Luis Alberto Naranjo
1. Congratulations on your LIT Music Awards achievement! Could you share more about your journey and background in the music industry?
My career began when I was only eight years old and started creating music. After a few years of studying I released my first self-published album.
For ten years I was recording and producing in my recording studio, until I started composing music for cinema, which is what I have been doing these last years.
2. How do you see this recognition influencing your future music?
An award is always a strong push for a composer, having international recognition in my case, and by a specialized jury, is a dream, and makes me more in love with music than ever.
3. What's the moment you first realized music was your calling? Can you describe it?
As I said before, it's something I've had inside since I can remember. My first thoughts were music, and music invented by me... it's something I can't explain, it's a very deep feeling.
4. What's the most unusual source of inspiration you've drawn from while creating your music?
It's a curious question, you know? Many of my compositions are born when I walk my dog in the park, it's something maybe strange, but my best melodies have come like this!
5. Do you have any quirky rituals or habits when you're composing or recording?
When I’m working on a project, I can’t listen to other music—I focus entirely on what’s in my mind. It’s also important for me to be at peace with myself, to find inner calm, so the melodies can take flight.
6. How would you describe your creative process? Is it more of a jazz jam session or a perfectly orchestrated symphony?
The creative process changes depending on the project—whether it’s for cinema or an original composition. Yet they all converge on one thing: the melody is always the first element I record, and from there the entire symphony grows.
There are also moments when improvisation opens unknown paths, leading me to grow as a composer.
7. How do you want people to feel or experience when they hear your music?
People often tell me that my music feels honest, created from the soul—and I believe that’s exactly the feeling I want to share with listeners. Knowing that I’ve achieved that makes me very happy.
8. What's one risk you took with your music that completely changed your career path?
I certainly didn’t have to take big risks to build my career. It has been a hard and difficult road, but I’ve always had some control. In that sense, I feel I’ve been lucky not to face major risks.
9. What's the song or artist that first made you fall in love with music, and why?
I’ve always loved instrumental music. Without a doubt, Vivaldi’s Spring was one of the first pieces I fell in love with, as well as Dvořák’s New World Symphony. And of course, it was Vangelis’ music that ultimately inspired me to choose this profession.
10. What's one moment in your career that you consider a turning point, and how did it shape your journey?
The release of my album Total Eclipse with At-Mooss was undoubtedly a turning point—the moment I truly felt like a professional and knew I didn’t want to dedicate myself to anything else in life. My concerts also mean a lot to me; the connection with people is pure magic.
11. If you could describe your award-winning work in a single sentence, what would it be?
Classical music is contemporary.
12. What was the most challenging part of creating this piece, and how did you push through?
One of my most recent musical bridges left me unsure of how to continue, until I remembered how Mike Oldfield worked with the winds in Hergest Ridge. That memory showed me the path forward and helped me overcome that creative block.
13. What upcoming music project or album are you currently working on, or is there a new genre or style you’ve yet to explore but are eager to try?
These months I’ve been working on the soundtrack for historical documentaries, as well as on a movie. Thanks to audiovisual music, I get to explore different styles, which allows me to keep learning and enjoying new musical experiences.
14. If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be, and what would the vibe of your track together be?
Vivaldi would be my choice. His music is elegant, melodious, and undeniably powerful.
15. How would you inspire fellow musicians to participate in music awards, and what valuable advice would you share to guide their journey?
I have had the fortune of winning several awards, and the LIT Music Awards is undoubtedly the most important to me. The jury is dedicated to classical music, which is incredible. I encourage you to participate, as it is a very significant recognition that can open doors to professional opportunities—something we are all striving for.
