Resolute, original, and focused are only some of the terms that can be used to describe bachata artist, Lynx. Born and raised in the Bronx, New York where he was exposed to the rhythm and flavors that lingered in the streets, the young singer/songwriter knew from a young age that he was destined to be in the spotlight. Today, he works to create original music compositions, adding innovation to the increasingly popular genre.
At home, Lynx was raised with his parents and three brothers. “My family is rich in the heart. Had I been born into another family, I may not be the same person I am today.” Growing up, Lynx’s parents made it their sole purpose to keep their boys out of the streets and raise them to be respectful and well mannered. Today, his manners and genuinely good-hearted nature are things that Lynx prides himself in and has been carried into his professional relationships.
Although extremely positive and always upbeat in nature, Lynx has not always had it so easy. “Growing up, I saw a lot of things that bothered me, but I use it as another form of inspiration to keep pushing forward and I hope to inspire others who may be in similar positions.” Lynx’s struggles do not stop there; at home his youngest brother Leo, who is blind and Autistic, serves as his greatest inspiration. Despite Leo’s disabilities and continuous visits to the doctor, he always manages to maintain a positive attitude toward everything in life, and this has transpired “he has a good heart and I think I have developed that through him.” In fact, Leo is one of the first people to hear some of Lynx’s finished work.
Culturally, Lynx’s Dominican and Ecuadorian roots have provided him with the groundwork to create the beautiful music that you hear today. “Because of my parents’ style in music, I was always surrounded by bachata, merengue, cumbia and ballads.” His mother’s romantic taste in music drew Lynx in, absorbing the emblematic dialect regularly used by artists such as Camilo Sesto, Roberto Carlos, and Alejandro Fernandez.
Lynx’s first compositions at the age of 13 started off as basic poems, “It was practice for the future, I just didn’t know it.” However, due to his shy nature, it was not until years later that the young bachatero decided that he would share his compositions with those around him. With a positive response coming from all angles and even an invitation to perform at a poetry slam in Madison Square Garden, Lynx knew that he was made for this. But even with such a positive response Lynx’s stage fright got the best of him, causing him to decline the poetry slam invitation; a decision he still regrets. Determined to get over his fear of performing, Lynx soon after attended acting school where he was able to break out of his shell and become the entertaining, charismatic person he is today.
Lynx’s inspirations stem from all angles; cultural influences from his Dominican and Ecuadorian roots have equipped him with the tools necessary to compose beautiful music that resonates with anyone who hears it. Lynx’s open-minded nature, natural humor, and genuine passion for what he does gleams in every aspect of his work as he aspires to become one of the greats in the modern bachata world.
We had a chance to sit down with Lynx to talk about his new single and music.
é: In your new single, “Máscara”, you said you were influenced to write the bridge based off of Eminem…is he someone you admire? Also in the single you sing about falling in love with the wrong person. Is that something you’ve experienced personally?
Lynx: Yes, although I know that it’s pretty weird and funny to see Eminem’s name pop up in the same sentence as bachata. Eminem has always been my number one musical inspiration because I was always shy about sharing my work with people, yet in Eminem I saw someone who wasn’t afraid to express himself.
Ha ha, I think we’re all bound to experience something like the story behind “Máscara”. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I experienced the same fate but I definitely gained a lot of knowledge through my past experiences.
é: What made you decide to infuse opera into this single? Do you regularly listen to opera music?
Lynx: I blame my brain and the fact that I like to experiment with different sounds for this weird fusion. I always knew that I wanted a mysterious vibe for this song, and I felt that opera music had the sounds that I was looking for.
Although I don’t necessarily listen to opera music heavily, I am a fan of “The Phantom of the Opera”.
é: What was your favorite thing in working with Lenny Santos do you plan to collaborate with him again?
Lynx: Lenny’s sense of humor and humble nature were key. I felt comfortable working with him because of that, and it helped me loosen up and just be myself. There were tons of laughs shared during our session. And I do have plans to work with him again sometime in the near future.
é: Being a bachatero, what is your idea of a perfect date?
Lynx: If I knew, I wouldn’t be single, ha ha! I feel like it depends on who you are on a date with. Some people enjoy the simple things while others would want something a little nicer. Rooftop dinners never hurt, just don’t forget the wine and to be yourself.
é:You’ve mentioned that your family played an important role in who you’ve become today. Can you share an example about how they have impacted you?
Lynx: Growing up, I’ve learned to appreciate everything that my parents have done for my brothers and me. They did a great job keeping us away from the streets and occupied with sports. My parents have always been supportive of my music career and to this day, they continue to push me. I am afraid to know who I would have been if they hadn’t raised me the way that they did.
é: What else do you have planned for your fans this year?
Lynx: will continue promoting “Máscara” and continue working on my EP album that I plan on releasing in 2014.
By Adrienne Oliveira
Follow Adrienne Oliveira on Twitter @ChinaLatinaXO
