Qhapaq Nan, Retracing the Path with Gustavo Santaolalla, is a documentary series following the footsteps of the cultural heritage left by the Incas through a unique audiovisual experience. The road system — built by the Inca Empire — has been granted World Heritage status by […]

A music mentor In the mid 2000’s I was playing bass in a rock band. Despite some regional success, this band wasn’t going make it. It wasn’t for a lack of trying. We were very good — but the blown up music industry hadn’t yet […]

“If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it. The more things you do, the more you can do.” – Lucille Ball I’m convinced that busy people are superior at 2 things: managing their time, and controlling their perfectionism. They create an […]

Unconflicted “I think the person who takes a job in order to live – that is to say, for the money [not for purpose or passion]- has turned himself into a slave.” ― Joseph Campbell I don’t have a specific New Year’s resolution, other than […]

Just a short post this time. I’ve thankfully found some rare and unusual free time this holiday. However, rather than relax (which I’m not sure I know how to do) I decided to transcribe and post a quick little tune. As Paul McCartney says, “You play music, […]

I think this will be my last transcription from Gustavo Santaolalla’s music from The Book of Life. For those who don’t know, there was a secondary score released with a lot of instrumental music and guitar work — which is kinda more my thing. The […]

Calling all beginner and intermediate guitar players: you want to play this. Often times, there’s a single piece of music that can pay huge dividends across the rest of your guitar playing. Everything you learn is a stepping stone to the next. However, some songs […]

As a Gustavo Santaolalla super fan, I’m amazed that the same guy who composed the brooding score for Babel, can also be perfectly at home writing material for The Book of Life. You don’t see this type of seamless versatility very often. Especially from those […]

First and foremost, Gustavo Santaolalla is a craftsman of music. Whether it’s Brokeback Mountain, The Last of Us, or The Book of Life — he perfectly adapts his music to every circumstance. I’ve been a fan for a long time. After his score for Babel, […]

Upon meeting a publishing agent when he first moved to Los Angeles: “He said my music and songs were very good, but at a certain point, I will hit the ‘wrong chord or note.’ I took it as a compliment. I always try to look […]

“I love playing instruments that I don’t know how to play – or that I’m not familiar with. I like the idea of danger and innocence that comes from it. As an artist, I feel I should be able to do something with anything I […]

[Big news if you’re a Santaolalla fan. He has a follow up to Ronroco scheduled for release in July. I discovered this while searching for an MP3 of The Journey which will now be available on Santaolalla’s new album, Camino.] El viaje El viaje or […]