Teddy Mulet of The Miami Sound Machine speaks about his feelings on music, and his previous life as a doctor!
DM) The Miami Sounds Machine has basically brought Latin dance
music to the public like it never was before. How does it make
you feel being part of that?
TM) I've always been proud of being a member of Miami Sound
Machine not for its musical & commercial achievements, but
because the guys are great players, very creative, very professional,
and fun to work with. And knowing we are apart of music history
is one of my most proud accomplishments. I am humbled by the
experience but at the same time, I am thrilled to be a part of
it.
DM) A number of groups have broken up because all the credit
went to the singer and not as much to the band. Have you ever
felt that way?
TM) Yes, I've felt like that sometimes, but this is what MSM
is and always has been; a backup band for Gloria. The band was
originally founded by Emilio Estefan and he always retained the
leadership of the band. Even though we may be hired as 'side
men' for this band, when we go on stage we "become"
one helluva band to be reckoned with. Gloria always compliments
the band to the audience. She knows she has good people behind
her. Also besides the musicians there are other people that make
the concerts possible and as great as can be. They are the production
team, crew, lights, sound, agents, managers, producers, etc..
As the show closes credits are rolled on the video screen.
DM) Have you ever considered going solo?
TM) Yes, but it's hard to capsulize all my musical influences
into one album that can also be commercial. But I am considering
the idea - and may have to release a couple of different albums
just to cover all the areas I want to.
I am planning on releasing a solo CD sometime this year, hopefully
by May. I am still with and will continue to be a major part
of Miami Sound Machine; this is just something that I have always
wanted to do and feel the time has come, based on my fan's input.
DM) Is there any other style of music that you'd prefer to
do?
TM) Yes - I have done and am planning to do some Classical,
Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Latin American Folk Music. I was classically
trained in piano, guitar, and trumpet. I also write, arrange,
and produce music.
DM) What other side projects are you working on?
TM) I am currently producing a demo for a new artist and writing
all the arrangements for the music. I am also working on a deal
to go home to Puerto Rico(only a little while!) to write, arrange,
and produce a couple of songs for the San Juan Pops, and write
the music, arrangements, and hire and direct a band for a new
television show that will also be on one of the Latin networks.
That and probably a promotional tour for Gloria perhaps this
year as well as work more with Aejandro Fernandez. I co-wrote
a song for him. And I understand he is nominated for a Grammy.
So, I will be a little busy (I hope) for the next couple of months!
DM) Do you ever find that you have "fans" to your
work individually?
TM) Yes - faithful fans have followed my work for over a decade.
I have a website, and my web mistresses are getting ready to
start the first ever Official Teddy Mulet Fan Club. I am honored
that so many people appreciate my music, and it amazes me that
I do have such a following of any sort. That makes me work all
the harder; so I don't let my fans down.
DM) When did you decide that you wanted to make music your career?
TM) Where I went to college I was on a pre-med program thinking
maybe someday I'd become a doctor. I paid my tuition and books
by playing in various college orchestras like the marching band,
the jazz band, and the classical ensemble. Pretty soon, I discovered
that my heart was not in science but music. My grades were dismal
due to my lack of interest in the subjects, so I decided to go
to a music school and everything changed, perhaps for the best.
You have to ask yourself, which would you rather I'd do, play
trumpet or do surgery on you?
DM) How long were you studying to be a doctor?
TM) I attended two years of Pre-Med school when I had a change
of heart - no pun intended.
DM) Have you ever regretted the decision?
TM) There have been occasions that I have wondered if I should
have stuck to medicine instead of music. Those times are usually
when things are down in the music world and the work is slow.
This is not a steady paced job - it's usually feast or famine.
But then I go up on stage, and I see the audience, hear their
cries for the band and even for me individually. I know then
that I made the right choice, that I am where I belong in the
world. I just can't see people cheering a doctor on in the operating
room, and besides, my hours ARE better, and I'm never on call!
DM) Well, thank you for speaking with me....
TM) Thanks for all your interest in me - I really do appreciate
your time and effort.
