Today we’d like to introduce you to Sergio.
Hi Sergio, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Music has been my path since I was 14 when I first picked up an acoustic guitar and became fascinated exploring and learning the guitar riffs of ‘80s rock, complex harmonies of jazz-rock, and rhythms from Latin music. Growing up in Bogotá, it was clear early on that music was more than just a passion—it was a career I was ready to pursue with full commitment. I enrolled in the Fernando Sor music school, where I spent three years refining my playing skills and building a strong theoretical foundation. After graduating, I jumped straight into the industry, recording and performing with rising pop artists and bands that were gaining momentum on radio and festival stages. Teaching music theory and guitar private lessons on the side allowed me to strengthen my network, but I knew that if I wanted to expand my career beyond performance and into production, I had to keep pushing forward.
That pursuit led me to the Academia Superior de Artes de Bogotá, where I went through a rigorous audition process. However, after a semester, I realized the academic approach wasn’t aligned with what I was seeking. Around the same time, a close musician friend of mine—who had already moved to Boston—kept insisting that I needed to be at Berklee. I decided to take the leap, I auditioned and was awarded two scholarships that made it possible. Studying at Berklee was a transformative experience—being surrounded by musicians from all over the world challenged me to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. In 2016, I graduated with a major in Writing and Production and a minor in Engineering.
With my sights set on Los Angeles, I made the move that same year. The transition was all about adaptability—working on a variety of projects, recording, performing, and collaborating with musicians from my Berklee network. I also started playing regularly with general business bands at private events across California, which provided both financial stability and opportunities to hone my versatility as a player.
In 2018, a friend invited me to be part of a band for a TV performance featuring Latin-influenced music. The chemistry among us was undeniable, and after the show, we decided to turn that connection into something bigger. That was the beginning of El Feeling—a project rooted in blending our Latin American heritage with contemporary production and global influences. Since then, we’ve released different singles songs and multiple music videos, including Mi Mochilla, which won Best Pop Song at the World Music Festival 2021, and Tumba Catimba, which won Best Music Video at the New York Cinematography Awards 2021. Our music has taken us from Colombia to Mexico to stages all across California, most recently performing at the Cumbia Fest at Stanford, CA. Collaboration has always been at the core of our work, and our latest release, “Salga”, features Mexican artist Bella Rabbit, fusing cumbia with hip-hop elements.
Currently, El Feeling is working closely with LA-based band Palenke while also exploring collaborations with lo-fi artists from Mexico and Spain. Several of these projects are already available on streaming platforms. At the same time, we’re finalizing our first studio album—an exploration of Colombian music fused with boleros, cumbias, gaitas, accordion, and electronic textures. Thematically, the album reflects on unity, self-discovery, joy, and nostalgia.
Beyond El Feeling, I continue working as a producer, arranger, performer, and session musician, both in LA and remotely. I’ve collaborated with artists across different music genres including Diego Contento, Bruno Romano, Amy Guess, Juan Luqui, Karina Sofía, and Dylan Dunlap. Most recently, I’ve been working on the arrangement and music direction for artist Alisun Solis and her live show at the BottleRock Music Festival in Nappa Valey this coming summer.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
When I first moved to Los Angeles, my sole focus was on music. Every project, every hour of my time was devoted to chasing “the big goal”. But over time, through personal growth and self-reflection, I began to realize that in the pursuit of achievement, I had been neglecting other essential aspects of life—genuine friendships, personal development beyond music, sport, health, mindfulness, and financial future.
At first, finding balance was a challenge. Shifting my mindset from an all-or-nothing approach to a more holistic perspective took time, but it has been one of the most valuable lessons of my journey. Today, I strive to maintain a well-rounded life, one where music remains central but not at the expense of everything else that makes life meaningful.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
To begin, I think it’s wonderful to build a community around you and your projects! Collaborate with peers who share your goals and values; there’s so much value and knowledge to be discovered from the people you surround yourself with, especially when you choose wisely. Then be aware of what is happening in your area, what learning events, what open jams, conferences, or local shows, schedule yourself, show up, and connect. Lastly, I think it is relevant to stay “present” on your social media and to use it strategically, personally, I am not a person who is constantly posting, but I would be interacting with peers and new talent, and to my surprise, lots of projects to be part of I have been reached out through a DM. Building lasting connections in a big city can be tedious so you must play it and think it for the long run, I don’t think it is about one-time interactions, keeping in touch is key, updating people on your progress is important, and progress can be many things, it could be your instrument playing skills, your upgrades on gear, your professional or personal achievements. I also believe it’s important to consider how you can add value to the person you want to connect with. That way, when you finally meet and have a meaningful conversation, you can present your ideas in a professional and authentic way, creating a genuine connection.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @soaldana @elfeelingmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ElFeeling
Image Credits
Paula Fresneda
