Oscar Pascasio brings an exquisite sensitivity to his music, creating an authentic sound that simultaneously honors and breaks the traditional rules of songwriting. It is an approach that is earning this artist out of Palencia, Spain much acclaim lately and has propelled his debut radio single ‘La Ribera Del Pisuerga’ to the top of the charts. One critic recently went so far as to comment: ‘Elegant and enthusiastic, Oscar Pascasio’s new instrumental collection is well-provisioned with euphonic European melodies; tense concentrations of tone and exultant resurrections of harmony bring their sound to the highest altitudes of classical music.’ Reporter Lauren Scott recently caught up with Oscar Pascasio to learn more about this intriguing artist, his artistic inspirations and plans for the future.
LAUREN: As an artist on the rise, what is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most afraid of happening in your career?
OSCAR PASCASIO: What gives me most satisfaction is to verify that my music is able to help and thrill many people. What scares me is that one day I no longer enjoy composing. I am aware that if I am able to enjoy myself with my music I'll be able to thrill others.
LAUREN: Your song ’La Ribera Del Pisuerga’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
OSCAR PASCASIO: The first time I listened to my song on the radio was something magical, a mixture of feelings. I felt really proud of my work. It was very exciting.
LAUREN: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
OSCAR PASCASIO: The inspiration to compose this song came to me while strolling along the banks of the river Pisuerga, passing through my village. The contact with nature, the water, the sounds you're listening to ... all led me to compose the title track to the album, “La ribera del Pisuerga”, the banks of the river Pisuerga.
LAUREN: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
OSCAR PASCASIO: No, I have not really had any concrete experience that has been the catalyst.
It was a friend of mine, also a composer, who encouraged me to start composing. It never had crossed my mind. Now I have a lot to be thankful for. I have never enjoyed music as now, creating my own songs. The themes come when you least expect it, strolling, waiting for someone who does not arrive, enjoying the beach or even at a spa.
LAUREN: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
OSCAR PASCASIO: A humble pianist who enjoys the music.
LAUREN: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
OSCAR PASCASIO: I just worked with my violinist and my soundman. My violinist Gorka Cortijo is a great friend of mine and with him everything is very easy, we get along very well, the music unites us, so we do not need words to understand each other. David Gutierrez, a former student of mine, was in charge of recording. It was the first time I got into a recording studio but, thanks to him, it was very easy. He made the work easier for me, and everything went well.
LAUREN: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
OSCAR PASCASIO: My grandfather José María Monzón was also a musician. He gave me my first lessons in piano and was the person who taught me to love music.
I wish he could see me now, he would be thrilled to hear my music. My sister also plays the piano, so when we were children, at home, the piano sounded every day.
LAUREN: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
OSCAR PASCASIO: The most rewarding thing is to see that you have the ability to thrill people. It's a unique feeling to see in a concert how people are enjoying something you've created yourself.
The most challenging thing is composing new songs. You want to keep up and do not know if you're going to suceed until the day of the premiere. It is hard to take. But the most important thing is that you're satisfied with your work. As I said before, if I enjoy it I know I'll have it a lot easier.
LAUREN: Who are your role models in music?
OSCAR PASCASIO: Within classical music, I like Beethoven and Chopin. Regarding contemporary composers, I very much like to listen to Ludovico Einaudi, Yiruma or Yann Tiersen. I love soundtracks so I also listen to composers like Ennio Morricone, John Barry and John Williams and this is reflected in my compositions, which have the style of soundtrack.
LAUREN: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
OSCAR PASCASIO: I do not know if it was the best but certainly the most exciting. It was the premiere of my first album in front of all my people. Releasing a work without knowing how the audience will react is very difficult to carry. I began with many nerves and slowly I relaxed. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end and saw from the first minute how the people were surrendering to my music. In the theater there was complete silence and I could sense the emotions. The concert ended and the whole audience stood to applaud. An overflowing joy I will never forget
LAUREN: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
OSCAR PASCASIO: I would advise them to feel the music, you enjoy it and give it your all on stage, forgetting nerves and thinking only of what they are playing. Only then, feeling the music, are you able to transmit all that your fingers are playing. I would tell them to play with their instrument and create melodies; there is nothing more satisfying than thrilling with their own music. I would tell them to listen to all kinds of music and listen to the advice of any musician, whether professional or amateur, we always learn something from anyone. And above all, I would say to be humble. To reach your goals, you have to start from the bottom. We must not forget where we come from. Above all humility.
LAUREN: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
OSCAR PASCASIO: I am composing songs for my next album and hope to finish in the coming months. But before that, we will be able to listen on Youtube to a theme that I have composed for a Spanish technology company called Xesol. The song is called “On Board” and shall be included in my next album.
LAUREN: That's wonderful! Thank you so much for letting us get to know you a little better. We wish you the best of luck and continued success.
https://www.oscarpascasio.com
