We had the good fortune of connecting with Vlade Guigni and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Vlade, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
To be an artist is a very challenging way of life. Most people think that playing an instrument is a hobby. I remember several friends from my hometown asked me about what I do for a living, when I said: “I’m a musician, I play the drums”, they often replied: “Yeah cool, but, for real, what’s your real job? Or What’s your career?” . I laughed because most of them never get it.

In my early stages, I did experience tons of pressure from my family members, they were worried about me being able to pay bills. Most people are used to a day job, i.e. 8am-4pm or 9am-5pm. Job security and salary has always been a topic in the table in those family reunions.

In this day and era, making a decent living from music will often require to to have many income streams. I have to wear many hats and I have to learn extra skills to manage the business side of the music. This is a big learning curve for me, I’m am still developing that side of my career. I’m also learning to delegate some tasks to others so I can focus in my creative side as much as possible.

In the “real world” I often feel like I’m the outsider. As a musician, I tend to live in my own little world. This can be a blessing and a curse, because too much of my own world could make me unaware of important things that are going on right now in the world. That’s why nowadays I try to balance my time between working/being creative and living a “normal life”. To me, this is important because I’m a family man.

As an artist I have to push myself and reinvent my art very often. The world is moving at a faster speed these days and in order to stay up to date, I have to be always one step ahead.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I’m often described as a “musical” and “tasteful” drummer. This is very aligned with my personality, as I’m a very sensitive, caring and loving person. I’ve been always inspired by drummers that are very musical, creative and improvisers. Every time I’m on a stage I like living in the moment and coming up with new ideas. I think that my mindset when playing drums is very similar to my lifestyle. I often face challenges and I overcome them by thinking outside of the box, by being creative, by daring to live everyday outside of my comfort zone. I approach music the same way, as an open book, taking risk all the time.

Making a living out of music has not been easy for me, but since I’m very passionate, I never stop, I keep moving, I have a goal of touching and inspiring as many lives as possible through playing and teaching music to the upcoming generation. I come from a very small country in the Caribbean called the Dominican Republic. My land is full of very talented musicians who deserve much more opportunity recognition around the world. Part of my mission is also to carry the torch of my Dominican heritage wherever I go.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I have so many people to thank for where I’m today. Fist of all GOD above all. My spiritual faith keeps me sane through difficult moments in my journey. My wife Ildrys, who is an incredible supporter of my life and career, my parents José Luis and Mercedes for all their love and support, my teachers and mentors, Neal Smith, Terri Lyne Carrington, Ralph Peterson (R.I.P), Henrique De Almeida, Billy Kilson, Dave DiCenso, Dave Weckl , Guy Frómeta, David Nolasco, Ezequiel Francisco and so many others! To Berklee College of Music, an institution full of creativity, forward thinking and unlimited resources to become the best artist you can possibly be. Last, but not least, to Smerlyn, my closest friend who always pushes me to be a better person.

Website: https://www.vladeguigni.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vladeguignimusic/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlade-guigni-3797a8124

Twitter: @VladeGuigni

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vladeguignimusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/vladeguignimusic

Image Credits
Lisette Acuña Photography

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