Salvador Santana exclusive interview

Salvador Santana
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Salvador is the son of Grammy winning guitarist Carlos Santana. His latest release is Keyboard City, and more recently, a video for single “Into the Light”.

Salvador Santana

Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Salvador is the son of Grammy winning guitarist Carlos Santana. His latest release is Keyboard City, and more recently, a video for single “Into the Light”.

Read the exclusive BandWeblogs.com interview with Salvador Santana!

Jenny May: What does music mean to you?

Salvador Santana: Music is life. Music is joy.
Music is a language we use to express our emotions.
Music helps us associate memorable times in our lives.
Music is my first love.
I couldn’t imagine my life without it.

How would you describe your latest release, Keyboard City?

I would describe the record keyboard city and my music overall as a “New Blend” of music. I take a little bit from this genre of this and a little of that and mix it all together to form a fusion and eclectic sound. My goal is to make music so that everyone can enjoy it, no matter what their preferences are.

How did you contribute instrumentally to Keyboard City?

I contributed to the album Keyboard City by playing a variety of instruments. Both electric and acoustic pianos, organ, mini moog, clavinet, percussion, drums, electric bass, and last but certainly not least some vocals. Both singing and spoken word.

What instruments do you play? Which do you prefer playing the most, generally?

My primary instrument is the piano and keyboards. I’m also familiar with drums and electric bass-guitar. But my preference is the piano.

How does your father feel about you being in the industry, playing music?

He tells me that he’s very proud of me. I’ve always appreciated his, my moms, and all the members in my families unconditional support of me throughout my life and my musical career.

What kind of advice has he given you?

Both my mother and my father always reminded me to be myself and with whatever I choose to do, to give my 150% absolute best.

What instrumental combination and where (performing live or studio, living room, writing etc.) do you have the most fun when playing music with your dad? (With each of you playing which instrument together?)

All of the above. My dad and I usually end up writing and jamming out to some really cool musical ideas wherever whenever we get the opportunity to play music together. There is some footage of him and I jamming out on my Youtube channel:

Salvador Santana w/ Carlos Santana – Funky Nassau & In the Park video:

Do you have any current and/or future projects planned with your dad?

No, nothing official. Although I’ve recently contributed some of my piano playing on my father’s latest instrumental record “Shape Shifter” (I’m featured on the songs “Canella” and “Ah, Sweet Dancer”).

Are there other musical styles that you would like to explore for other album projects? If so, what have you thought about doing (or are in the process of creating/writing)?

You know I haven’t really given it that much thought. Honestly, I’m open to playing any style of music. I’ve just now begun to understand that there’s an art form to collaboration. As long as we the artists can remain open, then we have a better chance of being able to learn and receive new ideas and concepts that can help propel us to become better artists and people.

Who are your musical heroes? How have they influenced your music?

Well, being a keyboardist first and for most, I’d say the great piano players of jazz music. One in particular was and is Mr. Herbie Hancock. He’s probably been without question my greatest influence as a piano and keyboard player. I’ve had the pleasure of not only seeing him perform on numerous occasions, but have also had the honor of meeting him. He told me personally once that he checked out some of my most recent work and that he really like it! That meant the absolute world to me and it’s something that I will always cherish!

Salvador Santana

How do you incorporate your spirituality into your music?

By incorporating love and joy into each and every individual note that I play and sing. Like John Coltrane once said, and I quote: “One positive thought creates millions of positive vibrations.”

How did you find the musicians that you’re currently working with for your live shows?

Mostly through mutual friends in the music scene in Los Angeles. Also, through destiny. I am a firm believer that everything happens for one reason or another. I’m very blessed and grateful for all the musicians, past and present that have contributed their efforts and dedication in helping me share the sounds and messages I have to offer.

Where was one of your favorite shows that you’ve played so far and why?

That’s a tough one to answer…But I’d have to say my favorite show that I was apart of was having the honor to perform on stage with Ravi Coltrane (John Coltrane’s son) at the Hymns for Peace concert in Montreux, Switzerland back in 2004. It was an so awesome and such an incredible opportunity for me and my young career.

Outside of playing music, what do you consider a “good night out”?

It depends. I usually like to take it easy, you know…keep things mellow. But more times than not I end up having a great night when I go out to see and hear other bands perform live.

Where do you like to go to just chill out if you’ve had a “long” day?

Anywhere, really…. as long as there’s a piano for me to play.

Who are five bands/artists that you’ve been listening to recently?

Miles Davis
James Brown
Jimi Hendrix
Bob Marley
Marvin Gaye

To stay up to date with all of Salvador’s latest news, tour dates, music and more, please go to:

Salvador Santana Official Website

Author: Jenny May

Jenny May is the founder of Band Weblogs. Based in Oxford, England (originally from New England), Band Weblogs was created in 2005. With a passion for music, Jenny May has performed with bands in the US and the UK, her music has appeared in films, she was a vocal coach for the Yamaha Rock School and has worked on music projects with musicians such as Jon Fishman (Phish), Fyfe Dangerfield (Guillemots) and Cisco Adler (Shwayze). Jenny is currently publishing music news, conducting exclusive interviews and writing music commentary for Band Weblogs and writing, recording and performing music with duo Purple May. http://purplemay.com