RICKY MARTIN Opens Up About His Newest Music, Why He Can’t Sit Still And More!

Ricky Martin began his career in the music business at age twelve with the all-male pop group Menudo. After leaving this group, he went on to release several Spanish-language solo albums throughout the 1990’s. He also got into acting and in 1994, he starred on the soap opera General Hospital. Martin really hit the mainstream pop music scene when he released “The Cup of Life” in 1999.

Following that song’s success, he released “Livin’ la Vida Loca” which sold over 8 million copies, making it one of the best selling singles of all time. His first self-titled English-language album has sold 22 million copies. His other studio albums include: Me Amarás (1993), A Medio Vivir (1995), Vuelve (1998), Sound Loaded (2000), Almas del Silencio (2003), Life (2005), Música + Alma + Sexo (2011) and most recently, A Quien Quiera Escuchar (2015).

According to Martin’s official Facebook page: “Ricky Martin is unquestionably the leading Latin Music figure of his generation. His instinctive understanding of rhythm, passion for performing, willingness to take creative risks and natural charisma has led Martin down a musical path of artistry and superstardom.” 

Learn more about Ricky Martin in the following All Access interview:

You seem like an incredibly busy man! Last year, you played more than 30 shows, you were a judge on The Voice Australia and The Voice Mexico, you launched a clothing collaboration with A Different Fur and you are now raising your twin 6-year-old boys! How do you do it all?!

I cannot sit still…it is part of my nature. I am always moving, creating, and with my team, we are constantly working on new ideas. This is the journey that I’ve set out to do. I’ve made the decision to bring my kids into this world, and it hasn’t been difficult at all. My kids have a lot of love.

Earlier this year, you released your 10^th studio album, a Spanish language record, “A Quien Quiera Escuchar (To Whomever Wants to Listen)”. I have read that you recorded it in Australia, Puerto Rico, Los Angeles and Mexico City. Why did you decide to do that? How is this record your most personal and intimate one yet?

Everything about this creative process was so organic and so relaxed, and I didn’t have pressure from anybody. I just allowed myself to be open and I started reminiscing, remembering different experiences and being able to point out specific emotions and the experiences I’ve had over the course of my life. I felt vulnerable in the creative process and people are reacting beautifully. This song represents who I am today.

Can you talk a little about your upcoming show, La Banda (The Band)? You are the executive producer of this reality show that’s looking for the next Latin boy band. How will this show be different than other reality singing shows out there today?

I was fascinated by this concept and I’m very happy to be part of this project. It is giving us the opportunity to see how amazing artist are expressing themselves through music and I’m talking about adolescents…we are talking about people from the ages of 12-20.

The beautiful thing about this project is that the audience through an app will vote who will actually go to audition and who will perform. The artist will walk into this runaway they literally have one minute to convince the audience why they have to vote-yes- for them to walk into the audition room and then meet with the judges. So it is something that has never been seen before and I am loving every second of it and to be part of it. I will also manage the winning band!

Your One World Tour in support of “A Quien Quiera Escuchar,” what venues are you most looking forward to playing at? How do you keep up the energy night after night on a tour like this? How do you prepare for it?

I can’t complain. A lot of people ask me, ‘how do you do it?’ I have a great management team and they know how to put together a great schedule.  This is my habitat, this is my life, my family loves being on the road. There are about 150 people working on this show in order for it to look amazing.  The stage, performing, the audience, the immediate reaction is something that is incredibly addictive, and that’s why I’m still here. I love hearing the audience’s reaction and to see they are having fun!

Your career has spanned over three decades. Looking back, what do you consider some of your career-defining moments?

Two great moments of my career were when I got my first Grammy and releasing my book, “ME”.

(All photos courtesy of Niño Muñoz)