Carlitos Way

Carlos Villalobos is a man with many talents.  Born in Chicago, Carlos, a multi instrumentalist, sought out a career in both the film and music industry later in life. As a film composer, songwriter, artist and producer, Carlos is mostly recognized for his highly acclaimed Grammy nominated flamenco project, ESPERANZA.  Most people don't know he is also the man behind the theme song and original music for the TV series, Baywatch Hawaii, as well as several other TV shows and full feature films. Carlos also founded his rock bands ANGRY CHIWAWAH, STARTING FROM ZERO and his electronica infused side project, INNERFACE.  He is the sole member of each of these groups and writes, plays all the instruments, sings, produces and mixes all his material.

Splitting time between LA and Chicago, Revolution caught up with him to get the scoop on whats happening in the world of Carlitos....

R. What are you working on now?
CV. Well, at the moment I'm working on quite a few things at the same time.  2011 has been busy.  I just finished producing and mixing some songs for Logan's Heroes new cd, 2 songs for 2 artists in Hawaii, and am currently mixing an album for DYNA, an amazing female singer and wife of Kelly Hansen, lead singer of Foreigner.  I also finished scoring 2 movies and finishing another music library of rock and orchestral trailer music.  On my own artist side, I started my own record label, Alistair Records, to put out my own projects.  I am working on Esperanza III and the debut of STARTING FROM ZERO.  For SFZ I'm doing 3 albums at the same time - the original rock Cd, a remix Cd and an acoustic Cd of all the songs.  So it's a pretty big undertaking.  I hope to be finished with everything by April.

R. You've seen a lot of changes occur in both the film and music industry, what are your thoughts on where the industry is heading?
CV. Wow, that's a tough question since it's both good and bad.  The traditional methods are pretty much dead.  But it's a great time to be an independent artist/composer if you are entrepreneurial.  With outlets like Tune Core, Reverberation and Amazon, to name a few, you can get a lot done on your own.  If you can spend each and every day networking, building a fan base, writing and creating great music you can do alright.  But you must explore all avenues and be a jack of all trades.  You must write great songs and also read up on the music business and the laws regarding copyrights and payment changes, which the U.S. government changes quite often.  And always remember you are a product!

R. Favorite guitar?
CV. Ooh, hard to pick one, but fave guitar would be 1977 Les Paul Gold Top Deluxe that my dad gave me as a graduation present when I was a kid.  I also have a Fender Strat that I bought at a pawn shop years ago for $150 that I use all the time.  And, of course, my Takamine and Cortez flamenco guitars.  Oh, and my Babicz Guitar is THE BEST acoustic guitar I have ever had!

R. After years of living LA LA land you decided to go back home to Chicago, Is there still a pulse for live music in the windy city?
CV. Well, I split time between LA and Chicago but, yeah, there's a lot.  There is so much live music out here that it's hard to see all of my friends shows.  But I can also see that there are a lot more bands out there now, therefore, venues and clubs are paying less.  Again, the bands that are most professional can get gigs all the time.

R. What are you listening to now?
CV. At the moment I'm listening to my own music. ;)  Seriously, I have hardly had any time to listen to anything new since I'm in the studio everyday but I really dig Alter Bridge's new track, "Isolation".



R. For up and coming artist how would you suggest they promote themselves?
CV. Take advantage of any and all new social marketing techniques.  Hire your friends to help you.  Work with your fans, be available as much as possible and connect with everyone you're around.  That goes a long way.


Last but not Least...

R.You've been invited to the playboy mansion, Hugh Hefner announces he is retiring and your appointed the new man of the house, Whats the first thing you do?
CV. Haha!  I've been there.  First thing I'd do is clean out that Grotto!!! ;)

Carlos Villalobos
Grammy nominated musician, film composer, songwriter, producer.
www.carlosvillalobos.com
www.esperanzamusic.com 
www.reverbnation.com/label/alistarrecords

Comments

TexanBeauty said…
That's Carlos, keepin' it real, working his *you know what off*, and doing what he does best! VERY excited to hear there is another Esperanza III in the works!!! :0)
Anonymous said…
This guy never stops. This is what real talent is about.
Anonymous said…
Wise words...particularly re: the Grotto.
Matt Smith said…
I've known Carlos all my life. He's a musician's musician. I always fancied myself as the rock and roll bad ass between us, but Carlos' musicianship is second to none. Looking forward to more from my brotha Carlos.

