Even before I became a recording artist, I did other things in music. I was a teacher, I did studio work, and I was an arranger and a producer.

Having a college degree gave me the opportunity to be... well-rounded. Also, the people I met at the university, most of them are still my colleagues now. People I've known for years are all in the industry together.

I have a bachelor's and a master's in jazz.

I might be a Cuban American, but I'm also an Afro-Cuban American.

I write in English first, and then I translate to Spanish. I've always felt more comfortable with the English side of things first.

I grew up in a community that was bilingual. I've done it for a while, singing in both languages.

A real active music set, based and really concentrated on what the music's all about. That's what I'm all about - singing and a really good strong music set.