Latin music legend Juan Luis Guerra spoke with Billboard Español deputy editor Sigal Ratner-Arias about his latest EP ‘Radio Güira,’ his upcoming animated film ‘Capitán Avispa,’ writing music for his wife, finding inspiration, the key to his long career and more!
Juan Luis Guerra:
It was part of what ‘Radio Güira’ is. To bring joy and a message of peace, of love.
Hi, I’m Juan Luis Guerra, and you’re watching Billboard News.
Sigal Ratner-Arias:
Don Juan Luis Guerra, welcome to Billboard News. What an honor to have you here. Thanks for coming.
Juan Luis Guerra:
Thank you for the invitation.
Sigal Ratner-Arias:
“Radio Güira,” 6 songs merengue, son, bachata and more.
Juan Luis Guerra:
Yes.
Sigal Ratner-Arias:
Tell me a little to start. How did the – I know the radio concept and everything, but how did the name ‘Radio Güira’ come about? Why ‘Radio Güira’?
Juan Luis Guerra:
I was looking for a name that would attract attention and within them, Güira emerged. The güira is my favorite folk instrument and we thought ‘Radio Güira’ was going to attract a lot of attention. And we wanted to make a new concept with practically new music that we would not have done before. That’s where the name came from. Also, I used to have in the Dominican Republic a radio called ‘Radio Viva’ that had kind of the same concept this ‘Radio Güira’ has.
Sigal Ratner-Arias:
How did the EP idea arise? The idea of doing it as if presenting each song on a radio.
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