Music is like a puzzle, with a variety of intricately-shaped pieces carefully fitted together to leave listeners with an auditory vision. While musicians are certainly the most visible piece of this puzzle, the producers and composers behind the scenes are just as instrumental in determining the outcome of the project. Today I introduce you to Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Tommy Torres, who initially earned his stripes in the music industry as a producer and arranger.
As ironic as it sounds, I was introduced to the music of Tommy Torres through a cheaply-produced “reggaeton remix” of his song Pegadito, which featured Hector “El Father.” While the song did not earn its way into the depths of my iTunes library, I was deeply impressed by Tommy’s lyrics and fervently sought out the infectious original version of “Pegadito“ – a beautifully-produced alt-pop song that everybody should hear. Today’s new single, “Querido Tommy,” comes from the upcoming third album and tells the tale of a love-struck young man named Paco. Paco is writing from Santiago (Chile). where his mind is clouded by thoughts of an elegant girl, and he wants Tommy’s advice, stating that this girl loves all of Tommy’s songs. After initially receiving no response, Paco follows up with Tommy, who admits to Paco that he is not an expert in love and reminds him that even the most carefully crafted words can’t replace true feelings.
The arrangement of the piece ebbs and flows with the conversation, starting out with just a solo piano that crescendos with the sounds of strings, guitars, and drums, as Paco’s infatuation increases. Whether he is behind the mixing board or singing into the microphone – Tommy always seems to be saving the best piece for last.
