Hidden Legends: Robi Draco Rosa

 

Discovering new music is great, but discovering a new legendary musician is even better.   Robi Draco Rosa is one of those legends whose music often lives over everyone’s heads but continues to inspire and deconstruct the meaning of music for those that “get it”.

The following is a collection of songs that have always inspired me.

California

This song is called “California” and is a good example of Rosa’s style. Abstract lyrics set to orchestras of harmonized screams and inspired soundtracks, to say the least. I couldn’t find an official video for this song, so you’ll just have to make due with the fan-made floating image video.

Livin’ La Vida Loca

Don’t ask how, but I was in a room somewhere around 10 years ago and in walks Robi with a guitar in his hand and starts to sing this song to a fellow songwriter to compare notes. A year after that, it was a number one worldwide hit for Ricky Martin. Needless to say the version above sounds a lot like what I heard in that room and nothing like the uber-burnt-out song you all remember.

Blanca Mujer

This song is about a man asking for death… A little harsh, I know… but you have to wonder the extreme mentality one has to be in to write something like this song. So hopeless and so inspired by pain that it is haunting.

Como me acuerdo (live)

This is one of my favorite songs. This version features a Flamenco arrangement that was composed for this concert only. It’s very typical for Rosa to completely re-work song compositions and entire melodies for live concerts. While it keeps the public on it’s toes, one gets the feeling he does this to entertain himself and maintain the passion for his own music.

More Robi Links:
Official Site | YouTube Channel | Twitter