Formula Indie Sessions – Interview with jorge navia
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
I first performed in a concert at the age of five, specifically playing the accordion. I had developed an interest in music because my father liked tango.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
When I was 17 years old, I had just broken up with my girlfriend at the time, and was navigating some family drama too. I started writing a few lines based on my feelings, and it eventually turned into poetry, which then evolved into songwriting.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
My current music project is a single called Paradise, a song about the different stages that make up the journey we all call ‘life’. Going to school, parenthood, growing old, and so on.
The idea sprouted from replaying my own life journey, a reflection triggered by my dementia diagnosis 4 years ago. Since then, the song has gone through several iterations and stages of production until it was released earlier this year.
I wanted to raise awareness about the condition and remind listeners to live in the moment.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
Genre-wise, I’d say my sound is ‘world music’. Usually, my songs feature different musical genres and even languages such as Spanish and Portuguese. I play guitar, so there is usually that in my songs as well, accompanied with upbeat percussion.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
As an artist, I really value creating something from scratch. It’s wonderful to draw inspiration from other people and their art, but I find myself particularly susceptible to influence. This is why I avoid listening to music when I’m working on a song, as I don’t want to accidentally take too much inspiration that it stops being my own work.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
My guitar and my brains
Mainly just my guitar and my brain, to be honest! However, I would say that my creative process is collaborative, so my team and I will mix the track together. I try to keep the sound as organic as possible, so not too much post-production.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
I like Riptide by Vance Joy. Another song I love is You’re the Voice by John Farnham, but that isn’t indie.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
I believe in using music to convey the human experience and to fight for what we believe in. Therefore, my principles, philosophy, feelings, and conscience all influence my music and artistic vision. For example, many of my songs are about social causes such as domestic violence awareness, environmental sustainability, and human rights.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope they’re inspired to reflect on themselves and the role they play in their life and society in general.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
I’ve learnt that engaging with music, whether it’s writing, listening, or performing, has the power to ground you by transporting you to a different dimension. Music was incredibly powerful in helping me handle dementia, from helping me process the emotions after diagnosis to keeping me sharp and creative.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
Wembley Stadium in London
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
I would love to collaborate with Gipsy Kings because their music is upbeat and fun. I also like Ed Sheeran’s style, plus he’s a great solo performer.
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
- YouTube:
- My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jorgenavia8/
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
For the next chapter, I want to explore different art formats. For example, I’m currently writing a score for a film that mirrors the story behind Paradise. I also have ideas for a musical called Cornelia, about a girl by the same name, inspired by the Carnelian crystal representing strength.
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
My philosophy, and how that ties into everything I create.
