Franco de Vita
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All those influences... have they come together in all of your music? Well... We see it. Which one are you going to play now that brings all of that together? It can't be "El buen perdedor", because that's the last one.
The last one?
That is the last one in this group.
F: Ha, ha, ha, ha. Well, I don't know. Oh, here's one that is nice. Which one?
... en lo que tuvo mucho tiempo para cultivar su ingenio, pero es más listo de lo que se ve, se le nota en la mirada cansada, cansada, cada vez va más lento, apoyando el bastón del lado izquierdo y te habla y te cuenta de qué tiempos aquéllos, lleno de polvo y soledad, mi amigo Sebastián.
That is one of the most appreciated, from everything I've written.
Oh, it's beautiful!
[clapping]
It talks about the story of the elderly, who become lonely.
And you've included it in "Mil y una historias".
No, it isn't there. Honestly, in "Mil y una historias" many songs were left out, like "Sebastián". I mean, my favorite songs from the ones I've written are "Como cada domingo", "Al norte del sur", "Plaza del centro", "Mi amigo Sebastián", "Esto es América", "Un extraño en mi bañera", "Rosa o clavel". To me, those are the songs I really like from the ones I create. Of course, I don't underestimate "Te amo" or "Un buen perdedor" or all of those songs because I made them for one reason. I like them. But I like it when the words are based on other things. Understand? I mean when we talk about other things in songs.
And those are songs that deal with important issues, right? Because you're telling me that this one is about the elderly. "Un extraño en la bañera" is about abused women.
Yes, about abused women. This song talks about the abandoned elderly. It also criticizes a little bit, the retirement funds that old people get in our countries. And of course, those are the songs I appreciate the most.
Franco, something I have always loved is that your lyrics are not elaborate or...
I don't know how to sing like that.
Do you write just like you speak?
Yes, I definitely do... And I don't think it is easy at all...
But it's difficult to be a poet among the colloquial, isn't it?
It is hard to sing the way you really live. It's hard to sing the way you really speak. That I admire about composers nowadays.
Yes.
Before, we used to worry more about saying things. "Be careful, you can't talk about this, no"... I mean today, everything can be included in the songs. They include a "bleep", but the writing is more casual, carefree, more... natural.
And you've sponsored many young artists. I want you to tell us about that, but before...
Commercial break again?
Oh! [laughing]
*Sé que piensas marcharte, ya lo sé y no te detendré, haz lo que tú quieras.
It's ok, then I'll leave.
[laughing]
...sin embargo recuerda que yo estaré aquí en el mismo lugar y si sólo tienes ganas de hablar con gusto escucharé. Y si él supo darte más amor, supo llenarte más que yo... claro que sé perder, claro que sé perder. Oh no. No tienes por qué disimular, esas lágrimas están de más, si tienes que irte vete ya. Sin embargo esperaba que te quedaras pero el agua hay que dejarla correr. Mientras yo me tragaba palabras que no puede decir. Y si el viento hoy sopla a tu favor yo no te guardaré rencor. Claro que sé perder, no será la primera vez, hoy te vas tú mañana me iré yo. Seré un buen perdedor, el mundo no cambiará, alguien sin duda ocupe tu lugar.
[clapping]
We'll be back with the music and the insight of Franco De Vita.
L: Your best virtue?
I have so many... Ha, ha, ha...
No basta traerlos al mundo, porque es obligatorio, porque son la base del matrimonio o porque te equivocaste en la cuenta...
Welcome back. We continue talking with Franco De Vita. And Franco, you were telling me a bit of what the new singers and songwriters are doing today. And I know that you have been supporting a lot of those new singers and songwriters. Tell us what you have been doing and why.
Well, the "why" is easy. I mean, if they´re talented, and I don´t see... well, I think it isn't right for them to give up. Understand? Because, normally the biggest part for those kids is trying once, twice, three times, four and five times, and then they get frustrated and say, "That's enough, I have to work, and I have to leave behind the music". In that case maybe we´re loosing a marvelous composer, right? It started a long time ago. I had a terrible experience when I was a back up singer. I was the support for Menudo.
No.
Yes.
Really?
Well, what can I say? I was fired because of the scenary. I sang a song and a half, I guess. Ha, ha, ha... and I had to leave. Understand? So, that marks my life.
Well, I have to make a side note to ask, "Where´s Menudo now? And where´s Franco De Vita?". Understand?
Well, Menudo was a project.
Yes, it was, but you know.
That´s what I want to say. Those people are not so lucky, so the companies didn't become interested. Maybe they think is difficult because it is a product that needs a lot of work, a lot of time, and a lot of... But they're the ones that last for a long time. They're the ones that bring us the ideas. They're the ones that renew the music. That´s why I trust more in those people. The story is that when I begin, I go to the cities and I offer support. I start to listen to those people. Of course, I have encountered people that... well, you know, that were just getting started. People with a lot of potential. So I said, "Why not? You want to support the show? Go on, but if I invite you later on, will you sing with me?" "Sure, why not?" So we start like this. They support the show, and later I ask them to sing with me. Something happened to me with Voz Veis: They were really gonna open my show, and I know them, and I said, "Well, what do you do?" "Well, we do that.
