'When you Awake,' is a man telling his woman how much he loves and appreciates her while she sleeps.
'Vivir Sin Ti' - 'Live Without You.' This song is definitely the most 'pop' of the bunch. It's basically about a couple who have been separated for some time and the man comes to the realization that he can't live without his woman - the title says it all! I will be shooting the official music video for this song this month.
JB: Wow! Thanks for the quick Spanish lesson. In future, will you always record in your native tongue or will there be English songs too?
JZ: For SURE there will be! I plan to record in both Spanish and English in the future.
JB: Are there any artists who you would like to collaborate with in time?
JZ: There are so many! I'm a big fan of Jamie Foxx, Musiq Soulchild, Marc Anthony, Calle13 and Alejandro Sanz.
JB: Finally, what do you wish 2012 to bring for you?
JZ:On a personal level, I wish for good health. Musically speaking, I wish for 2012 to bring me the appropriate outlets to share my music and hopefully make new fans.
Personally speaking, I don't think that will be too hard for someone with a talent like James's. You only have to listen to his captivating and powerful voice to realize that this man will go far and is definitely someone to watch out for this year.
To find out more about where you can catch James performing live, visit his website www.jameszavaleta.com twitter page @jameszavaleta and, to download his EP, visit iTunes.
Jessica Biggs - I've always had a passion for writing and have many interests. My other passions are music, food, travel and alternative medicine.
Join the Conversation