Photo by Kumiko Aoki.
Edgar Muenala, an Ecuadorian pan flute player, composer and songwriter pursues his passion by creating a fusion of traditional Ecuadorian tunes with Asian, Western and other South American music. Muenala, who will perform at the Surrey Fusion Festival, July 19 to 20, shares how he got started as a musician, found his inspiration and his mindset when dealing with cultural struggles.
Growing up in a family of musicians, Muenala was naturally exposed to traditional Ecuadorian music at an early age. However, it was in his early teenage years when his involvement with music became more concrete.
Muenala explains it was an accidental encounter that really sparked his passion for music. One of his neighbours had been taking piano lessons, but didn’t enjoy them. Muenala started going in his place. He never mastered the piano, but did start to learn other instruments, such as the violin, guitar and mandolin.
“It’s like a different way. Others [would] probably go to school and study. Me, I was like, ‘I will learn a different way,’” he says.
In describing his music, Muenala says it is a new age meditation and fusion of Asian, Western, South American and Ecuadorian tunes. He uses various flutes that originate from places such as Romania, South America and the Middle East.
“I am always hunting for new flavors to do my musical work” he says.
In addition to flutes, Muenala also uses the erhu, a two-string bowed Chinese instrument in his work.
Influences and inspiration
For Muenala, music is his life and passion. He explains that through his music he contributes to society and helps people regain the warmth of family and nature that can be lost when living in the city.
“Society’s been turning so metallic or cold and so I found my music is a tool for people to help them. Instead of watching TV, families could put on my CD and enjoy the music and have a conversation about it,” says Muenala.
Because traditional music in Ecuador is all acoustic, Muenala says he was also inspired by the technology of using electronic instruments and amplifiers. He says that using these digital sounds in combination with traditional instruments results in a beautiful mix.
Muenala adds that his inspirations for creating music are his family, nature and the love he feels from others.
“My children are the ones that inspire me a lot. I always thank my ancestors and grandparents who I grew up with because they gave me very good, strong roots,” he says.
Choosing happiness
Musician Edgar Muelana performing
at Granville Island on June 28. | Photo by Kumiko Aoki.
Prior to coming to Canada 20 years ago, Muenala traveled to numerous countries to perform his music. From South American countries such as Peru, Bolivia and Colombia to European countries like Spain, Germany and France, Muenala experienced both smooth adjustments and culture shocks.
Muenala explains that one needs to be willing to adapt to new societies.
“If you think [you’re going] to be and live like an Ecuadorian all the time, when you go to other countries, [you’re] going to suffer. So I really learned how adapt here,” he says.
In such circumstances of cultural adjustment, Muenala recalls that music is what pushed him to be strong and happy.
Muenala hopes the audience will enjoy the experience of attentively listening to his music so certain memories or images can be visualized, soothe the audience and make them happy.
“I’m really lucky to do something I like and I can make it out of that,” he says.
Surrey Fusion Festival
July 19–20
Holland Park, Surrey
http://www.surrey.ca/fusionfestival/default.aspx
Edgar Muenala:
contact@edgarmuenala.com
604 418 4622
