Venezuelan-American Edward Mena started singing professionally at a very young age. To date, he has performed with success in major cities such as Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles, Las Vegas Phoenix and New York, has earned several international awards including governmental distinctions, and has shared the stage with iconic Hispanic performers. In 2019, he released in the Latin market his debut EP “Emociones: Mi Canto al Idolo” produced by the legendary Humberto Gatica, whose credits include Céline Dion, Andrea Bocelli, Cher, Josh Groban, among others. Now, he brings us his latest release, a mesmerizing new version and heartfelt interpretation of the classic “Unchained Melody” accompanied by a fantastic orchestral arrangement.
What made you decide to pursue a career in entertainment? How did all begin?
Well, I have always loved music! I remember growing up and being around my house as a very young boy singing and just being musical all the time. But it was during my teenage years when the voice matures and singing along to some of my musical idol’s albums that I discovered my real vocal talent. My first time singing professionally for an audience on a big stage was at a local festival in Miami when I was 17 years old in front of 3,500 people. That was back in 2007. From that moment, I knew this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life… It has been a beautiful journey since then and it never ends.
What have you learned since that first experience that helped you grow and get to where you are right now?
That you need to have a lot of discipline and passion, this is a “career of resistance”. I’m always finding ways to keep perfecting my art, it takes a lot of sacrifices, long hours of study and constant preparation. As a vocalist you have to take care of your instrument and work hard by learning healthy singing techniques that will help you preserve it through your life. I’ve had the blessing of being guided by great vocal coaches who have taught me how to take care of my voice and use it properly. The years bring you more experience, but I consider that a good artist is always learning something new and challenging ourselves to give the very best of us in our craft. And of course, loving what you do is the main ingredient! Being a great interpreter for me is everything, you have to truly feel the music to make others feel your emotions and create that bridge between our heart and the hearts of our listeners.
Which do you think has been the best performance or moment of your career so far?
Wow! I’ve had many great moments, from earning international awards as the prestigious Global Music Award to having the honor of performing in many places around the United States and Latin America, also to have shared the stage with legendary artists such as Paloma San Basilio, Yuri, Danny Rivera, Luis Enrique, Guadalupe Pineda, Aida Cuevas, and many others. I wouldn’t be able to mention just one in particular. The magic of being in front of thousands of people or an intimate crowd, hearing them sing along with you, feeling their energy, is what really gives us life as an artist. So all my performances so far are very memorable to me. I’m always excited and looking forward to conquering new audiences with my music. Hope to be in other countries performing soon! Very grateful for everything I have accomplished until this point in my career and there’s still so much to do and achieve!
Tell us about your new release, this beautiful version of the classic “Unchained Melody”. Why this song?
It’s one of my favorite songs of all time, I just love it. The first time I heard it was when watching the movie “Ghost” back in the 90’s and was blown away by the beauty of it, the melody, the lyrics.. I knew I had to record it some day and do my own rendition! I have a especial connection with this particular song that makes me feel it so deep in my soul. I’m so glad that the time came to sing it on this new project that I’m working on in tribute to the “Great American Classics”. We’re just getting started!
Who did you work with on the creation of this new record?
On this new single and on the album that I’m currently recording, my first completely in English, I’m working alongside GRAMMY and Latin GRAMMY nominated Venezuelan producer Hildemaro Alvarez, who is also a fantastic arranger and is very respected in the music industry, and with Nick Burchall, an acclaimed British mastering/audio engineer in London who has worked on albums for Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Elton John, and many others. We invited musicians from several countries who also did an incredible job. I’m very proud of the result and how well is being received by the public and the media around the world so far.
What is the best advice you would give to young singers who are starting out and want to have a career like yours?
First of all, believe in yourself. You can achieve anything you want in life as long as you work hard for it. This career is not easy, but as I mentioned before, the love and passion for what you do gives you the strength to fight for your dreams! Besides the talent, it takes lots of preparation, perseverance, and never give up no matter what obstacles you might find. Experiences make you grow. Also, value the honest people around you that support you and believe in you, those who continuously push you to reach for the stars. Stay humble with your feet well planted on the ground and never take “No” for an answer. Be authentic, stay focused and always remember that “the best is yet to come”.
You can watch and enjoy the “Unchained Melody” Official Music Video on the link below:
Follow Edward Mena on Social Media:
Instagram: @edwardmenamusic
Threads: @edwardmenamusic
Facebook: @edwardmenamusic
