Interviews

Published on July 10th, 2023 | by MuzikScribe

Menudo: Never Stop Dreaming

First things first, please introduce me the members (your ages, too) of Menudo…

Hi, I’m Alejandro, I’m the oldest, 15, and also from Venezuela.

heyyyyy, I’m Gabriel, I’m from Venezuela and 14 years old.

I’m Andres, I´m 14 years old.

I am Ezra, and I am…turned 13 this month!

Hi, I am Nicolas, the youngest new Menudo! I am 11 years old; kid from New York, but my family is from PUERTO RICO. I am an actor / singer / dancer, and a rocket enthusiast. You can see me in movies, commercials, hear my voice in cartoons and watch me performing life with MENUDO!

Tell me your whole inception into music – When did you all first become interested in it? And, how did it all begin for Menudo?

Alejandro: I started dancing when I was 4 years old. When I was 6, my mom enrolled me in one of the largest known after school programs in Venezuela. When we came to Miami, I was more focused on playing soccer and then when I was about 11, I started in a children’s theatre where I began acting, singing and dancing. From there, I went on to SAH Conservatory of Dramatic Arts, where I met my best friend, also a Menudo member, Andres. We both went to the castings in Miami. I was soooo happy when he was selected, and then I was surprised with the same news!

Gabriel: I started singing at the age of seven in my hometown, Coro. I began as a model, and I was presented with the opportunity to sing and I was able to release my song called, “Cuéntame,” and from there I continued my career as a soloist. I then auditioned for the casting of MENUDO: The New Era, and here I am.

Andres: I had been acting since I was 8, and about 3 years ago I started taking singing lessons and got enrolled in a Musical Theater Program. Last year, I went into a Magnet High School and started doing classical music, which I love very much. As per being part of Menudo, I sent my first audition video last September and got a call back for mid October. I got pre-selected and, finally, in November, I got the news I had been selected as one of the five lucky guys.

Ezra: I have loved music my whole life. I took a music class at 2 years old, and I started performing at 4 years old when I danced to Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” at an event. Since then, I have done tons of dance classes, singing classes and have performed in many shows and musicals. Menudo was a fun audition that turned out to be so much more for me.

Nicolas: I was singing and dancing to MJ tunes since I was 5. Then while studying acting in NYC, got discovered by acting agent and began my journey as an actor…that turned into an amazing career. But music was always my biggest passion, so I continued training and performing, till the call back from Menudo changed my life.

Now you all are natives of where exactly? And growing up there, who all did / do you consider to be your strongest musical influences?

Alejandro: I was born in Venezuela.

Gabriel: I was born in Venezuela, in a small town called Coro de Falcon. I think my strongest influence is Luis Miguel, since he is an artist who has fought for his dreams and that inspires me to move forward.

Andres: I´m from Venezuela, a city called Maracaibo. My influence was probably my first singing teacher, Daniel Chompa. He made me realize that this is really what I want to do. I really like R&B, Soul, Jazz, Pop and Bossa Nova.

Ezra: I am from California. The Bay Area. I am Nicaraguan, African American and Italian. I love so many artists and genres. Some of the artists I love are Bruno Mars, Marc Anthony, AJR, Mauro Castillo, Daddy Yankee and so many more.

Nicolas: MJ is my number 1, followed by Aerosmith, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses. But my mom actually was at the beginning of it all, helping me realize that God gave me a gift of singing and I should work hard on mastering that gift and give back by creating music.

With that being said, how do you all classify your overall sound and / or style?

Alejandro: My style is Urban. I love rapping.

Gabriel: Pop, Latin, Urban.

Andres: I am a tenor, so far because my voice is still changing while I grow up. My style is more towards commercial Classical as of right now. However, I really like singing Pop and I think I’m good at both techniques.

Ezra: It is Latin Pop.

Nicolas: Fresh. Fun. Multicultural.

What do each of you as individuals bring to the table, both creatively and personality-wise?

Alejandro: Andres and I are best friends. Now we have added more ‘brothers.’ Since I’m the oldest, I feel it’s our responsibility to take care of the younger ones. Sometimes it’s really hard! But at the end of the day…we are now a big family.

Gabriel: Andres: is the funny guy. He raises our spirits. Alejandro, he is the one who helps us in the choreography and helps to clean our steps. Ezra, he has a lot of creativity in the sense of helping with the content of social networks. Nicolas, he helps us to feel more responsible since we have to take care of him.

