We had the good fortune of connecting with Génesis and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Génesis, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risk is the main energetic element for me. A quote that I love; “only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” – T. S. Eliot.
Growing up with a single mom, raising three children, I can’t imagine how hard that must’ve been. It’s only natural to want to protect and want something stable for your children and because of that, music and art was seen as a hobby. You had to have something ‘secure’ in life. An actual job to be able to reach success and independence. I tried it. Tried to study engineering only to end up not going to my classes and starting a band on the west side of the island (I’m from the metro). After that, everything that I’ve been able to do, the places that I’ve been able to sing and perform at, were mainly accessed through raw and unapologetically risks. Being brave and fully trusting my inner guidance.
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is my heart and soul. Music, my voice is the main tool from which I gather the strength to push through the uncertainties and hardships of life. It’s interesting to find myself not wanting to be ‘set apart from others’ but the contrary. I want to be a mirror for others. I want my expression to be an extension of what we as human beings are going through and be a tool for people to come back to their own power. To have a personal understanding that brings us back to center, to what we came to do on this earth which (for me) is to fully love and BE, from a decolonizing perspective. I seek to integrate a sense of personal and ancestral freedom to feel throughout my creations. Whether it’s through songwriting, producing, performing, I want to be an example of just how far you can go trusting yourself and the people that came before you Working for what your heart truly and fully wants.
For me it hasn’t been easy. Not at all. But so so worth it. I don’t come from a music or art school. I’ve learned everything through trial and error. But intuitively, I’ve always known that this is what I am. I got to where I am right now professionally and personally because there’s a force inside of me that is constantly supporting me in the great endeavors of being an artist in a colony. The challenges that bring the experience of living in a colony can set you up to accept a hustle culture, where everything that you do is directed to working and barely surviving. Everyone in Puerto Rico is giving and doing their best to make this a better place to live but with our current situation, it’s extremely hard. Also, for me, I’ve had certain deaths around me that have shaken me to my very core. But if there’s one, just one lesson that carries me through the darkest of times, is that the loved ones who have left this material world want me to live the best life that I can imagine, and even more. The friends that are brothers to me that have died (Emmanuel and Carlos les amo infinitamente) were always so proud of everything that I did, whether it was just singing cover songs at a bar or actually having a club gig. They are the motor that never gives out. And for that I live. I live, sing and experience my life to the fullest so that wherever they are, they can be proud and happy for me. This is what I want everybody to feel. My story is only mine to tell, but for everyone to experience.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Uff! I love this question, okay. So monday; since my friend got to Puerto Rico early, I pick them up and first, Piñones baby. Our coastal side in the north east is something that you gotta see first hand. Stop by a ‘chinchorro’ and pick up some ‘alcapurrias’ or ‘arepas de pulpo’ with a fresh coconut to get some hydration going. Since its the first day we take it slow and after the beach we go to the house, get ourselves ready and cute and head over to hear some bomba at a local spot called “Bonanza’. Tuesday is for sightseeing and a late start, so I first take them to ‘Calle Cerra’ and the area of Santurce so they could see all the beautiful art and murals this area has to offer. There’s also the ‘Museo de Puerto Rico’ that has a beautiful garden so definitely checking that out on our way. Maybe at night we go and eat some ramen at a friend’s spot called ‘Dashi’ in Calle Loíza. If we’re in the mood then we end our night going to ‘Eco’s Sports Bar’ where they have salsa night every Tuesday with a live band!
Wednesday is a full day of roadtrip. My favourite go to is finding a beach (probably in Guánica) and then heading to a river (salty and sweet is the tropical vibe). Then heading back and resting because if I’m your tour guide I’ll probably make you do some hiking cause the best places are usually the farthest ones (giggling as I write this). Thinking about the next day, I think something like a spa day would be great after all the activities we’ve done. There’s a spa called ‘Cloud spa’ that’s amazing so pampering is a must. At night we’d go and check out a local spot called ‘El Boricua’ or ‘El Local’ for some local music. Last day, Friday, would be for brunch (assuming that they’re leaving in the evening). I would definitely have to think about this one because recently so many amazing bakeries are opening that its a tough one for me to choose only one.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Other than a particular person guiding me, the first person I wanna point out is my cousin César. Putting me in a singing competition in 2012 was the start of me actually looking at myself as an artist. My mom is a complete champion for raising me and giving me the tools that I needed to become who I am as a human being. My extended family who have come and gone but have never stopped believing in me, even when I sometimes doubt about how to walk my path. Gracias gracias, Pacho, Keila, Bruni, Marilyn, Gaiya, Hannah, Nick, Anchondo, Gabi, Alfred, Pauline, Carola, Karla, Kitan, Gustavo, Ana, Khei and so many more. It really takes a village!
Website: https://linktr.ee/picuaycruda
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/picuaycruda/
Image Credits
Génesis with the red fan – Alex Sakes (instagram @alexsakesphotography)