Inspired by Jamaican rhythms, this Venezuelan artist has left the name of his country high, producing music with Latin flavor, saxophone, Reggae and Ska. Today he tells us part of his experience and current projects.
Astrid: When did your desire to make music begin?
Kevin: Since i was a kid in my family everybody can play or sing, so at young age i was able to play with my family and enjoying this conection that the music gives you, an autentic way of being happy!
Astrid: What instruments do you play or with which one do you currently work?
Kevin: Well im a producer so in the “recording” part i can play sax, voice, bass, guitar, keyboards, but in my live show im playing just sax, the guitar and singing aswell.
Astrid: What genres do you prefer to express yourself?
Kevin: In the beginning my main music was tradicional ska, like ‘Skatalites’ but now im playing more reggae music, i feel free when i play this music, close to the jamaican vibes, thats more my style, not so british.
Astrid: Do you work independently or do you belong to a group/band?
Kevin: Im working as a “one man band” Right now its kinda hard to play with a group because there still are a lots of restrictions with the “corona” thing and when im doing my Germany tour, im playing with my bro “Pepito” in the guitar.
Astrid: How has your musical experience been outside your native country?
Kevin: Incredible awesome. In the begining i was doubting a lot and a little scare, anxious of “when i will be back and play with my band” But… then i realize that i can and step by step i was gaining more confidence and happiness.
Astrid: Tell us about your participation in the Pepsi Music Awards 2022.
Kevin: Yes, i was doubting about it but a friend was telling me kinda “believe in you” So i started to do the “believing” thing and here i am. In the contest as a best reggae song of my country!
Astrid: Any influential or inspirational figure?
Kevin: There’s a lot of people that i admire. My teacher Manuel Barrios, my friends that work with the music nonstop! Marcos Viloria, Alejandro Berti, Chris Murray, Ken Stewart and there are a lot of more that always motivates me to keep going and doing music, my engine!
Astrid: What has been the most important stage for you and in which country was it?
Kevin: I was playing with bands as a member in a lot of awesome places, countries, festivals and stages of course the ‘Rototom Sunsplash’ was the bigger one but for me i feel like “reborn” because the first one like “one man band” in Brasil with not a lot of people, but alone, gives me the energy that keeping me doing this.
Astrid: Which bands have you had the honor of sharing the stage with?
Kevin: Uff there is a lot, i can start with the fathers of the jamaican music “The Skatalites” That are also as a special guest in my recent vinyl “Movement”, David Hinds, Train To Roots, Charly Anderson, S.O.J.A., Dread Mar I, Los Cafres, Nonpalidece, Quique Neira, Mystic Revealers, Fidel Nadal, Among Others.
Astrid: Would you do this for the rest of your life?
Kevin: Yes, definetly. Im doing it right now and im not gonna stop. Its my engine, my heart, a part of me.
Thanks to Kevin for allowing me to talk with him today about his wonderful artistic work, for me it is always an honor to learn more about these great artists, I invite you to follow him on his social networks and digital platforms.
Social media:
Instagram: @Kevinalvamusic
Youtube: Kevin Alva Music
Spotiify: Kevin Alva