Julio Iglesias Jr. Finds His Own Voice

Fifteen years – that’s how long it has been since Julio Iglesias Jr. released a new album. In an industry where artists are expected to constantly produce new music, this long hiatus could suggest a falling out of love with the art form. However, in today’s episode of ‘Highly Relevant,’ Julio shares a different story with me. He discusses his disappointment with his last record in 2008, his love for his father’s music, and his refusal to follow sonic trends evidenced by his new album ‘Under The Covers’ – a big band album with covers of hit songs. He also opens up about race and identity and how he defines himself: as a Spaniard, Filipino, or Latino. Listen below for the full interview.

Listen to the podcast and read some key highlights from the interview below:

Julio’s Musical Journey

– Julio discusses his love for his last album, Tercera Dimensión, a Spanish rock record in 2003, which is still one of his favorite records.

– After that, he did a cover record in Spain, but it was a quick kind of record that didn’t turn out well.

– He then joined a French project man band called “Latin Lover,” where they did a cover of “La Camisa Negra“.

– Julio reveals how he found his passion for big band music and how his producer Rudy Perez helped him create his latest album.

– Julio explains that he doesn’t follow trends and only sings what he loves, which is why he defied the trend of singing reggaeton or urban music.

Julio’s Cultural Identity

– Julio discusses how he culturally identifies as Filipino, Spaniard, or Latino.

– Julio admits that he is confused about his identity and explains why.

– Julio says that he has always felt comfortable embracing his father’s music and sees himself doing that type of music as opposed to his brother Enrique.

Embracing Family and Music at 50

– Julio explains why he is so comfortable embracing his family, despite the media trying to create a different narrative.

– Julio explains that he grew up listening to his father’s music and sees himself as a true fan of his dad’s music.

– Julio talks about how he doesn’t see Enrique singing his father’s songs but loves doing it himself.

– Julio says he loves his family and enjoys touring with his dad whenever possible.

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