Teddy Mulet Interview

INTERVIEW WITH TEDDY MULET FROM TheCelebrityCafe.com ARCHIVES

DM) The Miami Sounds Machine has basically brought Latin dance music to the public like it never was before. How does it make you feel being part of that?

TM) I've always been proud of being a member of Miami Sound Machine not for its musical & commercial achievements, but because the guys are great players, very creative, very professional, and fun to work with. And knowing we are apart of music history is one of my most proud accomplishments. I am humbled by the experience but at the same time, I am thrilled to be a part of it.

DM) A number of groups have broken up because all the credit went to the singer and not as much to the band. Have you ever felt that way?

TM) Yes, I've felt like that sometimes, but this is what MSM is and always has been; a backup band for Gloria. The band was originally founded by Emilio Estefan and he always retained the leadership of the band. Even though we may be hired as 'side men' for this band, when we go on stage we "become" one helluva band to be reckoned with. Gloria always compliments the band to the audience. She knows she has good people behind her. Also besides the musicians there are other people that make the concerts possible and as great as can be. They are the production team, crew, lights, sound, agents, managers, producers, etc.. As the show closes credits are rolled on the video screen.

DM) Have you ever considered going solo?

TM) Yes, but it's hard to capsulize all my musical influences into one album that can also be commercial. But I am considering the idea - and may have to release a couple of different albums just to cover all the areas I want to.

I am planning on releasing a solo CD sometime this year, hopefully by May. I am still with and will continue to be a major part of Miami Sound Machine; this is just something that I have always wanted to do and feel the time has come, based on my fan's input.

DM) Is there any other style of music that you'd prefer to do?

TM) Yes - I have done and am planning to do some Classical, Jazz, Latin Jazz, and Latin American Folk Music. I was classically trained in piano, guitar, and trumpet. I also write, arrange, and produce music.

DM) What other side projects are you working on?

TM) I am currently producing a demo for a new artist and writing all the arrangements for the music. I am also working on a deal to go home to Puerto Rico(only a little while!) to write, arrange, and produce a couple of songs for the San Juan Pops, and write the music, arrangements, and hire and direct a band for a new television show that will also be on one of the Latin networks. That and probably a promotional tour for Gloria perhaps this year as well as work more with Aejandro Fernandez. I co-wrote a song for him. And I understand he is nominated for a Grammy. So, I will be a little busy (I hope) for the next couple of months!

DM) Do you ever find that you have "fans" to your work individually?

TM) Yes - faithful fans have followed my work for over a decade. I have a website, and my web mistresses are getting ready to start the first ever Official Teddy Mulet Fan Club. I am honored that so many people appreciate my music, and it amazes me that I do have such a following of any sort. That makes me work all the harder; so I don't let my fans down.

DM) When did you decide that you wanted to make music your career?

TM) Where I went to college I was on a pre-med program thinking maybe someday I'd become a doctor. I paid my tuition and books by playing in various college orchestras like the marching band, the jazz band, and the classical ensemble. Pretty soon, I discovered that my heart was not in science but music. My grades were dismal due to my lack of interest in the subjects, so I decided to go to a music school and everything changed, perhaps for the best. You have to ask yourself, which would you rather I'd do, play trumpet or do surgery on you?

DM) How long were you studying to be a doctor?

TM) I attended two years of Pre-Med school when I had a change of heart - no pun intended.

DM) Have you ever regretted the decision?

TM) There have been occasions that I have wondered if I should have stuck to medicine instead of music. Those times are usually when things are down in the music world and the work is slow. This is not a steady paced job - it's usually feast or famine. But then I go up on stage, and I see the audience, hear their cries for the band and even for me individually. I know then that I made the right choice, that I am where I belong in the world. I just can't see people cheering a doctor on in the operating room, and besides, my hours ARE better, and I'm never on call!

DM) Well, thank you for speaking with me....

TM) Thanks for all your interest in me - I really do appreciate your time and effort.