Arturo Rojas ponders life and death his new single and video Te Diré (Live) — showcasing today on Tinnitist.
Written by Rojas and taken from his recent EP Sessions (Live), the Toronto singer-guitarist’s latest release is a personal artistic expression of positivity, after experiencing a near-death situation. “It made me wonder about life,” he shares. “What comes after we die? Where are we going after death? Is there a place waiting for us after we pass away?” Drawing inspiration from a challenging life moment, Rojas skillfully channels his emotions into a captivating ballad, effortlessly blending Latin, pop, and jazz influences.
After unveiling his self-titled debut album in 2023, Rojas engaged in a conversation with his producer and guitarist Jimmy Smallbach. Together, they made the decision to offer the world a glimpse into the band’s live sound, akin to the atmosphere of shows and rehearsals, before unveiling the full melody for uninterrupted enjoyment. “I loved the idea. I wanted to catch the energy, the dynamic, and what comes out spontaneously from our hearts and instruments when we play live,” Rojas says. “To me, playing a show is a celebration of the musicians and the songs. It is so special to see and hear what the musicians bring into the song, and how they add their own sound, tone, and feeling.”
The Latin rock musician, born in Peru and now based in Toronto, also emphasizes that sometimes a song on a record may feel “petrified,” but it springs back to life when performed for live fans and listeners. In their pursuit of authenticity, Rojas and his band opted for the familiar surroundings of Ratspace Studios — a beloved rehearsal spot with a welcoming ambiance and excellent sound quality. With Robin Easton, a skilled sound engineer, at the helm, the recording process felt effortless and enjoyable, evoking a sense of comfort akin to being at home.
Along with presenting a live rendition of Te Diré, the group — Rojas, Smallbach, drummer Alex Sarrín, percussionist Hugo Bravo, bassist Enderson Herencia and keyboardist Pepe Céspedes — aimed to forge a deeper connection with their audience. The song’s unique blend draws you in with its mesmerizing rhythm. But it also conveys a deeper message of embracing human imperfection and extending forgiveness. “I think we all wish we could make it up for our past failures and mistakes, that it’s important to learn from them, and that learning process makes us better human beings,” Rojas says.
Watch the video for Te Diré (Live) above, listen to the Sessions (Live) EP below, and find Arturo Rojas on his website, Instagram and Facebook.
