Pop hit maker Christian Chavez led the top Latin band in the world, but not even fame and fortune were enough to keep his true identity hidden. In 2007, the singing sensation from RBD announced he was gay. Chavez was seeking independence from hungry tabloids, yet he didn’t know at the time that his brave decision would help pave the way for other Latin artists to come clean, including supporter Ricky Martin. However, RBD’s success in selling millions of albums couldn’t keep the band together. After Chavez’s revelation, RBD announced their separation a year later. Determined to prove himself as an artist in his own right, Chavez left behind his native Mexico for Italy, where he collaborated with famed producer Loris Ceroni. The result was Almas Transparentes, Chavez’s first solo album that debuted this year on the #13 spot on iTunes. NocheLatina had the chance to chat with Chavez to discuss his career after RBD, how his life plays out in Almas Transparentes, and whether he has any regrets being one of the first Latin stars to come out.
nocheLatina: What has your life been like since the end of RBD?
Christian Chavez: It’s been really peaceful right now. I took a year off to prepare my solo album and it’s great because I participated in this as a songwriter. I was very involved with the production and I’m really excited about the finished product.
nocheLatina: When did you realize that it was time for you to work on a solo album?
Christian Chavez: I always wanted to work on a solo album, but obviously there was a lot going on in my life for the past few years. Sometimes, you get scared because you’re coming from something so big. I think that we have to fight for what we want in life. For sure, music is really important to me.
nocheLatina: What are some of the inspirations behind Almas Transparentes?
Christian Chavez: Almas Transparentes explores life and emotional situations. It’s a really fresh album that talks about a lot of subjects like friendship, as well as loving and losing somebody. It’s those universal things that people can relate to.
nocheLatina: Why did you choose Italy of all places to work on your debut album?
Christian Chavez: I really love Italian pop music and it’s gotten a lot of influence from Mexico and Latin America. The producer that I worked with, Loris Ceroni, has worked with Latin stars for 20 years. It was really cool to meet him. He totally got my idea of what I wanted to show in my album, my pop side.
nocheLatina: Talk a little bit about some of the people that you collaborated with in Almas Transparentes. How did they help shape your sound?
Christian Chavez: Samo from Camila was crucial to have in this whole process. He taught me how to go through my music. Sometimes we discovered parts of my voice that I didn’t know I had. It was really important for me to find myself, my music, and my way of singing on stage.
nocheLatina: What were some of the challenges that you faced in being a solo artist, as opposed to working in a group like RBD?
Christian Chavez: Right now you have to prove who you are. Everyone is like, ‘Don’t worry. Everybody knows you.’ However, it has a double side because some people also have prejudices towards your music. They may think, ‘Oh, he’s coming from a pop group that was in a soap opera. He’s not going to have enough talent to make it on his own.’ You have to show yourself. You have to work little by little to make it happen. It almost feels like starting over.
nocheLatina: Talk about the meaning behind the title of your album and the message that you’re presenting to your fans.
Christian Chavez: Almas Transparantes talks about the idea of not only the album, but also the way of life I’m trying to show people. It’s about being yourself and not living someone else’s life or pretending.
nocheLatina: I know you mentioned in the past that you wanted to be recognized more for your work and not so much for your sexuality. What are your thoughts on this?
Christian Chavez: I know I was the first openly gay artist. It’s a huge part of me. However, the main thing for me is when you go and say, ‘I’m an openly gay fellow.’ Maybe people think my music is just for gay guys or just for the gay community. I’m not ashamed to be recognized as a gay person because I am a gay person, but I really want people to hear my music and know I’m a songwriter also.
nocheLatina: How are you more involved with the gay community today? I read that you participated in Pride Day at Long Beach, California.
Christian Chavez: Yeah, totally. It’s something that affects me directly. I’m all for doing campaigns against homophobia. It works to get the cause out there and it’s really nice to be a gay artist and help out.
nocheLatina: How in your opinion does Ricky Martin’s coming out change the way gay Latinos are seen by the media?
Christian Chavez: I think it’s great. It’s like getting your freedom little by little. Sometimes it’s hard, but you’ll never be able to buy your freedom. To be who you are is a gift. Nothing should take that away from you.
nocheLatina: With all the ups and downs that you’ve faced in being in the spotlight, do you have any regrets?
Christian Chavez: No. Not at all. Thanks to that I am who I am right now.
nocheLatina: What are some of your upcoming plans for the summer now that you have this new album out?
Christian Chavez: Right now we’re doing a promotional tour. We’re going to Colombia, Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Ecuador, and Brazil. They’re a lot of things to do.
nocheLatina: Sounds like it’s going to be a busy summer for you.
Christian Chavez: Yeah, it’s really cool!
nocheLatina: Do you keep in touch with anyone from RBD?
Christian Chavez: Yeah, obviously. I’m always talking to my friends via the Internet or phone. We’re always in contact.
nocheLatina: What do you hope fans will get out of Almas Transparentes?
Christian Chavez: I really hope people will listen to my music. That’s all I can ask for. I just want to keep on working at it.
