Today we’d like to introduce you to Lito Velasco.
Hi Lito, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started out as a wide-eyed tyke who was fascinated not only by his father’s ability to play the piano, but also the piano itself. This started my lifelong love affair with music, art, and, specifically, performing arts. When I was old enough, I began playing the piano by ear – plucking out tunes like “Star Wars,” “Superman,” and “Indiana Jones” (you can tell I’m part of the “John Williams Generation”), which led to actual piano lessons from both my father and a teacher outside the house. Soon after, I started playing percussion – which became an intensifying focus for the next two decades – by way of a drum set. During those same formative years, I was also heavily involved in community theater and musical theater, acting and singing on stage and loving every second of it (it was during this time that my family and directors discovered my knack for mimicry and imitation, which has greatly aided me in my work as a performing actor and voiceover artist). Additionally, a great part of my youth was also spent being completely swept away by, immersed in, and in love with the world of movies and film scores. So my path in life was pretty much determined by the time I was ten: I knew what I loved and I wanted to spend as much time as I could involved – in some way, shape, or form – with or in those things.
My love and talent for percussion performance led to me attending several high-profile artistic institutions that could further my education and ability in that field: the Interlochen Arts Academy for high school, and The Juilliard School and Indiana University School of Music for college. And, again, even though percussion received the majority of my attention and efforts, my love for and involvement with acting, film, and film scoring continued. Whether it be appearing in student / short films, acting on stage, spending time studying the latest works of Hollywood giants like Williams, Goldsmith, Horner, Elfman, Young, the Newmans, etc., or “simply” working at a movie theater, there was always a part of me who stayed in touch with the many and varied areas of art that called to my soul.
After graduating from college, I continued to perform in the nearby orchestras with which I had been employed for many years (I served as principal percussionist and a substitute percussionist for a handful of ensembles in the Southern Indiana and Northern Kentucky areas) while also working two “day jobs.” But after a few years of that existence, I discovered that the depth of my love for percussion was not as deep as it used to be – and that the lure of acting and filmmaking were calling to me more strongly than ever. So, with the blessing of my amazing, supportive, and hardworking wife, I took a huge chance and journeyed to the big city of Los Angeles, where I was determined to find some sort of foothold as I tried to climb the many ladders of Hollywood as an actor, composer, voiceover artist, filmmaker, etc. And after many years here, I’m still trying! (Is it inappropriate to insert an “LOL” here?!)
But I can’t tell “my story” without thanking just some of the people who are largely responsible for me getting to “where” I am today: my parents, Maria and Richard, who sacrificed so much in order to ensure the cultivation of my abilities. Every person who helped fund the scholarships I earned, as well as all the educators at my schools. And so many others: artist friends like Ryan Brown, Michael Granberry, Jeremy Chamberlin, Todd Nunes, David Woodruff, Dan Redfeld, Anthony Masi, and George Hill. Industry friends and mentors such as Harry Manfredini, Christopher Young, Danny Kahn, and Charles Bernstein…. Family members like my deceased Godmother, Kathleen Gregory, my niece, Mina, my sister, Ana, and many others. And, obviously, my wife, Jennifer, who is as incredible and beautiful (inside and out) human being you’re just about likely to ever meet. She has been my biggest and most vocal supporter and champion and has helped make everything I’ve achieved since I met her possible and I will always be so grateful to her for so very much.
I also have to mention every single person who has ever believed in my abilities and me and opened a door for me by taking a chance on me or giving me an opportunity to collaborate with them on whatever project they seemed to think I was right for. All I’ve ever done in those instances is give everything I’ve got to my efforts: to pay those people back and show them and the project the proper respect and also because that’s just how I try to live my life. I’m usually very “all in” – and I wear my heart on my sleeve. Sometimes that can “get me in trouble”, but it’s also been one of my greatest guides throughout this journey.
Were it not for any of the people I just mentioned and how they’ve helped touch and shape my life, I wouldn’t be who and where I am. They’re a huge part of what helps me “find” and create my art. And as far as the art I’ve been involved in/with – my credits, to put it succinctly… As I said above, for much of my life I’ve known very well the things I love and “can’t get enough of.” simply followed my heart and how and what it called to me along the way, and that instinct has led to being involved in some really incredible opportunities and projects, for which I’ll owe a lifetime of gratitude.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This prompts memories of so many stories I’ve heard during my lifetime: about other artists as well as their paths and circumstances along the way. And as far as I can recall, almost every single one of them talks about rejection, self-confidence, insecurity, more rejection, the dreaded “impostor syndrome,” less-than-desirable on-set behavior by a peer, more rejection, etc. And every time I hear one of those stories, at this point in my life I just have to nod, chuckle, and nod in agreement.
