Just got a chance to talk with Carlos Elizalde of La Ventana, which proved to be a really awesome and thought provoking experience. This guy’s been on every side of the music world, and his enthusiasm clearly demonstrated his love and passion for live music. If I wanted to make it some where in the music biz, this would definately be the first person I’d chat with about it. Enjoy!
BandsoftheBay: All right, first and foremost, I heard you guys just played a rockin’ show in Walnut Creek. How’d it go?
Carlos Elizalde: It really was a great show, and we had three incredible bands to start us off. Latin Overdrive was an amazing blend of Jazz fusion; their portrayal of rock and roll and jazz mixed together was incredible. Salvadore Santana (Carlos’ son) came up and it was absolutely mind blowing. There was nothing but love and positivity in the air, and that’s what we’re all about.
BoB: How’d you initially get into music?
CE: I became interested because my family is all about music. My older cousin toured with Peter Tosh, and played on stages with some serious hitters. As a kid, I used to lock myself in my room and sing The Beatles. I always wanted to be one the scene, but being Latin made it very difficult, because at the time, rock and roll singers were all screamers. That just wasn’t my scene.
BoB: So what changed?
CE: All of a sudden, the Latin music scene started emerging from the depths. Then Ricky Martin came out and totally kicked the door open, and created all this new opportunity. I had already been promoting and managing bands at the time, and saw that opportunity and decided to get into it. Before I knew it, the management had surrounded me with these incredible musicians. The guitarist and I started writing music together.
BoB: It’s interesting that you were on the opposing end of music before you started off in a band. What do you think being on the managing side of it all taught you about music?
CE: I think it all started working because we acted a little more mature than we had to be. Being in the business of booking bands and making relationships, it gave me an opportunity to be much more polished in the way I presented myself to people. In this business, you don’t just need the chops, you need to have a level of professionalism. Music is a business, and sometimes that business can fall apart because the musicians don’t handle it all correctly.
BoB: What’s the correct way to handle it?
CE: When it comes down to business, people need to see not only what talent you have, but whether or not they’ll have to babysit you. Partying is fun, yeah. But that’s not what it’s all about. And just because you put eight guys together in a room, doesn’t mean it’s going to work out. You’ve got to rationalize everything, put ideas up on a chalk board and make sure everyone agrees. Don’t let ego’s get in the way. It’s called communication. Before, if you and your band did a CD, that CD represented you. Now, with the way technology’s going, people can always see how you are.
BoB: You’ve given an interesting point of view and bit of insite in regards to the music world. Sounds like you’re saying that the key to making it is professionalism, both on and off the stage.
CE: Period. Remember, people are constantly thinking, “Why should I hire you?” All of it has to do with professionalism and marketing. I mean, it’s a business, and it comes from your heart and soul. God knows when I hit that stage, I’m going to give a thousand percent. But, if you don’t do your homework, if you promise something and don’t come through with it, that’s unprofessional. Even just walking down the street, you’ve got to represent who you are. It’s an important thing to keep in mind.
BoB: So you’ve been in the biz for years now, and I don’t know if you noticed, but a lot of our site members are still in high school. I remember wishing I had some one with experience to give my high school band and I some advice and insite. What would you advise for newer, young musicians who are beginning to carve their way?
CE: I guess the best advice I can give is to study and do your homework. Study what your bands doing, what they’ve done, and then decide what you’re going to do. I’ve gotten to see some incredible performers on stage, and I would try and learn how they handled themselves; study their mannerisms. You’ve got to learn from the greats, and the way technology is nowadays, that’s not too hard to do. Go on Youtube and watch The Beatles and Skynard, and don’t just listen to the music, but watch what they’re doing on stage. Learn how to work different type of equipment, no matter what instrument you play. Now when I get on these big stages, if there’s a technical problem on stage, I’m able to say “I think there’s too much reverb,” or “There’s a problem with the equalization,” instead of simply “Turn it up.” And the management thinks, “Wow, that’s awesome. You’ve become an asset, not a nuisance.” If somebody asks me where to start, I just ask them, “what’ve you done so far?”
BoB: Carlos, thanks so much for takin’ some time out to chat with me. Best of luck with all of your musical endeavors!!
The Wednesday regionals at The Independent are sold out BUT we dug up a tip that the 2006 champ, former-Alamedian, Craig “Hot Lixx Hulahan” Billmeier, who now calls SF home, is hosting a pre-game dress rehearsal show at 7 p.m. TONIGHT at