4 minute read
Armando
Int’l Producer & Artist
Armando is a Canadian born International recording Artist, singer-songwriter from Toronto. He has opened up for acts like “Offset from Migos, “Loud Luxury” and “DJ Pauly D” from MTV’s hit reality show Jersey Shore. His works have been featured on some of the biggest labels in the world, such as Sony Music France, Armada Music and Kontor Records out of Germany. Armando is quickly becoming known as the “Sunset Singer” with his enchanting emotionally driven top lines and euphoric olive oil voice.
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Tell us who is Armando?
Armando is a loving, forward thinking, music making, Teddy Bear who loves to travel!
What made you decide to go in the direction of music and producing? How do you approach the sensitive task of discussing changes and rearrangements with artists?
I always had the music bug from early on in life, but it wasn’t until my sister bought me my first acoustic guitar on my 18th birthday that I began writing and singing. As for the music approach, I discuss possible structure, melody, and composition arrangements based on the type of song I’m going for, or the type of song that is being brought to me via a producer or other artist. My approach is simple and I make sure to let whoever i’m working with know that I don’t have all the answers and music making doesn’t come with a manual, but it does come down to feeling the music/ song, instead of hearing it, you need to feel it first!
What is the one thing every song must have for it to be solid?
The song has to have a feeling and a catchy melody! People feel the music before they hear it in my opinion.
Who is the best music producer working in the industry today?
My boy Assaf aka Avira! This guy is legit in a position to be the next sound in the Dance, Electronic Music scene and is already signed to Armada and dropping some next level records.
Tell us about the creative side to producing the single called “Who Stole Your Smile”?
A friend of mine’s mother had passed away and she posted a picture on instagram with a very sad face with no smile a few weeks after her passing, and I sincerely commented “who stole your smile”. I was having my morning coffee, went into my piano room, picked up my acoustic guitar and the song literally wrote itself. This happened maybe once or twice to me in my career.
What is the first thing you listen for when listening to a new recording?
I listen to the beat and instrumental melody because they will already speak to you. I listen to see if I feel something first, and if I do, I begin experimenting with the melodies that come to me or I try to find. 9/10 it’s usually my first melody that is the one I end up going with. Other times I already have the melody or hook idea’s in my head.
What is the biggest budget you’ve worked with?
The “EL Paradiso” Music video with DJ Antoine and my boy Jimmi The Dealer. We were flown out to the Swiss Alps (St. Moritz) and I was actually flown from Italy to St. Moritz in a Helicopter because we had a show in Italy the night before the music video (Myself & DJ Antoine). Hublot sponsored the “EL Paradiso” music video and I’m sure it was a 30,000 to 40,000 euro production, you just gotta check it out, it’s a movie.
What skills have you learned that will help you in your singing career?
I’m still trying to figure that out, lol. I don’t really take singing lessons, even though my sister is a singing teacher and an amazing Soprano (Soprano Scarlato).
What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment?
It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. When I was playing pro hockey in Europe, I would always find myself reaching out to the local DJ’s in the clubs and slipping them my songs on a USB stick. I was always natural on that hustle and creative music wave on my down time. It is what made me happy and what I was naturally drawn to. I was always writing and humming melodies.
What kind of singer would you classify yourself as?
Emotionally Driven, singer with a distinct, clean, strong style, with a distinct olive oil voice. You know it’s me singing when you hear my song, especially my dance EDM songs like “Symphony” & “Strangers in Sunlight (Kidmyn Remixes).
What has been the best performance of your career, so far?
My personal best performance was in the Fall of 2019 at the Opera House in Toronto where I performed my unreleased song “Got Away”. My most memorable one was in Germany in the summer of 2019, performing in front of 10,000 people.
How do you cope with being away from home for long periods of time?
I haven’t had the privilege of experiencing that yet. I’ve always come and gone when I needed to.
What advice can you give to upcoming producers?
No means yes and never stop your hustle. Learn from the lows, and be patient with things, but at the same time keep on top of them. Hit up 20 to 50 new people a day to build your network.
Do you have a website? www.armandomusic.com
