Music: A way of life
Some simple questions get you to the vast world of Aldana. A bassist, whose most life has been only music, has come from a family of musicians and has devoted all her life to nothing but nice melody of instrument.
What does it take to be a successful musician? And what’s considered success in music?
Consistency, hard work and never giving up despite unfavorable circumstances, which in fact are a lot. Success in music for me is to achieve a good life working on what I love and playing with different artists touring the world.
What are your dreams in your musical career?
Playing in Madison Square Garden.
Do you have a daily regimen in music learning?
Yes, I study Greek modes and arpeggios every day. Also I work a lot on improvisation. I like to transcribe solos by great musicians that I admire and learn a lot from them.
What’s your typical professional day like?
I am usually on tours, from country to country, city to city, while playing with various artists and bands from different regions. But currently due to the pandemic, I am working from my studio, and I am busy recording and producing. On some occasions, I do some streaming shows.
“Sometimes the stories or events of other people often give me ideas and become a source of inspiration to translate it into something musical.„
How has your music taste changed over the years?
It has not changed much, but has expanded. But since I was little, I have always been fascinated by rock, soul and funk. They are styles that to this day have always accompanied me. Over the years, I have also listened to some styles like Jazz, fusion and experimental.
How long have you been involved with music?
I come from a family of musicians; my parents are great lovers of music, so I have been with music since I was born. But I started following music professionally when I was 14 years old.
Do you play for any bands? Who? Did you join / form them?
Right now, I am playing for different Latin American artists, including ZUPPI who is an incredible Argentine artist. Not only do I play bass with him, but I'm also a co-producer of his songs.
Have you composed any songs / albums?
Yes, I have composed music for movies, for example “Cemento”. I have produced the latest ZUPPI songs that he has released throughout the year 2020.
Tell us about your favorite musicians / bands.
As a bass player, I should definitely name my favorites like Jaco Pastorius, John Deacon, and Paul McCartney. He is also a great inspiration for my Esperanza Spalding. I also really like Sting. More recently, I have been fascinated with the latest Dua Lipa album as it seems to me that it has wonderful production quality and bass lines.
“I think rock will always exist because besides being a style of music, it is also a way of life.„
How do you get inspired to make music?
Many things inspire me to make music. Sometimes a personal story, and in other times a book or movie. Sometimes the stories or events of other people often give me ideas and become a source of inspiration to translate it into something musical.
How do you see your audience? What do you want to tell them and what do you expect from them?
I often see my audience as colleagues since most of the people who follow me are musicians. I should really thank my audience for all the support and good vibes to have given me on almost every post. It is beautiful that they take a moment of their time to write to me and encourage me. That is something that I value, and I will always be grateful.
Where do you think rock n 'roll is today and where is it going?
In my opinion, rock and roll is everywhere. I think rock will always exist because besides being a style of music, it is also a way of life. No matter how frequently it is heard, rock n’ roll will never cease to prevail. We have great heroes in rock history who have left us, but have left a great heritage in the world of music.
What are some of the challenges as a musician, especially a female musician?
The greatest challenge as a musician is to make progress day by day. Do not settle for what you have already achieved, but always go for more.
Where were you born and raised?
I was born and raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. But currently, I am living in Mexico.
Aside from music, what studies and jobs do you have or have had in the past?
Fortunately my work has always been with music. I have not worked on anything else.
What are some of your hobbies?
As a hobby, I studied theater for many years, and for some time I acted in some plays, short films and even TV commercials.
How did you discover your musical talent and passion?
At school, I always excelled in music. And I also used to accompany my father at his rehearsals with his musical band. I think from there I already knew that I wanted to dedicate myself to that all my life.
How can music change the world?
Music has always done that. It will continue to do so because music has been key in critical moments of humanity. It is even more important than people think.
“Do not settle for what you have already achieved, but always go for more.„
Does it sound scary to choose music as a career?
I think so, since it is not something that people are used to hearing. Since I was little, when my school teachers asked me "what I wanted to be when I grew up" and I answered "musician", they never took me seriously, and it even seemed to bother them. It's scary to choose a career out of love and not out of convenience. But it is worth the risk, because then you will be dedicating your whole life to a discipline that you truly love and enjoy doing.
Is there a favorite music documentary that you would like to recommend?
It is not a documentary, but I do like to recommend the movie "Bohemian Rhapsody". I think it's a great movie, so moving and also motivating.
What bands or solo musicians have you been listening to this year?
I have been discovering a lot of music, including: Jacob Collier, Declan Mckenna, and of course I have been listening to Javier Zuppi a lot.