Today’s guest is Justin Saragueta–songwriter and musician. We first met him a few weeks ago at Texty Ladies in Justin Saragueta, Part One.  Welcome back, Justin!

You can read about his background and the making of his current CD, gueta.

Now that we’ve read what makes him who he is–if we can ever really know that about any artist–let’s explore how he does what he does.

JR: Tell us your process–how do you write a song?

gueta: This isn’t always a constant. I find that in my imaginary world there is no such a thing as black and white. Borders tend to be obsolete. Boundaries are better left for landmarks. But usually I will pick up the guitar and start playing until I hopefully find that point when thought ceases and I melt into the instrument allowing it to convey some type of emotion. Chords and notes have as much character as Broadway plays. Once I have stumbled upon some type of rhythmic progression I start writing.

This usually takes place in blocks. I ask myself how I feel, what’s on my mind, what’s going on in the world and with its people, and how do I want to convey it all? Or I just open a bottle of wine, light some candles, lock the doors, dim the lights and allow myself to get out of my own way and just let the pen and guitar do the work. The beauty of writing imaginary circumstances or even the ones that tend to be sautéed in a sense of realism is there just aren’t any real rules.  For the non-conforming type this is much like a poodle in a Christmas sweater, pretty nice!

JR: Do you have a favorite piece that you’ve written?

gueta: This is one of those unfair questions. They all hold meaning, convey a period of time or cross some path I was on.  I’ve written songs for and about loved ones, strangers, friends, family and situations I or someone I know may have been in.  I write to try and find meaning through confusion.  I sing in happiness and sorrow.

It’s meditative. I need it much more than it needs me.

Mostly I fathom it’s about hemorrhaging true emotion through song, poem or story. It’s exposing frailties through bravery. Writing for me is about being honest with myself. It’s about saying this is how I feel and I’m not going to cover it up. True freedom is true honesty. I feel I obtain that in all my art. My first song to the one I am currently working on all hold a fondness inside me that allows me to view life’s grayness with a bit more color.

JR: I love your song San Sebastian.  Tell us how this song came about.

gueta: Thanks! I really enjoy playing and singing San Sebastian Spain as well. My mother’s side of the family is from there. If you haven’t been there, let me tell you, the place is magical: absolute beauty wrapped in an energy unlike any other place in the world for me. I was fortunate enough to visit San Sebastian in 2002– I think it was then or possibly 03. My memory bank tends to take holidays from time to time. But I do recollect running with the bulls in Pamplona with my best friend Haasy and his wife Jackie. Those things are like ghosts…SCARY! After flirting with four legged death and liver poisoning the three of us jumped in this tiny little car that my aunt had given us and we basically lost ourselves in the people, culture, beaches, wine, tapas, cobblestone streets, music, dance, architecture and all the vibrant life encompassing the place. It’s one of those places that I feel I am not walking on but in.

A few years had passed and I was back in the states after an eight month stint in Australia. I was living with my cousin James at the time in San Francisco’s North Bay. It was a weird month. It rained for three weeks straight. I was depressed, lonely, just back from an amazing trip and all of a sudden everything came to a screeching halt covered in cold gray water.  James was gone, actually visiting San Sebastian at the time. My phone rang one day and it was James on the other end telling me about how much he loved the place. It brought back all the smells, sounds, memories and warm feelings for me. I sat down after the phone call and about two hours later had written a new song.

JR: Your music really connects your heart with your audiences’.  How do you do that?

gueta: Thanks, Jacquie. I believe connecting with people on any level starts with being honest and connecting within ourselves. As I mentioned before, I try to convey pure and honest emotion in my art. I started writing because I had so much love for it and I could be whatever I wanted to be on any given day, in any given circumstance. It took a hold of me and wouldn’t let go. It gave me no choice: I had to give in! I was able to lose myself in it.

I hope that people feel that voice of truth. When someone tells me that they relate, that they get lost in the words and melodies it makes all those nights living in the back of a truck or on the side of the road in Australia eating one peanut butter and jelly sandwich a day with four golf pros eating veggie mite sandwiches sleeping in army pop up tents worth it!

True acceptance for me is true honesty. If I can’t convey how I truly feel than it’s not worth it because it’s not honest.

Thank again, for joining us at Texty Ladies today.  We’ve had great fun reading your interview, and now there will be Part Three!  So we’re really looking forward to reading what else you have to share with us.

Justin Saragueta’s debut album, gueta, is sort of here already!  Check out his store for downloads.  The physical CD will be ready for shipping any day now.  When Justin visits Texty Ladies next week, I’m hoping to tell you that it’s on its way.

Contest!

And don’t forget, if you commented on the last interview, this one, or part three, you’ll be eligible to win an autographed CD.

Authors, Artists, Songwriters, Screenwriters, Crafters, Poets
Do you know what you need to know about marketing and promotion?
Check out 1st Turning Point–All About Promotion
Yes, it’s FREE: a bunch of writers and artists–all trying to
navigate the treacherous waters of selling our wares.

Have a Magical Monday!

Jacquie Rogers
Down Home Ever Lovin’ Mule Blues (See the Book Video featuring Justin Saragueta)
Jacquie Rogers *** Myspace *** Twitter *** Facebook
Faery Special Romances * Book Video * Royalties go to Children’s Tumor Foundation, ending Neurofibromatosis through Research

Tags: gueta, justin saragueta, Music, recording, songwriting, Writing