Alejandro Sanz: The Timeless Maestro of Latin Music

Alejandro Sanz, the renowned Spanish singer-songwriter, took center stage at the 2024 Billboard Latin Music Week for an insightful Icon Q&A session moderated by Billboard's Leila Cobo. Sanz's remarkable career and enduring impact on the Latin music landscape were celebrated as he was announced as the recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at the upcoming 2024 Billboard Latin Music Awards, set to air on Telemundo on October 20th.

Unlocking the Secrets of Sanz's Enduring Artistry

The Enduring Legacy of "Corazón Partio"

Alejandro Sanz expressed his deep appreciation for the timeless appeal of his iconic hit "Corazón Partio," acknowledging that he has never complained about having to perform the song repeatedly. "There are worse things in the world [than singing the song over and over]," he remarked. "Imagine if they didn't ask you for any [songs]? I respect my songs a lot. I've never complained about a song of mine, much less about that one. I will always be grateful."

Evolving the Creative Process

Sanz revealed a shift in his writing approach, noting that he no longer isolates himself for hours on end to craft his music. Instead, he embraces the collaborative process, finding joy in working with others who can inspire him and take his creativity to new heights. "I no longer lock myself away for 14 hours a day. It's nice to share, I like working as a team. When I want to convey something, I look deeper inside. I want to take a bit of the history and tension out of the songs. I like that breath of fresh air of working with people who take me to another place."

Exploring the Emotional Depths of "Palmeras en el Jardín"

Sanz delved into the poignant story behind his latest single, "Palmeras en el Jardín," which he described as a tale of love and the desire to create a comfortable environment for someone special. "It's a story of love and of wanting to change everything in your life so that someone feels comfortable. You thought you were doing a lot by planting palm trees, but in the end, it wasn't enough, and it turns out that you keep all the palm trees, and she is left with her loneliness. That's what the song is about."

Navigating Mental Health Challenges

Alejandro Sanz candidly shared his experiences with mental health, acknowledging the importance of seeking professional help and personal introspection. "I once wrote something about my mood [on 'X'] and when I woke up in the morning, I was overwhelmed. It did help. I always wake up in a good mood… everything works for me and I love life. What I felt that day, it wasn't sadness, no anxiety, it was an emptiness, a hole in my chest, and that's scary. [I got out] with the help of professionals and you have to do your part."

The Multifaceted Artistry of Alejandro Sanz

Sanz emphasized his unwavering passion for music, emphasizing the need for diversity and creativity in the industry. "You have to want to make music and then people will like it. There is a lot of confusion these days with music. It has to be multicolored, varied. Imagine a city of just one color? The beauty is the colors, the different textures. That is music and that is what I am going to do all my life."

Sanz's Upcoming Netflix Documentary

Alejandro Sanz shared his excitement about an upcoming Netflix documentary that will offer a glimpse into his life and career. "They think I'm going to tell everything, but no. It's going to be very interesting. We're very happy with the team and how we managed to find a path that we all like. You can talk about everything… there's no fear in talking about things as they are. It's important that everything has a lesson and is useful for something."

Balancing Artistry and Business

Sanz acknowledged the challenges of navigating the dual roles of artist and businessman, recognizing that the two often do not align seamlessly. "Being a businessman, being a composer and a musician don't go together. To be a businessman you have to be a bit of a bastard or a bit witty. I admire artists who can do it, but I can't do it myself."