And that’s simply because I think any “serious” artist or person who loves their artistic craft genuinely, to the core, and with almost all or all of their self understands and can relate to these struggles. For me, some of the biggest obstacles have included the things I initially mentioned in this response: I could tell you either one story or multiple stories as an actual, real-life example for every one of them. I’m not going to, of course, simply because I don’t *want* to cite specifics, but I do truly believe that every artist finds themselves, at one point or another, face to face with all of these things. Maybe they come at you separately. Or maybe multiple hit you at once. Or perhaps one leads to another, etc. But at my core, I will always hold onto that belief, if for no other reason than: I’ve seen it happen to peers. I’ve heard about it from peers. We consoled each other along the way. We have, in some cases, warned each other. We have helped lift each other. But every artist I know has been through some form of the above struggles. And, honestly, if I ever heard someone respond to a question like this with something along the lines of, “Yeah, it’s actually been rather easy,” I’d probably shout out: “BS!” Because I just don’t think or believe that anyone has had a particularly easy road as an artist.
Then, naturally, there are the outside obstacles. The challenges of “getting a foot in the door”, networking, getting seen, opening doors, etc. But when it comes to those things, I’ve sort of come to look at them as a “if it’s meant to happen…it’ll happen. If not, it wasn’t meant to be.” You can only fight so hard against some outside forces, honestly. And sometimes you just need to know what energy to preserve, how to take care of yourself, and how to stay in the game for the “long haul,” because that’s one thing I’ve heard from many artists who have “made it”: a massive part of “the game” is perseverance. Being able to believe in yourself and your dream while also sticking it out and never losing sight of or giving up on that dream. And that’s a big inspiration for how I try to live my life as an artist.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Briefly, I’m an actor, voiceover artist, impressionist, film-score composer, and filmmaker. My current area of focus is film scoring, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is that I’ve been in love with the medium since I was about four years old.
What am I “known for”? Oh boy… I hesitate to respond because I don’t ever want to come off as big-headed, arrogant, etc. That question as well as the one that followed (What am I *most* proud of?) are tough to give direct responses to, the latter because there is pride associated with every project that’s been gracious enough to include me and my efforts. If I’m being honest, I guess I’d say that I’m proud of the many horror-themed projects that included me and my work, be they acting, producing, or interviewee contributions. I’m also very proud of my film scoring efforts and what I perceive to be a very palpable evolution and growth in my output as a composer. I always hope that my compositions serve the story being told as well as possible, matching the tone of the film while heightening the emotion, assisting the drive of the narrative, and evoking a “feeling” in the mind and heart of the viewer.
Right now, I’ve so very surprised and honored by whatever modicum of esteem I seem to be getting for my score to the stop-motion animated short that I scored, “Les Bêtes”, which has become something of a festival darling. Emmy-award-winning writer, director, animator, and good friend, Michael Granberry (with whom I’ve collaborated on a handful of projects) trusted me with the daunting but exciting challenge of scoring the film. And even though I experienced a good deal of anxiety and trepidation after I accepted, it seems that what I provided, in terms of the music, seems to have worked. We’ve won awards all over the world, including the Jury Award from the Annecy Festival in France. So, I guess I could say that a project like that has helped spread my name around the world in a good way?
I can also mention that at this time of year, in particular [this is being written in early December], I am “known for” my work on the indie holiday-horror-themed cult-classic, written and directed by my old friend, Todd Nunes, All Through the House, in which I play the villain. We’re actually celebrating the 10th anniversary of the film’s release, so I’ve been asked to appear on various programs to participate in “watch-along” videos on YouTube and such places. It’s always flattering, humbling, and an honor, especially since I grew up as such a fan of, and, as an adult, have been fortunate enough to work on so many credits that are love-letter type endeavors to the genre itself.
What sets me apart? Again, it’s very possible for any response to come off as conceited, but I’m just trying to be honest when I say: my versatility. It’s opened doors to some incredible experiences. Stage acting roles have helped lead to acting parts on film and TV. Training and history as a classical percussionist helped land other performance and acting gigs. Collegiate training and output as a composer led to being offered film-scoring opportunities. A penchant for mimicry, impersonations, and impressions in my youth and young-adult life has attracted fellow artists who needed someone with those skills for staged readings – which led to more film work as well as live events…which led to voiceover work, etc.
