5 Questions With... Xela Zaid

Over the many shows I organized and managed last year there was consistently one person that I could always count on as a rock of humility and understanding: Alex Diaz, also known as Xela Zaid.

I know it sounds weird to start off a music article talking about a peron's character, but in the entertainment business it's rare to find a talent that isn't also a high maintenance pain in the ass.  If there was anyone I ever wished to teach a course on proper music mindset, Alex would be the one to teach it.

But let's get to the important part - his music.  Not that long ago, Alex handed me a copy of a CD under the name Ho Chi Mihn, which are his songs with a backing band, particularly one of my favorites, Ultra Sound.  But, like any number of local albums, it doesn't even begin to capture Alex's solo live performances.

When I was organizing and doing sound Thursday nights at defunct Black Sheep Bar, Alex was one of the regular weekly performers.  When it was time for his slot, he would patiently roll out his carpet, set up a guitar stand for 3 separate guitars (each tuned to different keys, mainly of his own invention, and one being a 12-string acoustic), set up a TON of pedals that he kept in a wooden ammunitions case, and a stool.  Like any great musical storyteller he starts the set off by thanking the crowd, and goes through his set, happily tapping his white loafers the whole time.  Alex's music is elegent and descriptive.

It's the descriptive song writing, and nature to observe that has drawn Alex to photography.  It's easy to recognize an amazing artist by how easily they are influenced and inspired by the world around them.  He was kind enough to send me some examples.

I sent 5 questions to Alex over Facebook, and his words... well, I'll let you see for yourself.

1. As a songwriter you reference Miami in a lot of your songs, what role has this city played in your life and musical career?

I didn't notice until I started touring the country and people would tell me, "you brought the sunshine", that's when I realized the warmth of this city and its people.  So, naturally upon returning from my tours the first things I do is get some cuban coffee, sit on a corner, and write about the moment, like a bystander from the outside looking in, and it's funny to see this city for what it is, a great place to call home. 

...naturally upon returning from my tours the first things I do is get some cuban coffee, sit on a corner, and write about the moment, like a bystander from the outside looking in, and it's funny to see this city for what it is, a great place to call home.

I took these observations and put the words to music, not always the easiest thing to do, but I challenged myself to do things creatively that allow me to grow, not only as a songwriter, but as an evolving soul.

2. I would describe your album under the name "Ho Chi Mihn" is a more traditional sounding album; i.e. full band, chorus and verse, etc. But your live shows are typically you by yourself, a lot of pedals, odd guitar tunings, and radio sound manipulation. Are you planning on coming out with an album more reflective of that? Is the conceptual and abstract direction more recent?

I'm currently recording an acoustic record, my voice, guitar, my foot, drums, and upright bass.  Natural, organic, simple and not overproduced.  At the same time, I play a lot of experimental music.

I love the abstract, improvised sets, almost like a blank canvas, expressing the moment, being true to the now.  It's nice to shift from songs,then play something completely unrehearsed, its been another aspect of the growing process that allows me to express myself freely.

3. When we first met you had just returned from a solo tour, but I don't think I've seen one recently. Do you have another one planned? What do you enjoy most about touring?

I hope to tour again this summer, what I love about touring is the freedom, making friends along the way, and seeing familiar faces.  Its liberating, you never know what to expect, it humbles me to find how gracious people are.  This is a beautiful country and what makes America so special is the people.   I love being a stranger, walking the streets of a different city, there is always something new to discover, that is priceless to me.  I love how it feels to be unknown, almost invisible, I'll make my presence felt, then leave people with a memory, and its always nice to hear the feedback from people because you know its genuine, honest, and sincere.

I love being a stranger, walking the streets of a different city, there is always something new to discover, that is priceless to me.

4. You do a lot of photography. How does it relate to your music? Do you see similarities between your photography and the music you make?

Everything I do, that relates to art,is based on feelings and expressing that.  Photography allows me another outlet to express myself visually, I love color, and it's a bridge to my inner thoughts and feelings.

5. What do you have planned for the future?

Ah, the future?  Is being created as we speak my dear friend!  For now, I'll take this moment and live it to the fullest.

Zela Xaid's Ultra Sound

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LINKS

Xela Zaid's Myspace (www.myspace.com/xelazaidmusic)
Xela Zaid's Facebook
Xela Zaid on Blogspot (xelazaid.blogspot.com)
Xela Zaid's Twitter (twitter.com/xelazaid)

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This entry was posted on Monday, January 25th, 2010 at 6:21 pm and is filed under Music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

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