Andres: In my case, I try to keep the group together. I am very patient because I understand we are all different and we need to accept all of our personalities.

Ezra: We are all super unique and different in so many ways, but what brings us together is the love for music.

Nicolas: Energetic, imaginative, silly. (My style is) a little bit of Latin, a little bit of Rock ‘n’ Roll. (I also play) piano, a bit of guitar and, of course, I play on my mom’s nerves! 😂

What particular string of events actually led to your initial linking with the powers that be at Menudo Productions?

Alejandro: The Conservatory that Andres and I were in told us about the casting. So we went, and the rest is history.

Gabriel: When I came to the United States, I was in Dallas for a while and my dad knew an academy that is located in Miami. They told us that there is a casting of Menudo, and they submitted me.

Andres: My acting and musical theater coach sent me to Menudo audition, and the rest is history.

Ezra: My mom talked to me about the opportunity, and I decided to audition for it. I made it to the in-person call backs, and that was the start of it all for me.

Nicolas: It’s a funny story…even though the casting was for 12-15 year olds, my mom and I decided to send the video of me singing and dancing anyway! And we laughed…until we got a call to fly to Miami for the last audition! And…I got in!! Needless to say, that performing in front of judges was so much fun! And I got to audition with one of my favorite songs, “Blame it on the Boogie,” by MJ! The most unforgettable moment of my life!

How and when did Mario Lopez [Saved by the Bell / Access Hollywood] enter into the picture?

Alejandro: Mario Lopez surprised us on a Zoom call. We were called to the Conservatory, and were asked to wait in a room. Andres was called in first. We just couldn’t believe it!

Andres: From the very beginning, he was like the face of the project. He even attended some of the auditions, and he was the one that gave us the news we were in the band!

Ezra: He was the one who announced to me that I made it into Menudo. I also watched Saved by the Bell, and love the show! Lol.

Nicolas: Mario is everything I aspire to be! He is super charismatic, fun, professional and don’t get me started on his good looks! As I said…I want to be him when I grow up 😜

Originally established by Edgardo Diaz in Puerto Rico back in 1977, and having birthed the careers of Ricky Martin and Draco Rosa, among others — What even made you all aspire to become members of the most successful Latin boy band of all time?

Alejandro: My mom was an avid fan of the group. I know they were legendary, and now to be a part of this new beginning is historical for me.

Gabriel: What inspired me was what my mother told me about Menudo. She was a huge fan. I highly respect the career Ricky Martin and Robby Rosa have.

Andres: To be honest, I hadn´t heard much about Menudo until 2021 when I auditioned for a series about the group. I wasn’t picked, but I became aware of the group, and its importance in the ‘70´s, ‘80´s and ‘90´s. I even learned one or two of their songs.

Ezra: It was too good of an opportunity to pass up. I feel blessed and excited to be part of this great legacy.

Your lead off single / video is entitled “Mi Amore,” and was recorded both in English and Spanish —Tell me about this particular track; how did it come to fruition?

Alejandro: This song talks about a girl who broke our hearts, and at the end is where I say, “Ciao, Baby.” She’s not going to hurt us anymore 😊 It is a song full of Latin rhythms, great horns, classy and catchy tunes.

Gabriel: It is a song full of Latin rhythms in which we tell a story of heartbreak; it is very catchy…all my friends even learned it, and even my teachers.

Andres: “Mi Amore” is about a girl that broke our hearts and wants to come back to us, but we don’t want anything (to do) with her. The writers of the song are the Meyers Brothers, based out of the UK, and also known as “The Audiofreaks.”

Ezra: We heard it and loved it from the start. It’s so amazing to see how it all came together, too.

Nicolas: I am obsessed! It’s got kicking dance rhythm, story, and the music video is very entertaining! What’s the story behind the song? Broken heart, of course!

Of course “Mi Amore“ comes courtesy of your still forthcoming full length LP — What can you all reveal and / or divulge about the upcoming said body of work?

Alejandro: The second track of our upcoming record is called “Feelin’.” Each of us is out on a ‘date’ and the girls start disappearing, but we’re all still connected, yearning for that girl because we still have feelings for her.

Gabriel: Our (second) song “Feelin’,” that premiered on May 26.

Andres: I can only say that we had put our hearts in this project, and Menudo Productions has selected great songs from great composers…and the most important thing, we are learning A LOT while having fun.

