Edward Mena is an Award-Winning Venezuelan singer – In 2017, his single “Amor Absoluto” in tribute to the music of Julio Iglesias, produced by 16 Time Grammy Winning Producer Humberto Gatica in Los Angeles, wins “Platinum Disc” at the 37th Festival de la Cancion de California (Latin American Song Festival of California) on the National Final in the USA, “Silver Trophy” at the Viva La Musica International Song Festival in Tenerife, Spain. “Bronze Medal” as Male Vocalist at the Global Music Awards and most recently, “FestiVegas de Plata” at the FestiVegas International in Las Vegas, Nevada. The song has achieved more than 1 million views combined between YouTube and Facebook, and 1.5 million plays on SoundCloud. On this same year, he is given a Proclamation by the City of Miami and its Mayor Tomas Regalado, honoring his achievements.

During his career, he has performed in cities around the USA, sharing the stage with famous Latin performers such as Tania Libertad, Paloma San Basilio, Luis Enrique, Pastora Soler, Ilan Chester, Rey Ruiz, among others. In 2014, he recorded his version of the song “Te Extraño” from Mexican composer Armando Manzanero featuring Latin Grammy Winner saxophonist Ed Calle and in 2011, a song written for him called “Me Equivoqué Otra Vez” by the hand of Latin Grammy Winning producer, Roberto Morales.

In the past, he has received other awards including “Certificate of Appreciation” and “Talent of the Year” by the Broward County in Florida, won the “Popularity Award” at the Miami International Song Festival in 2015 and First Place at the Estrella Award in 2009.

Music Review

Sung with an intense passion, Edward Mena’s “Amor Absoluto: Medley Tributo a Julio Iglesias” represents a perfect song of love. Keeping things to the absolute essentials, Edward Mena’s strong reassuring voice rests at the very heart of it all. From his voice all else orbits, as an entire universe radiates from his lyricism. Proving to have a nearly poetic gift, the highly articulate nature of the track means it grows in scope and size. Arrangements are kept to the essentials, further highlighting Edward Mena’s intensity. The sweeping synthesizers and subtle rhythms work wonders. Additionally, the entirety of the piece feels akin to a series of thoughtful suites, intermingled ever so perfectly.

Things start off carefully. Melodies feel akin to geometry, folding and unfolding with such care. Nearly jazzy, the loose quality of the piece means it has a great deal of room to roam. Layer upon layer of sound intermingle to give the piece a hypnotic quality. As the song soars up into the sky, it shifts tone and texture. Suddenly moving into a more ambient trance, the contemplative nature feels perfectly suited to Edward Mena’s commanding vocals. Carefully the way the song comes into bloom reveals a great depth, an ability to embrace a wide plethora of color. For the final stretch the arrangement takes on a cinematic flair bringing things to a majestic conclusion.

With “Amor Absoluto: Medley Tributo a Julio Iglesias” Edward Mena creates a magical sound, one whose melodies and message linger.

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?

 I was born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela. Came to the United States with my family when I was 11 years old, currently living in Miami. From an early age I’ve always loved music. Grew up listening to great voices that inspired me to one day become a singer myself. When I was 17 years old, I performed in public for the first time at a local music festival in front of 3000 people, I was so nervous and shy, the song I did was “My Way”, not an easy one! But when I finished singing I received my first ovation, and that’s what started it all. I then went on to study music and take voice lessons with two renowned vocal coaches from my country, Carlos Almenar Otero and Nestor Cardenas, also living in Miami. In 2009, I won my first international award and since then, I’ve never stopped working. 2017 was a very great year for me.

Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?

Of course! We all have to start somewhere to build our careers. My advice would simply be to never give up, to believe in yourself and in what you love doing, don’t ever take a no from nobody, and work hard to achieve your dreams, it takes constant preparation, perseverance, discipline and dedication to always move forward and keep growing as an artist. It never ends!

Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?

Yes! Those things can happen, as artists we always prepare ourselves to put on a great show that’s supposed to come out “perfect”, but sometimes little things can happen on stage, like forgetting lyrics for example, it’s our job to handle it professionally and with respect, but it also shows the audience our “human” side. We all can make mistakes.

Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?

 I’ve had the opportunity to perform in some cities around the country, like Miami, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Chicago, to name a few, and what’s exciting for me is the challenge of conquering new audiences, I love that, being able to present my work to new people is always an amazing and very satisfying experience.

Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?

 Besides my “Medley” single, I’m also currently working on some acoustic tracks I just recorded in Los Angeles, also in tribute to the music of Julio Iglesias, the first one just came out and it’s available in Spotify and iTunes, called “De Niña a Mujer”, accompanied on the piano by a great Mexican musician called Agustin Aguilar.

Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?

Social media! Without a doubt. It has taken my music to places I actually never dreamed of, like Australia, Sweden, and even Finland! It’s incredible. I believe this is the most powerful tool to currently promote your work and I thank my many followers for enjoying what I do with huge love and passion.

Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?

 Wow! Tough one, I have many people that have inspired me so much over the years. But would absolutely love to perform one day with someone like Andrea Bocelli, Lara Fabian or Barbra Streisand, legendary voices I admire very much. In the Latin music field I’ve had the honour to share the stage with people I grew up listening to, like Tania Libertad and Paloma San Basilio, who are also legends in the Hispanic world. It really is something unforgettable.

Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?

Yes! I’m also working with the great multi-award winning producer Humberto Gatica on the full length album “Amor Absoluto” in tribute to Julio Iglesias, it’s been a very long process, but I’m sure when it’s finally done, it will definitely be something incredible to be proud of. Can’t wait. Stay tuned for that one!

Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?

I really don’t know! I guess I’d be also working on something related to the artistic field. But I thank God every day for the opportunity to keep working and growing on what I love the most: Music.

Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in the next year or so?

More music coming up! And surprises I still can’t talk about, but that I’m sure will be something my fans and friends are going to enjoy! Very excited about the next few months!

Exposed Vocals: Any Shout-outs?

To my family, management, friends and especially my fans! Thank you for so many years of support and loyalty. Without your help, none of this would be happening and I hope you keep accompanying me on the many years to come. Eternally grateful.

Website: www.edwardmena.com