Interview with Andean-American musician and composer Geovanni Suquillo
"Music helps me connect to the present moment when I start ruminating too much about the past or future."
How has your music practice taken on a different meaning as you grow older?
For the past two years I’ve been meditating and thinking more about death and how fast the time goes. Through creating and playing music I feel very connected to these thoughts. Music makes me feel grateful and appreciative of the present moment. I know we, as working musicians, have to play all kinds of different music but it is important to also explore those sounds that really inspire us. Life is not perfect for anyone but we can do our best to feel satisfied with the life we are given.
Do you have fear, anxieties or questions about death? How has your music practice helped you confront these feelings?
Music helps me connect to the present moment when I start ruminating too much about the past or future.These past two years I’ve had many questions and concerns, especially about the past death of family members and wondering where they are now. I feel afraid of death but also am curious to learn about how to manage that fear. Anxiety and fear come, for me, because I don’t know for certain what is after death. I think there are different truths for different people and all are valid. My theory is that death is not the end of life, it is just a different kind of existence.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with younger musicians pursuing music?
If there is any advice I can give to younger musicians it would be to educate yourself as much as you can. There are different kinds of education. It doesn’t all come from the music academy. In the present day musicians need more knowledge of the world than just how to play their instruments. We need to carry a relevant message that supports and uplifts our music practice. As independent musicians we manage our own careers and we must be both mentally and spiritually prepared for the challenge. We must keep our soul and creativity at the heart of our work. I’m not really good about keeping up with technology and administration but it’s best to be prepared in those logistical aspects as well.
Geovanni Suquillo grew up in Valle de Los Chillos - Quito Ecuador. Being surrounded by mountains and nature influenced his personality and creative focus. Geo began playing music as a teenager starting with folk music instruments like zampoñas, quenas and charango. After a few years he chose the guitar as his academic focus. He moved to New York City in 2003, where he performs, composes and teaches. Geo has been an active musician in NYC’s Music Under NY program and has performed internationally in Folk Music Festivals. He was recently a featured artist in the Composers Now Festival. He teaches Andean folk music to children of Andean descent through the InTempo music school.
Learn more about Geo’s music in Youtube and Instagram!
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