Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Cipriano
Hi Carlos, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in the quiet town of Ramos Arizpe, Coahuila, music became my escape. Its universal language ignited a passion for performance within me. The rich melodies of regional Mexicano and Mariachi music seeped into my soul, further fueling this desire to be on stage and in the spotlight. So, I delved into the world of modeling and acting, honing my stage presence from a young age.
At 15, fueled by a burning desire to learn English and immerse myself in a world of music and art, I embarked on a bold and independent journey to the United States. Music school, however, remained just out of reach financially. Faced with this obstacle, I made a tough decision – enlistment in the U.S. Air Force. The discipline, leadership, and resilience forged during my service were invaluable, but it was also during this challenging period that I discovered a hidden passion: music production. This creative outlet provided a powerful form of self-expression and solace, ultimately becoming a cornerstone of my artistic identity.
Returning to civilian life, I revisited music with renewed focus. I embarked on an intensive vocal training program in Mexico City, further solidifying my technical foundation. This unwavering dedication to my craft culminated in a recent graduation with a degree in Music Production from the Los Angeles Film School.
My artistic pursuits extend beyond music; I’ve also carved a niche for myself in the world of content creation. My YouTube channel has become a platform to connect with audiences on a personal level, sharing my musical journey, behind-the-scenes glimpses of my life, and engaging with my growing community.
I’m actively pursuing vocal performance studies at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. This commitment to refining my craft allows me to approach music creation from a holistic perspective, seamlessly blending my vocal prowess with my production expertise.
My background in acting and theater has been instrumental in shaping my stage presence. The ability to connect with an audience on a deeper level, to truly inhabit a song, is something I carry with me from those early days on stage.
My music reflects the tapestry of my experiences – a captivating blend of Mexican folk influences, regional Mexicano, bolero, R&B, and contemporary pop. It’s a testament to my heritage, resilience, and the power of shared stories. I see my music as “a balm for the soul and a bridge to connect with others.” As I continue to evolve as an artist, I am excited to share my music with the world and inspire others to embrace their own uniqueness.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Every artist, dreamer, and seeker knows that the journey is seldom smooth. Arriving in the United States at fifteen, without English, was incredibly difficult. It was one of the first struggles I had to overcome, and the isolation and loneliness were overwhelming at times. I spent many nights crying, missing my family and friends back home. The weight of financial constraints added another layer of stress, forcing me to make tough choices. I spent all my free time during high school working – cutting grass, washing cars, and doing construction work. I even hustled at a flea market in Del Rio, Texas, selling Mexican bread and snacks. Finally, I landed a job as a waiter, which helped until I ultimately joined the military.
My time in the service presented its own set of challenges, while instilling discipline and a sense of duty, also exposed me to the invisible scars of war. The turning point came during my deployment in 2018, where the physical and mental trauma I endured led to a 100% disability rating from Veterans Affairs. This unexpected turn of events presented a new set of challenges, but it also deepened my resolve to find purpose and healing through music. These invisible wounds have been a constant companion, shaping my perspective and driving my desire to use my voice to raise awareness about mental health, especially within the veteran community. From these depths of despair a flicker of hope ignited. Through music and art, I found inspiration, purpose, and a voice to transform pain into creation.
I believe that every obstacle, no matter how daunting, is a test of one’s commitment to their path. It’s in these moments of adversity that we truly discover the depth of our passion and the strength of our resolve. These are just a few of the challenges I had to overcome to get here, and despite the difficulties and permanent scars, I have no regrets. These experiences have forged an unbreakable spirit, and I am determined to use my platform to inspire others to overcome their challenges and find their own light.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a multifaceted artist with a unique blend of experiences. I have a deep love for acting and modeling but my foundation lies in music, with a focus on vocal performance and production. I’ve honed my craft through rigorous training and hands-on experience. Beyond music, I’m a passionate storyteller who uses various platforms, including content creation, to connect with audiences.
What sets me apart is my ability to blend diverse creative disciplines. I’ve successfully combined music, acting, modeling, storytelling, creative direction, and production to create unique and impactful projects. This holistic approach allows me to connect with audiences on a deeper level and deliver truly immersive experiences.
I’m particularly proud of my recent project, The Cipriano Project Show on YouTube. It’s been an incredible journey building a supportive and loving community from scratch. Overcoming my initial fear of long-form content, I’ve been humbled by the overwhelmingly positive response. This project showcases my ability to produce high-quality content across various creative disciplines, while fostering genuine connections with my audience. Ultimately, my goal is to use this platform to inspire others, give a voice to the unheard, and create art that leaves a positive impact.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Books have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth. On the spiritual side, works like The Tao Te Ching, The Four Agreements, and The Power of Now have offered profound insights into mindfulness and purpose. For practical development and creativity – Atomic Habits, Think and Grow Rich, and The Artist’s Way have been invaluable. These books and countless others, have been my constant companions, providing knowledge and inspiration. I will always keep these in my personal library.
Beyond books, I believe in the power of community and mentorship. Surrounding myself with fellow artists and industry professionals has been instrumental. Learning from those who have walked the path, are walking it now, or are about to embark on their journeys has been invaluable. Others’ experiences, successes, and mistakes have shaped my perspective and fueled my growth. I implore you pay attention to those around you, there’s a lot to learn when we’re not just focusing on ourselves.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ciprianoproject.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theciprianoproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61555809836948
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCiprianoProjectShow
Image Credits
Lada Egorova, Jerry Rodriguez Parraguirre