I won’t say it makes me *completely* unique, as I’m aware that there are other people in the world who can do the things I do. And I know that some people in this town are frustrated by the notion of someone being multi-talented, often simply because they’re not sure how to “classify” said person. But I really do think that my versatility is part of what makes me at least *somewhat* unique. And that same versatility is a big reason I’ve been able to work with and meet plenty of people I’ve looked up to my entire life, and on projects I wouldn’t have ever dreamed possible of being a part of when I was younger.
Finally, if people want to know more about my work, they can always keep up-to-date at my website, LitoVelasco.com (shameless plug!)
How do you think about happiness?
So many things do. My family and friends. Seeing examples of love. Knowing that people I care about are content. Favorite movies, music, and food. A night of sound sleep. A good “pump” (weightlifting workout). The Chicago Cubs. The refreshing, crisp air in the fall. Seeing my favorite animals. Petting a good-natured dog. Sometimes the “best” answers are the ones like those: the simplest.
Then, there are things that are both simple (in terms of their obviousness) as well as complex (because of the reason, I suppose): hearing my wife’s laugh, seeing her smile, or looking into her big, beautiful, soulful blue-green eyes.
People who know me well are very aware of “what makes me tick”. As already noted, there’s been a certainty to my “loves” for most of my life. And, for the most part, those loves have not wavered. If anything, they’ve gotten deeper as time has passed.
As to the “why” of a question like “why those things?” Well, why does anyone love anyone or any*thing* that they do? I think it’s because those people and things speak to us, and connect with us, touch our soul, and fill us with a sense of joy, peace, purpose, and love in a way that feels unique, special, and sometimes even “all our own,” because we’re all individuals.
And even though it’s my belief that, as humans, we share more commonalities than differences, we also have to be aware of and be willing to recognize the fact that we’re also all different from each other in some way. Which means that even though our love is similar for every human, in certain ways, we also love differently. Our experience with those people or things we love are specific to our relationships with them, lives, and experiences. And, when you think about it, that’s actually a really beautiful thing to stop and ponder and consider.
For example, obviously plenty of people love “Star Wars.” And even though I certainly share that love along with millions of other fans, my relationship with the films and franchise is unique to *me*. And even a concept as simple as that makes me smile. It makes me happy. Just to be aware of and know it.
I’ve spent so much of my life as a younger man “chasing” happiness, but only recently have I begun to understand that happiness starts from within. Yes, money, stature, status, etc. can certainly help lead one towards and aid in the pursuit of happiness. But, true contentment…true and *present* (meaning: within and “of” the moment) joy comes from within. An understanding, acceptance, and love for yourself, who you are, and maybe even *why* you are who you are. I know, I know: I’m probably sounding like some sort of New Age guru or something. Which, I promise, I’m definitely not! LOL!
But I’ve discovered that in learning more about these concepts, in accepting the universal truth of these core ideas, I’ve been able to expand within my heart, soul, and mind, which has led to a more profound appreciation of all the things and people I love. It’s also opened my eyes up to so much more beauty that I never noticed before, while also simplifying the concepts of love, happiness, and purpose. That’s not to say that I’m blind to the complexities of such things. It just means that it’s easier for me to simply exist “within” and accept those things without overly complicating them in my mind.
I hope that answers the questions without losing too many readers. I guess I’m just inspired to share some of what I’ve learned in the last few years in the hope that it might / will aid someone else in their own journey.
I want to thank Kristi, Mike, and everyone at Voyage L.A. for this opportunity. Anytime I’m asked to share my story or do any kind of interview, I have to sort of pinch myself first, because I’m still not quite used to that sort of request or attention. And I mean it sincerely when I say: I’m honored by the request and opportunity.
So, again, thank you, Voyage L.A. – and happy holidays to one and all.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.LitoVelasco.com
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/LitoVelasco23
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HollywoodLito/
- Twitter: https://x.com/HollywoodLito
- Youtube: https://www.YouTube.com/HollywoodLito
Image Credits
Image #3: “All Through the House” release poster, courtesy The Readmond Company
Image #4: Lito as Freddy Krueger, courtesy David Woodruff
Image #5: Lito as Jerry Dandridge, courtesy Adobe
Image #7: Lito as Joker, courtesy Dan Gilbert
