Just Words – Serenade in the Concrete Jungle: Frias on music, roots and determination

Season 3 Episode 14 | 314 Special Guest: Frias Website/Information: https://www.friasbachata.com/ (Frias mentions a playlist he would love everyone to enjoy and discover some new bachata. Below is the link) https://open.spotify.com/playlist/66DJxTbSddkHEzkfoMvCph?si=37731b30135f42a0 Episode Description: In this episode we sit down with special guest Frias, a talented Bachata artist and child of the Dominican diaspora. Frias shares his vision for the future of Bachata, rooted in the next generation of artists like himself, who blend the soulful rhythms of their heritage with the dynamic energy of city life. We also explore the unique challenges that Latin American artists face when navigating the U.S. music industry, from cultural representation to breaking through mainstream barriers but also teaching the culture itself self-value and appreciation of the home-grown arts. Please enjoy a rich conversation on tradition, identity, and the evolving sound of Bachata. 00:00 00:00:48 Guest Intro 00:02:19 Bachata = “Corta Vena” 00:04:03 urban Bachata 00:04:44 Frias deciding to become a bachatero 00:07:49 The industry wanting to commoditize Bachata 00:12:32 Music getting more attention outside of NY 00:14:26 Movement of Bachata Dj's 00:15:17 Touring Opportunities 00:15:38 Beating Bad Bunny in the Spanish Charts 00:16:54 Doing it Independently 00:21:04 ñoño artist 00:22:36 lazy artist 00:22:57 Romeo Work Ethic 00:25:07 Benefits to not being an a$$hole 00:28:18 Being the creative in bachata 00:32:25 What’s Frais creative process 00:35:15 Christian Hip Hop 00:38:21 falling in love with bachata 00:41:22 Most recent album - si dios quiere 00:43:03 simplest dancing 00:43:48 Why is Juan Luis Guerra 6' 7" 00:44:14 Bachatero All Star Team 00:47:54 Latino loyalty to classic songs during baby showers 00:53:37 Frias thoughts on live performances 00:55:35 Taking the wrong “pela” 00:56:20 Restaurant Lounge Scene 00:58:47 Not respecting the arts not promoting growth 00:59:42 Build momentum by going viral 01:01:03 LCFW - Dre Drizzo 01:01:40 LCFW - Frias 01:04:26 LCFW - Ramz 01:05:19 LCFW - Ron Record date: 07.20.24 LINK IN BIO ON MOST PODCAST APPS STREAM VIDEO ON @spotify | @youtube Guest Social | IG @friasbachata Host Social | IG @ron.kain | @dre.drizzo | @ramzmcfly/