Ezra: We have so many exciting things coming up.

Switching gears here, what exactly do you all want people to get from your music?

Alejandro: We want to spread and inspire positive messages. Good music, with great dance moves, that reach all listeners of all ages.

Gabriel: What we seek in our music is to give a positive message to the entire community and get more than one smile.

Andres: What we want to do with our music is make a positive impact on people. Music brings us all together, and that is what we want to do with Menudo. We are entertainers, we want people of all ages to enjoy our music to relate to the stories we have to tell.

Ezra: For me, I want people to enjoy the music like we do and to be able to resonate with it as well.

If you all could collaborate with any one artist, living or dead, who would it be and why?

Alejandro: PinkPantheress or Mac Miller.

Gabriel: Danny Ocean since I love his music.

Andres: I would like to collaborate with Stevie Wonder or Charlie Puth. Both are amazing artists, and I am influenced by their music and songwriting.

Ezra: There are so many, but if I had to pick one it would be Bruno Mars. I love his music and style.

Nicolas: Would love to chat with Freddie Mercury, and get some tips on his amazing singing

If you all could play any venue in the world, which one would you choose and why?

Alejandro: Everywhere!

Gabriel: In a soccer World Cup final.

Andres: Estadio Azteca in Mexico.

Ezra: I want to travel internationally, and play in as many countries as possible. I want to go to Nicaragua and Japan also.

On a more serious note, are you all happy with the current state of music?

Alejandro: Yes, I love all music, but my favorite is still rapping.

Gabriel: Yes, because I really like the combinations we make and the music.

Andres: No, I think music nowadays is more commercial and doesn’t serve the purpose of sending a message to an audience. Also, I do not feel as connected with present day music as I used to. However, I think music is a means to express ourselves so there is no good or bad music; it is just a matter of what your ears and your soul want to listen to.

Ezra: So far, I really like the songs.

What do you feel will continue to be the key to your longevity?

Alejandro: Work hard, and never stop dreaming. Focus and believe in yourself.

Gabriel: I work very hard. I love what I do and always want to better myself.

Andres: Timeless lyrics and sticky rhythm, once you hear “Mi Amore, Mi Amore,” you can’t stop singing it.

Ezra: Working hard and enjoying what I do.

Nicolas: Continuing learning, growing and finding myself.

Do you all have any other outside / additional (future) aspirations, maybe even completely away from music?

Alejandro: I haven’t really thought about that yet.

Gabriel: Soccer is literally my frustrated dream; I would like to be an entrepreneur of electronic things.

Andres: I have always wanted to become an actor, but since I discovered music, music is all I wanna do. However, I do also like mechanical engineering and I am good at math.

Ezra: I love music, but I also love acting and cooking. I have been in many musicals and plays. I would love one day to be on a TV series or a movie. I would also love to open up a restaurant in the future as well. I can cook very well!

To date, what has been your biggest career moment(s), at least thus far anyway?

Alejandro: When I was on the iHeart Red Carpet, and saw all my favorite artists right in front of me. I couldn’t believe I was sitting 1 row behind PinkPantheress and still I couldn’t take a picture with her. And then, it was performing our first concert in New York in front of thousands of people!

Gabriel: I think the biggest moment of my career was when I was selected to be a part of the new MENUDO family. Then on the iHeart Radio Red Carpet, where there were a lot of artists like Taylor Swift, Ice Spice, Doja Cat, Becky G, Lenny Kravitz and P!nk. I couldn’t believe we were actually there!

Andres: As a musical theatre performer, I have been the lead actor in several musical plays. I was Jafar in Aladdin, Gaston in Beauty and the Beast; Elf in Elf the musical, and while doing that I had the opportunity to meet Lin-Manuel Miranda and that moment was huge for me, since I admire him so much.

Ezra: I have been in many shows and commercials, but so far Menudo has been the biggest project for me.

Please discuss how you all interact with and respond to fans…

Alejandro: For now, it has been on social networks as questions and answers…but so far we haven’t experienced fans in person. Or maybe we haven’t really noticed??

Gabriel: For now, it has been on social networks as questions and answers. When we go to TV shows and radio interviews, everyone is excited…but so far we have not interacted with fans in person.

Andres: I would rather call them Friends than Fans. They have been nothing but amazing so far; they keep sending stuff like Instagram videos that are very elaborate, and I know it takes plenty of time to do. We are so grateful for them.

