“Cambio:” An interview with X Alfonso
X Alfonso, one of Cuba’s most talented and respected musicians, is releasing new music for the first time in a decade. Havana’s music scene, which has undergone much change since X’s last musical production, is eager to see what sounds and messages his new album will bring. Among other things, the rockstar’s absence from producing has allowed him to open up the Fabrica de Arte Cubano, the country’s most important cultural center and nightlife hotspot, and develop other projects that have aided the careers and touched the hearts of thousands of Cubans.
The first single “Cambio” of his album “Inside” hit digital platforms last week to much fanfare. CET’s Collin Laverty – a friend and colleague and of X – caught up with artist, entrepreneur and cultural visionary this week to learn more about his new project.
Q: The first single to come out is “Cambio” — why this song?
A: “Cambio” is not only the first song that was ready, but it is a song with a strong, emotive charge that has an inspirational message during a moment where we need to change where the world is headed more than ever.
Q: What can fans expect from the new album, Inside?
A: “Inside” is an experiment that we’ve been creating collectively as a group; it’s a piece of work that has no precedent—at least in my career—and where every song is its own world, with its own universe that we’re going to explore. Together, it’s a way to understand the wholistic meaning that is “Inside.” There’s love and dance, but also thought, anger, and hope.
Q: It’s been a decade since you’ve released something new. Why so long? What has the last ten years been about?
A: I took a much-needed rest and took advantage of the opportunity to reset, to live new experiences, to travel to unknown places and make the most of my personal life. After that, the Fabrica de Arte Cubano project began developing, which demanded the 24 hours of every day.
Q: A lot has changed in the Cuban and international musical scene since your last project. How do you feel with respect to the current state of music and the music industry and how does this album fit into the new context?
A: The panorama has changed a lot, but it’s helped me listen to and learn about what I do and don’t want to do. I feel comfortable and I like working on my music because I keep thinking it’s timeless. I’m always trying to re-invent myself and look for different sounds and new experiences so I can do it all differently. Even in my own musical career, I’ve never worried about fitting in, and I care about that less now. I’m ten years older, when I compose and experiment, I give it my all, and I really enjoy everything that I do. And so, if it touches people and they understand and enjoy it, that’s even better.
Q: One of your other projects, La Fabrica de Arte Cubano, was recently given the honor of one of TIME Magazine’s “Best Places in the World”. What does this mean for you?
It means that you should always believe you can achieve greater things in life. When you lean into your dreams, into good ideas and good energy, towards an objective—and of course, surrounded by people that believe the same thing—unbelievable things can be achieved, like this award, gift or whatever you want to call it. Can you even imagine being included in one of the best 100 places in the world to visit?! A magazine with the kind of experience, reach, and long history that Times has?! Anything is possible, even in the face of large obstacles, needs, a lack of possibilities or people that don’t support your good intentions. You should believe anything is possible.
It’s a gift for everyone on the team that has laid their life here, and every person that has offered their little grain of sand in order to create this space, our FAC, made with love and a lot of sacrifice.
Q: There’s a new member of the Alfonso family. What can you share about the beautiful new addition to the family?
Mar… it’s what makes you understand the meaning of life.