Benjamín A. Estácio

Composer

Spain

Author

About

From a very young age, he began to teach guitar and piano at school until in 1983, he entered the music school "L’Aula" where he studied piano. Later, he studied music theory and harmony in “Ars nova”, examining himself at the “Liceo”, although it was with drums that he began to move as a musician in a heavy-metal band.

In 1981 runs and he continued with that instrument until 1984 (without stopping studying piano and guitar). Also interested in sound, he decided to sign up for various image and sound courses and set up his first home-studio where he recorded his first demos as well as various amateur bands. This is how “Bias recording studios” enters the studios working for bands like “Los diablos”.

In 1988, he moved to the "Mediterraneo" studios (Luis Miguel, Judas Priest, etc.) in Ibiza to collaborate in the recording of the 3rd album ("I feel strange") by his friend Tino Fernández (former group Parchís). All the songs are composed by Benjamín.

When in 1989 he was about to go to the United States to study sound engineering, he got the opportunity to work as a sound technician at Catalunya ràdio and stayed in Barcelona.

Currently, he continues as a musical editor in that company, in addition to having composed more than 400 songs. Songs that have been sung by artists of the stature of: Manu Tenorio, Nuria Fergó, David Bisbal, Los Amaya, Mónica Green, Chiquetete, etc.

He has recorded with such important musicians as: David Palau (guitarist for Sergio Dalma, Alejandro Sanz, Joaquín Sabina or Joan Manuel Serrat), Toni Mateos (drums by Juanes or Miguel Bosé), Kyke Serrano (keyboard player for Bustamante, Jarabe de palo), David Simó (drums by David Bisbal), Josep Más “Kitflus” (keyboardist and arranger for Lolita, Joan Manuel Serrat, Orquesta Mondragón).

People such as: Margarita Puig (“La Vanguardia”), Luís Troquel (“El Periódico”), Sergi Pàmies (“La Vanguardia”) or Darío Vico (“Rolling Stone”) have written about him.

His songs have been sung in countries as different as Israel, Hong Kong or Finland, he has lent his image (as a musician and actor in various TV programs) and put music and voices to various television and film commercials (such as the advertisement for “Tinto de verano Don Simón”or the film by Maria Isabel (“Ángeles S.A.”).

He has been a film critic in the Valentí Sanjuan program “Vist i no vist” on Catalunya ràdio and a collaborator in many other programs of the house and Vilassar ràdio.

In 2004, he was awarded the gold record for the sale of more than 50,000 copies of the song "Under your waist" sung by the duo Agüita Salà.

In 2008, he composed the tunes for the celebration of the 25 years of ràdio Sant Cugat. Also in 2008, he wrote his first book "Monsters of rock" (an encyclopedia of heavy metal) edited by T&B Editores.

In 2009, he won the contest that R.C.D. Spanish organized to choose the opening hymn for its new Cornellá stadium.

In 2010, he composed the main tune of the TVE1 program, "Extreme climates", presented by Mario Picazo.

In 2016, she presented her first sardana "From Cabrils to Borgonyà", getting to be nominated for sardana of the year. Also that same year, he composed the song of the Ecuadorian reggaeton singer MANGEL and became his manager, reaching more than 125,000 views.

In 2017, he published his second book ("Kilometers a la Bolognese") edited by Dédalo. Currently, he has just released his seventeenth chill-out album with his experimental project, “La Estación del Mar” and is preparing his first job as a composer / producer in Catalan.

Videos

Sheets

Interview

What does music mean to you personally?

Well, it is mainly something physiological. It is like eating or sleeping.

Do you agree that music is all about fantasy?

Of course, although as I have gotten older, the more I have believed in work. It's good that the muses find you working!

If you were not a professional musician, what would you have been?

I would have loved to be an actor or a sprinter. “Chariots of fire” left their mark on me.

The classical music audience is getting old, are you worried about the future?

Sure. There is a lot of outdated music. Most young people have zero interest in classical music. But all music has an audience and I think classical music needs a fresher treatment and more young composers. Anyway, I think classical music today is soundtracks.

What do you envision the role of music to be in the 21st century? Do you see that there is a transformation of this role?

I think music has become largely throwaway. And what is it due to? I think the industry has done a lot of damage. It has been moved by interests and art has taken a back seat. I believe that music like most things, is in continuous transformation but there will always be an ear for a melody.

Do you think that the musician today needs to be more creative? What is the role of creativity in the musical process for you?

I think it has a lot to do with fantasy, right? Creativity is essential. The truth is that I think creativity has been lost for years, although it has gained in technique and technology.

Do you think we as musicians can do something to attract the younger generation to music concerts? How would you do this?

At the moment, I would try to lower prices. I know that it is very expensive to move a whole team of professionals from one country to another, but perhaps if we all did our part, everything would be easier.

Tell us about your creative process. What is your favorite piece (written by you) and how did you start working on it?

Wow! The truth is that I could not tell you which is my favorite. I think he has yet to compose!

Can you give some advice for young people who want to discover classical music for themselves?

I think they should start listening to short pieces that are not too elaborate and above all, very melodic.

Do you think about the audience when composing?

100 per 100 no. It is very difficult for me to be a mercenary although I have done it in moments of my life but that is over. It bores me and does not satisfy me.

What projects are coming up? Do you experiment in your projects?

I'm not a person to experiment too much, although I do like being a fairly eclectic composer. I like to touch everything. Now I am preparing my sixteenth album with my Chill Out project (La Estación Del Mar) and I am also preparing an EP with a singer from my land (Barcelona) in Catalan.