Ezra: Our fans are the best. We connect through social media or in person when we can.

What is your favorite part about this line of work? Your least favorite? And, why?

Alejandro: My favorite part is the behind the scenes when we rehearse choreography, vocal coach training, when we do music videos; it’s super cool because funny things happen. We have so much fun!! It’s a lot of hard work but when you think back, there are sooo many stories! And then in our breaks, all 5 of us play on Game Station; here we just let go, scream and simply have fun. Least favorite? At first, media training was not easy. We all had to “gel” together and we didn’t know each other. Our publicist would take pictures and videos without us knowing. Then we would have to meet and hear her say, “see this is right and this is wrong. No gum chewing, sit up straight, no cel phone, pay attention!” And then when she would see us rehearsing, she would start crying! LOL.

Gabriel: Behind the scenes when we record a video, since it’s super cool because funny things happen. The part I hate the most are the schedules because I have a hard time getting up early.

Andres: My best part is I get to meet lots of people related to music, being able to take lessons with various wise musical industry persons and build a brotherhood with the other four Menudos. My least favorite is that I had to leave my school, which I was very fond of.

Ezra: The best part is seeing it all come together and get to perform on stage. I don’t have a least favorite part yet.

Nicolas: The best part is going (to) new places and meeting new people! Love our fans!

What advice would you all have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?

Alejandro: Perseverance, discipline; love what you’re doing and always give it your all! And stay in school!

Gabriel: Work hard, very hard! Perseverance and discipline.

Andres: The sky is the limit. It’s okay to outgrow yourself from others, it means that you are learning and growing as a person.

Ezra: I would say follow your passion and you can do anything you want to do.

Nicolas: Never give up.

Looking ahead, say five or maybe even ten years from now, where do you all see yourselves?

Alejandro: In 5 years, personally I hope to be rapping my songs. I have a lot of music saved on my phone.

Gabriel: I think we will be very famous and we will be very successful.

Andres: I see myself performing in large stages, singing, always singing and writing songs.

Ezra: Other than maybe having a solo singing career, I see myself on the big screen, Broadway or movies.

Nicolas: I grew up in Catholic school, so doing the right thing is not pressure at all. That’s just what you have to do as a decent human being. Following your dreams on the other hand is much harder. My momma taught me that you have to always get up and show up. Things don’t just happen. You have to wok for it. You also have to really believe in yourself and must have amazing people by your side, like your family to help you get through rough days. But you definitely have to try, so you don’t have any regrets.

As for the immediate, what’s next for Menudo?

Alejandro: There’s a lot going on. My mom handles my calendar; there’s school, rehearsals, promo tours, awards shows, festivals, concerts. Work, work, work!

Andres: We are just getting started. Rehearsals everyday, songs, choreographies, to be ready for the tours.

Ezra: We are just getting started. There are so many upcoming exciting events. Stay tuned!

Nicolas: EVERYTHING! New music! New videos! New locations! New friends!

Is there anything I left out or just plain forgot to mention?

Alejandro: No, you’ve covered pretty much everything! Thank you for taking the time for such a detailed interview and the opportunity for me to express myself. I’m sorry we took so long to respond. It was my mom’s fault…and our publicist’s fault… jejejeje!

Gabriel: No, you’ve pretty much covered it all. 😊

Andres: Uumm…I don’t think so, I could say I have a big brother and a big sister, I’m the little one.

Ezra: You can follow me on social media platforms: @ezra.gilmore_, and the Menudo one is @menudo_official.

Nicolas: To begin with, I had to leave my hometown NEW YORK CITY and relocate to Miami, where we have an amazing studio. Second, my acting career had to take a back seat, replaced by everyday dance practices and rehearsals with our amazing vocal coach, Jesse Chirino, studio recordings and live performances. Busy. Crazy. Fun. And last but not least, even though I left my friends in NYC, I gained four brothers here in MENUDO.

Any “parting” words for our readers?

Alejandro: Thank you very much. Thank you very much for all the support and I hope to see you soon and meet you in person.

Gabriel: Thank you very much. Thank you very much for all the support, and I hope to see / meet you soon.

Andres: Stay tuned because there is great stuff coming out. Thank you for your support. Thank you for taking the time to listen to us.

Ezra: Thank you for taking the time to get to know us!

Nicolas: It’s an avalanche Menudo coming at you! Get ready! We are fun, great singers, dancers and storytellers! And did I mention good lookin’?