Celebrating #LatinosMarinos: Maikel Vistel, producing music for the ocean
In our first Celebrating #LatinosMarinos profile, we chat with Maikel Vistel, a saxophonist & international artist born in Cuba. Maikel was the Musical Director and Producer for En El Mar, a full-length album presented by Azul dedicated to celebrating Latino communities and our connection with the ocean.
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1) Tell us about yourself! Where do you call home and where do you work? What do you do when you’re not working?
My name is Maikel Vistel Serrano, and I am from Cuba from a small town called Guantánamo. I come from a purely musical family on my dad’s side, and my mom is a marine biologist. From the age of 14, I left home to study in La Habana, and from there on, I didn’t live with my parents. For that reason, home is where I am with the people I love.
I teach saxophone, piano, and flute, and I have a jazz group with my brother called Vistel Brother. With this project and others, we are traveling across festivals in Europe, and we just published our latest album, which was released just a few days ago. Nowadays, when I’m not working, I spend my spare time with my baby who was born two months ago – he takes up all that spare time.
2) You produced En El Mar, a full length album dedicated to celebrating our connection with the ocean. Can you tell us about your favorite part of this project?
My favorite part about producing the album En El Mar were a few: first, how we came together to create it, choose the songs, connect with the musicians, but also the mixing and mastering. I was very clear about the sound I wanted for this album, and it turned out incredibly!
3) November 22 in the International Musicians Day, a date in honor of Santa Cecilia, the patron saint of musicians. How can music, art, and culture help shape our efforts to protect the ocean and our communities?
Music is a huge driving force for big objectives. With music we can save lives, and with music we can communicate how important it is to take care of our ocean. It could help to create more projects like En El Mar, so more artists can use their power to move masses to raise consciousness.
4) We know the ocean is an essential part of our culture and traditions as Latino communities. How have you seen this connection present in your life?
For me, it’s a connection I’ve had since I was young. My mom, being a marine biologist, would often take us to her job. I grew up surrounded by the ocean. Every moment, happy or sad, we always had the ocean nearby to feel free from everything.
5) Why should Latino communities get involved and help lead conservation efforts?
As Latinos, we have so many connections to the ocean, and that’s why it is important to unite and create consciousness about the importance of the ocean for all of us, not just a pretty beach. We have to look beyond that and look deeper into the protection of our ocean.
6) What objective should ocean conservationists adopt to ensure a healthy ocean?
In my opinion, we need more campaigns to raise awareness, and not just within our communities – primarily with politicians who have a responsibility to lead by example and take care of our resources.
7) What is your first or favorite memory of the ocean or coasts?
My favorite memory of the ocean was in La Habana: one day I was filled with sadness, and just hearing the ocean’s waves could make me feel happy.
8) If you could be any animal that lives in the ocean, what would you be?
Well, for me it’s clear – a shark! 🦈
Do you have a story to share with us? Share your story with us and we may feature you in our blog!