Matt
Matt Smith said…
LOL... I believe his favourite instrument right now might be a 1981 Tobacco Sunburst Les Paul Standard!
Anonymous said…
A man that can waer as many hat's as he does AND wear them as well as he does, deserves all the appreciation he is given! Much deserved and hope he keeps wearing those hat's w/ pride....we love ya brotha!

A Fan
Regina Villalobos said…
Carlos is very talented musician who works very hard! Love the article! The last comment is my favorite :~)
Mark Vickery said…
Natural ability and hard work -- you need both. Carlos has always understood this. Looking forward to new Esperanza cuts!
Anonymous said…
Carlos rocks. The Esperanza stuff is tops. And his rock stuff drives it home. Love to see him get wicked FAMOUS one of these days!
lanver said…
Interesting article. Its great to read about someone who is really out there trying to make things happen. it gives a lot of motivation to the rest of us who are trying to make our mark in the industry. Thanks for the great interview.
lanver said…
Thanks for the great interview. Its nice to hear about someone who has been around the block a few times and to get their REAL LIFE answers to what the rest of us are trying to do. Very motivational!!
Unknown said…
Carlos is a MAD MAN. His energy and enthusiasm is off the charts. I am excited to hear Esperanza III and Starting From Zero.
Ric Groenendal said…
Having met Carlos on Baywatch and seen him in action It's great to have a such a good friend and all around great person whose an inspiration to everyone around him and pure musical/entertainment genius!
Scotty D. said…
the unstoppable workhorse otherwise known as CV :) he keeps it tight, and doesn't sleep until the job is done and done extraordinarily well
John C said…
Great interview and great advice! Thanks!
Anonymous said…
One of my all time favorite songwriters..great article!!
Valentine Azbelle said…
Many a man has vowed to clean out the Grotto. Carlos might just be the man for the job. :)))) Just kiddin'. Keep up the good work, Carlos!
Anonymous said…
Great Blog post! Carlos, dude, you take on more than any person I know, and you do it well!Had no clue you undertake so many projects at one time, suprised you can even remeber your own name! Keep up the good work dude!
Anonymous said…
Love his music. Can't wait see him perform live.
-e said…
Great blog on an amazingly versatile, talented, and prolific musician. Can't wait to hear his upcoming projects and read more!
Unknown said…
The man's got talent.
Conrad Graff said…
Did Public Enemies with this Cat and have got to know him, MUSIC is his life and he lives life very well!!
Anonymous said…
Clean that Grotto!
Unknown said…
Great article and hit me up when you need help with that Grotto!
Anonymous said…
Great interview!
Mike Kim said…
Your music is awesome. I'm really liking your guitars too!
Kulani said…
The truth about the music industry appears to be painful...but as Carlos teaches....by acknowledging it...it can set you free. They thought vinyl was final...they thought digital was pivotal...But nothing on this human stage happens without Esperanza!

Besitos en las cuerdas de guitarra reproducir la música del corazón
Brandon Harris said…
Los rocks! This guy is a phenomenon! He can play 5 instruments at the same time while doin backspins and singing at the same time. Love ya bro!
Brandon
Unknown said…
Carlito Brigante as I call him, is very dedicated and devoted to his craft. I think the only time he leaves the studio (By the way, the man built it with his own hands) is to come up for air and maybe grab a bite to eat. When I first met him I couldn't believe he played so many instruments. This guy eats, sleeps, and breathes music. Carlos is a stand-up guy. I'm proud to say we're friends. Love you brother. Congrats on the interview!
Anonymous said…
Proudly made by peruvians :D
Anonymous said…
Carlos is incredibly talented, and real inspiration to all musicians.
A real authentic soul, love him !
Anonymous said…
smooth. The right answers. You should make a Documentary about you & your music!
Anonymous said…
Carlos is such a talented musician who is able to stay very down to earth. I'm simply amazed by some of the work he's done. Can't wait for the release of the new albums!!!!!