The sound of The Green Room |
THE GREEN ROOM is a pop-rock project, of electronic environment and with a generally solid English influence. The creator is Jorge Mejía, a Colombian musician who graduated from the University of Miami. |
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 I studied classical music and graduated as pianist, but I always had the idea of making rock, and that is what Jorge is now doing.
After 'Alive' (2001), his first album recorded in English, Mejía recently released his second production, in Spanish, and entitled 'Allá en el Monte'.
An MTV español special followed (you can see it still, it is entitled 'A Todo Volumen con Mejia'), as well as many live shows, TV appearances, and press coverage. Check it our at VOY MUSIC, itunes, and Sony Connect. Currently, Mejia is working on his next album, due out in 2006.
Why are you releasing an album in Spanish after producing and writing one in English?
Jorge: One of the reasons is commercial; from the point of view of an artist who wants to make a living. After all, this is what I do and I would like to dedicate one hundred percent of myself to it. Since Im living in Miami, it might be a lot easier to open doors with a Spanish-language album rather then an English-language one. The second reason came from an idealistic feeling I had, that in some way there is a connection between my music and the situation in my country. What is happening is very sad, it is incredible to think that on any day your liberty can be stolen from you and you are simply turned into a number on a list and soon forgotten to suffer the consequences of indifference. I know that pain from being on the outside, thats how A la Virgen was conceived, as a song inspired by Colombia and by Ella, who was captive for more than a year.
Considering the title and lyrics, the inevitable comparison with Juanes comes to mind.
Jorge: What can I say, maybe for the title and well, it can be good to be compared to Juanes. I dont care, after at all, there is also Mercedes Sosa and "Sólo le pido a Dios.
On the second record, is there any possibility of being part of the Spanish rock movement?
Jorge: If anyone wants to classify me with that genre, its okay with me, but actually I dont feel that Im a part of it. If I said the contrary, I would be dishonest. Most of my music is influenced by English rock, bands like U2, Coldplay, Travis, Oasis, and The Cure.
Considering your influences and musical education, how do you view the scene of Spanish rock?
Jorge: Actually, before I did not think Spanish fit into the rock scene.
Which Spanish rock bands do you know?
Jorge: Actually, I know a few bands but I dont think that is of any less importance to me. What is important is to be honest with music. From what I have heard, I like Juanes and Volumen Cero.
Tell us about the new album.
Jorge: There are between 8 and 9 songs, one or two songs from the previous album are translated into Spanish. I think my lyrics have matured throughout this process and I have also been able to master the equipment. On the first album I was in the studio without a very clear idea of how to use the equipment, it was quite experimental in that sense. As for sound (if there is a budget) it should sound the same as my live shows. I hope it will be released this year, possibly in September.
It was quite a special evening, meeting and interviewing an artist like Jorge Mejía. An artist who is able to share is work without pretensions and with honesty.
VOY By Sivia Sandoval, Fabrika
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