Sunday Sep 17
palabras NAVANI OTERO
Don't call it a come back, you may remember this artist from the R&B group Nu Flavor, with their hit song "Heaven." He is back on the music scene, bringing a new twist to the R&B game this time with his self-titled solo debut Rigo Luna. The Compton native proves you can't judge a book by its cover as he belts out R&B ballads in Spanish with a touch of Reggaeton and a dash of Spanglish, bringing his new flavor to the industry.
Rigo Luna's passion for music goes back to the fifth grade. Although growing up in the rough streets of Compton makes people assume he'd be a rapper, he hopes to bring joy and peace to people with his voice. While promoting his album in New York, nocheLatina caught up with Luna to hear what needs to be changed in the music industry, the hardest part of being in this business, and what not to do when you are trying to make it as a singer.
This is your debut album as a solo artist, tell me about it.
Yes, I am very proud of the project. It’s R&B in Espanol with a little dash of Spanglish and reggaeton.
Who did you work with in production?
The Co-stars, they are very well known.
Did you do any of the writing on the album?
Yes, I did a couple of tracks I did “Are You Down”, “Mujeres Hoteles”, “Keep it on the Low”, and “I want I want”.
Did you ever think about coming out as an English artist?
I wanted to, but I think the Spanish side was something new and groundbtreaking, so I wanted to focus on that.
Who are your musical influences?
Marvin Gaye, Boys II Men, Jodeci, Luis Miguel, Al B. Sure and Frank Sinatra.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
50 Cent, cause I’m from the Hood, I’m from Compton. Just an idea to through out there. Eminem, I think that would be a really good mesh. Everything that I do, I want it to be new and interesting and a good, good collaboration.
How did you get started in the music business?
I started in fifth grade, singing for a group of students, I sang Lionel Richie’s “Hello.” So I continued in the choir, and just started finding my character and my voice. I always had a heart and love for music, me regardless of what I went through in life it was meant for me.
What do you think needs to change about the music industry?
I think unity needs to happen amongst all companies, so that the entertainment industry can always be there for everyone. There’s always a place for anyone in the entertainment industry. Through music you have peace, so it’s very important for all of us to come together and swallow their egos and stop cutting each other’s throat.
What is something most people are surprised to find out about you?
That I sing the songs on my album. Everyone things I am a rapper, they don’t see me as an R&B artist.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to break into the music industry?
Never stop. Keep knocking on doors until they open. If one door doesn’t open another will. Don’t let yourself down and keep moving.
What has been the hardest part of this business?
I wouldn’t say anything is too hard. But for me personally, it’s being disciplined, not be lazy going to rehearsals, learning to put on a show. There is a lot more to performing then singing, you have to give a show and people don’t realize that. A lot goes into that.
What do you want people to know about you?
That I am a genuine person.