Musicality

Musical Influences on the Costa Del Sol;
The Music and the People..........

By Rashpal Singh

The Costa Del Sol is truly one of the most cosmopolitan places in the whole world.  A place which is fed by all walks of life, and a place which is very passionate about culture in all aspects especially music and art.

When I first came out here, and barely able to speak Spanish, I recognised with my own eyes how passionate the Spanish people were and still are of the famous “Flamenco” music, derived from the gypsy clans many decades ago.  I was somewhat under the belief that it was mainly Flamenco which made their world go round, but soon realised that was not the case at all..............!

The genres of Rock, Blues and Pop especially are an inspiration to the people of Spain.  In fact the many shops from supermarkets to trendy boutiques both on the coast and inland tend to play the best of Western market music as well as Spanish music even in places where there is a low British dominance.  Numbers like Kylie Minogue and Leanne Rhymes are often heard as Pop favourites, but surprisingly I was amazed by the number of Spanish people, (especially men), who are inspired by Pink Floyd, Slipknot, Metallica, Blondie as well as Meatloaf!

One time when my car broke down therefore needing the assistance of the grua men, I happened to have a copy of my newly recorded album “Electric Pulse” with me and I showed it to the driver.  Immediately his eyes lit up and he asked if he could play it in his CD player.  As the first track “I Love You” began to play immediately he said “Rock, Rock, yo gusta mucho!” 

He listened to the whole five tracks and he concluded that track 4 and track one were amongst his favourite.  It was amazing to have such a passionate conversation with this Spanish many in the complete lingo for the duration of our 40 minute journey.  I later learned that his younger son was in a trash metal band although he insisted that his son's music was too heavy even for him to listen to!

The Spanish are very educated when it comes to understanding cultural music and many love listening to certain Bollywood numbers too.  There are many very talented  and original Spanish bands and artists here in Spain who I've heard at the many feria's and music festivals every summer, and many tend to mix Western influence in their material which gives their music a new dimension.

One middle aged Spanish Flamenco guitarist said he would love to play my songs in Flamenco whilst I sing in English in Tivoli World in Benalmadena where his band plays at present.  One day if I see him again, I will definitely take him up on his offer.

Spanish artists like David Bisbal, Chenoa, Rosa and David Bustamante are amongst the most popular artists amongst the British and many other ex-pats who reside here from all over the world.  “Operacion Triumph,” has worked wonders for having introduced new talent into the music industry here in Spain, and the above artists have contributed significantly in keeping the music scene fresh.  Julio and Enrique Inglesis will continue to be at the height of the most popular and most listened to Spanish artists in the UK especially.

Music brings the people together and the people of the Costa Del Sol from the many races that reside here show living proof of exactly that wherever most tend to go.

Don't forget to check out my music video on youtube below.  Keep music fresh and original.......Rashpal x

To read Rashpal's first article click here