San Francisco Voice

Fernando Paez is not your average alternative music genre musician. If you saw him walking down the street in his favorite SF neighborhood (North Beach), you probably wouldn’t figure him to be the kind of guy who went from singing in salsa bands to performing internationally as an alternative rock musician. But surprising people is something that this musician isn’t afraid of doing. Having just returned to the Bay Area after time spent in LA and Central America, Fernando is hoping to wrap up some new recordings and then form a local group. You can hear some of his music on this MySpace page.

What can you tell us about your musical history? I was born in Havana, Cuba. Our family moved to San Francisco when I was only 4 years old. Growing up in SF, I always listened to The Beatles, The Stones, The Doors, and The Who. I would lock myself in my room and sing along to Marvin Gaye, The Four Tops, and Led Zeppelin. I went to High School at St. Ignatius in San Francisco and began singing for any rock band that would have me, including my friend Walter’s group that played all the Santana songs. We played school dances mostly and benefits. I don’t remember ever getting paid, but we weren’t tossed out either so I guess we weren’t too awful. I started playing congas and singing backup for several local Salsa bands and eventually became lead singer for Salsa Caliente and Combo Vaya. I studied with the late, great Carlos Federico, who encouraged me to write original songs when everyone else played covers. Sometime around 1987, I became disgusted with the state of Salsa music in the Bay Area and started a rock band. In 1990, I moved to Redondo Beach in the LA area in order to pursue my rock and roll dreams. I played a lot in Hollywood, and recorded extensively in the 90’s, notably with my group Lucid Dreaming.

Can you tell us about your experiences playing live in South America? I lived for most of last year in Costa Rica. When I first arrived, I sent some of my mpegs to a local radio station in the capital, San Jose. They loved my music and put me in the rotation. Now this station is very powerful and you can hear it in Nicaragua and Panama clearly. All my friends back in the states were able to get the station online as well. I made the top five request list for two months running and the station invited me to do an interview and play some gigs in town. It was a lot of fun and I remember driving to the interview in a van with my friends and hearing my song playing on the radio. I don’t care if it’s Costa Rica or Timbuktu, when you hear your song on the radio it is always a big thrill. I also played a lot in Nicaragua which was really a trip.

What brought you back to San Francisco? I am visiting my son and my elderly mother who both live here. I was going kind of crazy in Central America what with the heat, humidity, scorpions, giant spiders, and power outages. But I’m not complaining. Living in CR was an incredible experience. There are hardly any cops and even though there is some crime, the level of freedom that comes with that is amazing. You have to rely on yourself and your wits, especially at 4 in the morning in Playas del Coco, CR.

Which spots in SF can you be found in when you’re just out and about?  I like Old Time San Francisco with character and flavor, so I go to Gino and Carlo’s in North Beach. I really like North Beach and there are several great places there. I just bar hop basically. To eat, you have to try Osteria del Forno or Café Sport in North Beach. I go a lot to King of Thai Noodles on Taraval. Best soup in the city.

Do you have a favorite SF venue for going to hear live music? I think the Warfield is the most intimate for touring National acts. There are several great clubs in North Beach. I also go to the Cigar Bar for Salsa music which I still love.

If you had to sum up your sound, what would you say?  My sound is definitely alternative rock-pop with a little Latin flair. My songs are accessible and my chord structures are always interesting and cutting edge, even if most of the music is soft.

Describe the average fan who would be likely to enjoy your music. Someone who enjoys quality music from the heart with an alternative acoustic guitar flavor. Generally speaking, if you like Coldplay, David Gray, or even the Chili’s softer stuff, you will probably like my music.

Where do you want to be, musically, a year from now? I want to release my new recordings which means finishing up in the studio. I would love to put together a group to play out. One thing I have learned is that you can build a great group around a solid drummer.

If there was anything that you could make sure your fans knew, what would it be? Hey, I’m older than the average alt rock singer-songwriter, but if you are judging by age, then you will miss out on a lot of great music. I pour myself into my songs and I think it comes through, but they can be the judge. Like Sting says, “Music is its own reward.” Amen.

What else should we know about your music? It sneaks up on you like good Creepy (Costa Rican for herb). I get off on hearing new music. I love the Kaiser Chiefs, Interpol, The Bravery, U2, Social Distortion, Silversun Pickups, Cold War Kids, The Red Hot Chilis, and Green Day. I think that the state of alternative rock music right now is fantastic and better than ever really. I want to add my name and songs to the list of great music but I am happy just playing as much as possible. Very little ego trip for me at this point. Hope to see you all out there!

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