The Ecuadorian interpreter AU-D He has sung love in all its phases. In his repertoire there are songs to dedicate from the moment the relationship begins (Three notes, only your love), when there is a distance (First I think of you, air to breathe, your best mistake, soaked), to win back (fallen soldier, no drama). And now self-love, the most important thing that every individual should take care of, is also part of his lyrics.

Originally released in 2012, Martín Galarza -first name of the artist- in a ballad version renews the sound of this melody and presents it in salsa format. “When I did it I had just ended a long relationship and was left alone for a long time, but I took the opportunity to get a little closer to my family and friends. Then I realized that love exists, but in many forms, including self-love,” he explains.

Performed by AU-D alongside David Kam and Ketzia Espinoza, the musician claims it was his various personal experiences that shaped this production. “I have been hurt before and I have hurt other people as well. Relationships are complicated, but I rediscovered it. First in me, then in the family and in due time in another,” he assures.

Of course it exists (love), but we have all reached that point where we lose faith in it, which we believe is impossible. In this song I talk about that moment when you get another chance to love and be loved, but aware that fears can destroy that chance, I decide to believe, to believe without a doubt.

AU-D

Cover of the single ‘Fe’ in its new version in the salsa genre. courtesy photo

With a video clip shot in Guayaquil, in the Shutter studios, AU-D also emphasizes the importance of saving love in music, over the explicit content that is usually heard. “Sex is great, of course, but I feel like today’s songs separate it from romance, from how beautiful it is to share something so intimate with someone, what you love, and they’ve become simple descriptions of intercourse. That’s not romance, it’s not making love,” he adds.

Salsa, he emphasizes, is not an unknown genre for him. “I feel incredible, comfortable, salsa is something that runs in the family. My Puerto Rican dad and my Guayaca mom are terrible salseros and making this version made me feel more connected to their taste. It’s in my blood (laughs). The idea to turn it into salsa came from David Kam, who had been exploring those rhythms for a long time,” he adds.

“I promise to make you smile every day of our lives because that’s what I love about you the most,” AU-D and Gissela Flores get married in Cuenca

Set in Miami, his life moves between the United States, airports and Ecuador, a country to which he constantly returns to offer shows in different cities. “Traveling every weekend is very hard, but it is the goal I have set for myself. I want to pave the way for my future as a songwriter/producer, and Miami represents the nerve center of Latin music from which I can take my work in different directions,” said the singer-songwriter.

AU-D, 54, who celebrated his religious wedding to Gisella Flores in Cuenca months ago, also says it was very special to share that moment with the family. “The marriage is going on (laughs), the wedding was very emotional for us. Finally being able to swear eternal love to each other in front of our families was great, a frustrated wish since the pandemic,” he emphasizes.

support between artists

Asked about the controversies that have arisen among other colleagues in the medium over nominations received by young Ecuadorian talents abroad, AU-D insists: “I can’t imagine any Ecuadorian artist not being happy with the triumph from another, because statistically when an artist with a style from a country, from a genre triumphs, the doors immediately open for other people of the same genre or music style or country,” he says.