INTERVIEW: ABDULLAH MALKOÇ – One of the biggest international stars of Latin music, Ricky Martin, met with his Turkish fans in Antalya recently. Taking the stage at Regnum Carya, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, the artist gave an unforgettable performance. Meeting with 2,500 fans, Martin sang his most beloved songs such as 'Maria', 'Shake Your Bon Bon', 'She Bangs', 'Nobody Wants to be Lonely' and 'Livin'la vida Loca' with a wonderful choreography. The Puerto Rican artist, whom we met after the concert, answered our questions for Milliyet readers.
class=”medyanet-inline-adv”>– Do you remember the moment when you first felt the love for music and wanted to make it a career?
I remember singing around my grandmother's house all the time, using a wooden spoon as a microphone, since I was a kid. Then I told my mom and dad that I wanted to be a part of the band Menudo. I knew music was something I wanted to do. I auditioned for the band three times and finally got accepted. I was 12 years old and I continued for five years straight. These were years of hard work, discipline, and traveling the world. All of these were pressures and responsibilities that led me to become the artist I am today.
– Has becoming a father changed your perspective on music? Do your children have an interest and talent in music?
class=”medyanet-inline-adv”>Becoming a father hasn’t changed my perspective on my music, but it has changed the way I work. It’s my priorities and the way I work. After a two-year hiatus, I made a plan with my team to work together and take my kids with me. They’ve been on tour with me since they were babies and I’m grateful to be able to continue doing what I love, to have my family around me, and to have my mom and friends around to help me with my kids when I’m on stage. My kids are interested in different things and are trying new things. We’ll see what they choose and I’ll always support them. They’re still very young and just discovering what their dad does.
– Türkiye is one of the first countries where your international career started. What do you think is the reason for your popularity?
Thank you for your loving and kind words. I can't really answer that question. All I know is what I bring to every stage I perform; my culture, my Latin roots, my heart and soul, and of course, putting on the best show I can. Words can't express how much I appreciate non-Spanish speaking countries welcoming me and my music with open arms. I could never have imagined it and I don't take it lightly.
'The digital world is fascinating'
– You have seen the industry go through many changes in your career. You have experienced the transition from physical album sales to the digital world. Is there anything you would say is beneficial or harmful for artists?
class=”medyanet-inline-adv”>I find it fascinating that artists can now upload videos of themselves singing from home and it can go viral in a matter of days and be viewed worldwide. When I first started, it wasn’t like that, but I think it’s a great tool for emerging artists. With social media, you get instant feedback from your fans and I like that; it’s helpful. One thing that can be detrimental is the fast pace of everything. You used to be able to release a song and promote it for months, now it’s just single after single. I still prefer to do it the way it used to be. People need time to listen to music and fall in love with it.
'Everything is perfect on set'
– We are currently watching you as an actor in the TV series 'Palm Royale'. How was the set? Will you have any other acting projects in the future?
It's an incredible project, as incredible as you've ever seen on screen. It's perfect, from the supporting cast to the sets, costumes and the amazing script. This role represented a huge challenge for me, because I had to dig deep into my soul to connect with my character's struggles. I had to control myself not to laugh when these comedy geniuses I was working with did something unexpected. Everything is going incredibly well. And yes, there's a second season that's starting to shoot very soon!
class=”medyanet-inline-adv”>'I missed Turkey'
– How was your performance here? Do you have any plans for Istanbul?
I missed Turkey so much! This special performance had a little bit of everything, cheerful songs, moments full of non-stop energy, romance and nostalgia… They were really great, full of energy, they sang along to all my songs. Istanbul… I hope I come to Istanbul soon!
– Are you working on a new album?
No for now, I'm on tour, but that's also in my plans for the coming months.
– Is there a message you would like to convey to your Turkish fans through us?
class=”medyanet-inline-adv”>All I wanted to say is that I was equally excited to see you all again!