At 28 years of age he has the musical potential to be around for many years to come. Born in Madrid, Spain he spent much of his youth growing up in Miami, Florida having been sent there by his mother following the kidnapping of his paternal grandfather in a ransom attempt. He lived here with his father, brother and sister. His parents divorced when he was just 3 years old.
The latest album, SEVEN, released on 25th November 2003 is his 3rd English album but his seventh in total, including Spanish albums, hence the name. Of his work to date all have made platinum or better, including 2001`s triple platinum Escape.
Enrique has become the biggest-selling Spanish language artist in the world.
The Magazine: What and when was your 1st big break?
Enrique: My Big Break arrived in the form of my 1st record contract when I was 18-19 years old. I didn’t know what I was signing – it was a whole book, about 200 pages long. The thing was that I was just happy to have a record contract. I didn’t know what the future held for me but it all felt like one big adventure.
What did you do with your first pay cheque?
I bought a house. In them days the bank took it back!!
On your new album Seven, you wrote or co-wrote and produced every song. Where and how do you find new inspiration to achieve this?
I generally find the time when I'm on the road, which is where I wrote most of the songs for my latest album. But I write most of my music at home. Most of my inspiration comes through life experiences.
How would you describe your music from Seven?
The New Album is more honest. You write a song and worry if its too negative, too happy, or if the Record Company are gonna dig it. But this time around I just had to erase these thoughts from my mind and concentrate on the lyrics and be honest in my work.
Did you write the track Addicted, with it in mind that it would be the first single out of the Album?
I wrote Addicted about 2 years ago whilst on tour in Germany, never thinking it would be the 1st single. That’s what is really cool about the track and the rest of the songs because none of them were planned out. It was all done spontaneously and we just wrote songs we loved.
Is there any particular track that sticks in your mind more than any other?
Each song points out a period in my life so it would be difficult to pick one in particular. They all have different meanings to me.
Do you have a favourite Songwriter that you most admire?
I look up to many Songwriters. From Bruce Springstein to Bono to Sting. These I would have to say would be amongst my favourites along with Lionel Ritchie, whom I had the honour of working with just over a year ago.
You have already visited Lebanon. What is your personal opinion of the place?
Enrique: To be honest, I was impressed by the people and the
strength they have... in some parts of the city you can see the damage
from previous conflicts, but what makes a place interesting is the
people and certainly Lebanon has great people
Did you sample any of the nightlife whilst there? If so, what did you think of the music you heard?
I didn’t have a chance to.
Do you foresee an opportunity to include Dubai or any other Middle Eastern country into your schedule?
It’s always a possibility.... I had a great time and would love to come back to the region
You have done collaborations with different artists in the past. Would you ever consider doing collaboration with an Arabic artist such as Chris de Burgh and Elisa?
If the song is right and we get along I would. As I have done in the past with other talented artists.
Do you feel your Spanish blood is the reason for the huge amount of passion expressed in your songs?
I don't think my Spanish blood is the only reason, but it definitely has something to with
it.
How difficult has it become for you to have a personal life being so successful as you are?
The only thing that is difficult at times is not spending enough time at home, and with
friends.
Your father, as well as being a famous singer was also an accomplished footballer (goalkeeper). Do you have any hidden talents that we should know about?
I have a small plane that I like flying at times.
You have a reputation as being a bit of a `Sex symbol. How do you keep yourself in such fantastic shape?
I eat a lot of cheeseburgers. ha ahahha
DUBAI MAGAZINE - march 2004
