Conversations with Rigoberto Alvarado

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rigoberto Alvarado.

Hi Rigoberto, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Nicaragua, I was immersed in a rich culture, but there were limited opportunities for pursuing my passion for music. Determined to make a career out of it, I knew I had to leave my homeland. At the age of 17, I moved to Puerto Rico to study Music Composition at the “Conservatorio de Música,” where I spent two years honing my craft.

However, I was hungry for more, so I took a risk and applied to Berklee College of Music in Boston. After winning a grant at a music camp in Puerto Rico, I was able to study Contemporary Writing and Production at Berklee for two years. But as I started working on multiple projects as an independent music producer, I realized that my true calling was to live as a musician, producer, and composer.

Since 2020, I’ve been living that dream and loving every minute of it. My work has taken me around the world, allowing me to meet and collaborate with extraordinary artists. I’ve even had the opportunity to work on unexpected projects, such as composing music for a documentary on Amazon Prime called “Good Rivals” and producing albums and EPs for independent artists across the globe.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
In this line of work, each day presents its own unique set of challenges. Initially, my focus was on learning the guitar and improving my technical abilities. However, as I committed myself fully to music and decided to pursue it as a career, I found myself facing a new set of difficulties – how to make a living out of it. At first, I felt confused and unsure of where to start.

Fortunately, I was able to connect with a group of like-minded individuals who have become my friends and mentors throughout my career. They have shared their knowledge with me and have trusted me to collaborate on various projects. I consider myself incredibly lucky to have their guidance and support, which has helped to smooth out the bumps in the road.

However, my journey hasn’t been without its struggles. One of the biggest challenges I have faced is maintaining my mental health while balancing my social and work life. As someone who is passionate about music, it can be difficult to take breaks and step away from work when I’m feeling burned out or dealing with difficult client communication. At times, I’ve found myself resenting music-making.

To cope with these challenges, I’ve turned to other hobbies such as soccer, hiking, and taking road trips. These activities have helped me to find balance and joy outside of my work, which in turn has allowed me to approach my music-making with renewed enthusiasm and energy.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a music producer, arranger, and songwriter, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of creative roles. By chance, I also found myself taking on the role of a film scorer and discovered that I loved the process.

My work as a producer and original music artist has gained recognition in my community. I am known for my versatility in producing different genres of music, including indie-pop, cumbia, soul, reggaeton, and more. Collaborating with independent artists has also allowed me to explore and experiment with new genres.

What I am most proud of as an artist is my ability to be a versatile producer. I enjoy listening and playing all kinds of music, and I bring that love of diversity to my work. My clients appreciate that they can find the sound they are looking for in my productions without compromising quality. They often seek me out for my distinct voice as an arranger.

My proudest gig so far has been scoring the documentary “Good Rivals” for Amazon. It was my first major project, and although I had not planned on becoming a film scorer, I found myself fully immersed and passionate about the process.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
To me, the most important thing in creative work, especially in my case of music, is conveying a truly honest and genuine message. Whether I am composing a love song or sketching an arrangement for a score, I always strive to pour my heart into everything I create.

I believe that being a genuine person is the key to naturally expressing authenticity in your creative work. It’s not just about the technical aspects of music but about the emotional connection that music can create between the artist and the listener. I aim to create a deep and meaningful connection through my music that speaks to people on a personal level.

Pricing:

• $1000 song production
• $250 mixing
• $100 mastering

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rigoazulado
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rigoazulado/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rigoazulado
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1D79GNF7t5kzqprHFZmBLx?si=lVzsoukJRpCdwXwhWMvSoA

Image Credits
William Russell Karina Vélez