Soy Aquel

The song “Soy Aquel” by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Jesús Alejandro is an emotional journey, combining traditional and contemporary elements that highlight both personal and cultural identity. I had the pleasure of contributing to this track as the drummer, bringing the song’s rhythmic foundation to life with a unique approach to percussion.

When Jesús reached out, he sent over a rough demo to get things started. The song’s structure was clear, but we wanted to elevate the feeling with a carefully layered percussion. So, we hit the studio with mixing engineer Paolo Angulo, refining each detail to give the track its rich, full sound.

The rhythmic highlights of “Soy Aquel” are the snare sections at the start and finish, which bring a sense of drama and anticipation. To add depth, I used three different snare drums to record these parts, creating a layered effect that’s subtle but powerful—a sort of marching cadence that complements the song’s contemplative tone. This variation adds dimension to the track and gives it that characteristic pulse that keeps listeners engaged from start to finish.

Alongside Jesús’s talents on production, piano, bass, and vocals, Naldo LaBoy’s Cuatro Puertorriqueño, Elisaúl’s intricate string arrangements, and Jorge Texidor’s art design, “Soy Aquel” came together as a project that’s as heartfelt as it is authentic. It was a privilege to be part of this track, contributing to Jesús’s vision and bringing this evocative piece to life.

Credits

Production, Piano, Bass, Vocals: Jesús Alejandro @jesusalejandromusi
Cuatro Puertorriqueño: Naldo LaBoy @djnaldolaboy
Drums: Jorge “Gio” Montañez @gio_drums
Strings Arrangement: Elisaúl @elisaulr8
Art Design: Jorge Texidor @sexitexi
Mixing Engineer: Paolo Angulo @paolo.angulo_ths