[humming]
"Guys, you´re gonna support me? I support you." Ha, ha. I mean, since then I´ve started the habit of listening to the people who play before me at my shows.
Ok.
Then comes the song "Si la ves", that I do with "Sin Bandera". That was the perfect excuse to find people that sing since "Sin Bandera" can´t come to all my shows. Well, I look for people in all the cities that I visit. I look for local people, local singer-songwriters in order to have a band with this or that song. It is not the same as if I say "Ladies and gentleman, tonight I want to introduce to you, with your permission, I want to introduce to you this person that´s fantastic, and that composes or sings." I mean, people pay attention.
Yes.
And that´s how it has been working, and I have encountered terrific people, people that... Like Jeremías, he came from this idea...
Who signed with Universal.
He was signed by Universal. From that idea came Kany García, who signed with Sony.
Sony.
With Kany, something special happened, because I memorized a bit of her song. Well, I´m gonna sing with her, this and that. When she starts to sing, I started to cry. She's alone, with the guitar and her voice. I said, "You sing, because I can´t."
[laughing]
You mean that everybody needs someone who trusts in you.
Yes. I guess that if we, media, musicians, the ones who are in the public eye, support and believe in those kids, the information will arrive faster to the public, and it's going to be believed, right? But, I will be pleased if this starts to be a part of your program, of the radio shows, of the recording companies of the whole world... to support those talents because we can't loose them.
Well, now I have to see you as...
As what?
Almost like a support singer.
Yes?
Yes, sure, because I'm gonna make you answer what we call our Top 20.
Ok.
I ask you a question and you have to answer fast, you can't think.
I can't think?
No.
That´s not fair.
The response has to be believable and honest.
Ok.
Sure?
I can say anything. Don't worry, I'm going to say anything.
Ok.
Let's go.
The highest compliment that you ever received?
You're a good composer.
The biggest lie you ever tell in an interview?
I never lie.
Ok. Describe your perfect night.
The most perfect night I ever had, or that I wish to have?
The one you wish.
I wish I had a night filled with pure and dirty sex.
Good. Two records for a deserted island?
Two records? But, why? Two?
Two.
No, no, you're not being fair with me.
One.
No, why one? Unbelievable! I need a lot of records. There are a lot of wonderful records. Well, sure I'll take something from The Beatles and something from Franco De Vita. [laughing]
What song makes you cry?
A lot of songs make me cry.
** What do you spend the most money on?**
Well, I'm really... I don't spent much.
Boots?
Boots, ok.
What would you give Ricky Martin as a present?
A good song.
And what would you give to Juan Luis Guerra?
Well, what would I give to Juan Luis Guerra? I haven't thought about that, wait. Well... a new hat. [laughing] I don't know.
Do you sleep with or without pajamas?
It depends on where and who I am with. No, I don't use pajamas. I mean, I'm not going to lie. I don't wear pajamas.
Perfect.
don't need them.
What is it that men are not ever going to understand about women?
Maybe, the depth of them.
Your worst defect?
Impatience.
Your biggest virtue?
I have so many. [laughing]
Your greatest treasure?
My greatest treasure, or what I would like to have?
Ok, I´m gonna accept that.
Well, I envy those with a good memory.
Ok.
I swear.
What do you fear?
Illness.
Something you always carry with you?**
MI underwear.
A defect you can't stand in another person?
Lying.
What do you do before going on stage?
Li, ha, li, ha.
Do you have an object for good luck?
No.
The most important quality in a woman?*
I think that the most important quality in a woman is their sincerity and ability to be straight forward when speaking.
Your favorite vice?
Sex.
Ha, ha, ha, ha.
Good, thanks.
[clapping]
They love what I said about sex! I can see.
Yes! They love it.
That´s the vice of a lot of people.
Franco, we are about to end the program, and I always ask for a song as a present. Do you have one?
Yes, I have several songs here. No, "No basta", they´re asking for "No basta".
And for all of you that are watching us, thanks for watching the program with Franco De Vita.
See you soon.
[Clapping]
No basta traerlos al mundo porque es obligatorio, porque son la base del matrimonio o porque te equivocaste en la cuenta.
No basta con llevarlos a la escuela a que aprendan, porque la vida cada vez es más dura, ser lo que tu padre no pudo ser.
No basta que de afecto tú le has dado bien poco, todo por culpa del maldito trabajo y del tiempo.
No basta, porque cuando quiso hablar de un problema tú le dijiste: niño será mañana, es muy tarde, estoy cansado.
No basta comprarle todo lo que quiso comprarse, el auto nuevo antes de graduarse, que viviera lo que tú no has vivido.
No basta con creerse un padre excelente porque eso te dice la gente: a tus hijos nunca les da nada.
No basta porque cuando quiso hablarte de sexo se te subieron los colores al rostro y mentiste.
No basta porque de haber tenido un problema lo habrías resuelto comprando en la esquina lo que había, lo que había.
No basta con comprarle curiosos objetos.
No basta, cuando lo que necesita es afecto, aprender a dar valor a las cosas porque tú no le serás eterno.
No basta castigarlo por haber llegado tarde, si no has caído ya tu chico es un hombre ahora más alto y más fuerte que tú.
Que tú.
No basta. [clapping]
THE END
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