May 11, 2024 by jayneanastasia Leave a comment

Fernando Perdomo first came across my radar back in 2008. I was attending a concert where he was playing Lead Guitar for Hilary McRae. He caught my eye as the larger than life figure who commanded the stage with his guitar playing. From my view of the standing room only front row position, he made quite the impression. Following the show, I searched out the musicians and found Fern and a few of the others on social media, and have been following their careers ever since.

To say Fern’s career has been a journey is a bit of an understatement. His trek has seen him starting out in the Music Industry in the Miami area to uprooting his business and moving everything to the West Coast, often while traveling back and forth for shows and family so much that his frequent flier miles have become the norm.

Today Fernando is based in Los Angeles and is owner/operator of Stairway Studios working as a Producer/Singer Songwriter/Multi-Instrumentalist. He is a Session Guitarist (along with other instruments), a member of, and sits in and tours with, various bands, and Produces a variety of musicians in his studio. He is currently touring with the Marshall Crenshaw Band, adding Vocals and playing Lead Guitar.

With all of these irons in the fire and scheduling challenges, I’m so grateful for the time Fern has taken to share a bit of his experience with us! So let’s get into it!

Hello Fernando, would you please introduce us to yourself?

I was born in Miami, Florida from Cuban parents. My mom was a classically trained pianist who traded in her piano for journalism. She was one of the founders of The Miami Herald in Spanish. I listened to a lot of music when I was a kid in her car, especially a lot of World Music, and she also had a great Beatles tape, which has been a big influence on me. I became a product of the Miami Beach Public School System, which had an incredible music program. We had a Rock Ensemble and my Junior Year we performed Sgt. Peppers as a show. I was hooked.

When did you become interested in music, and do you remember your first public performance?

I was playing in the Jazz Band in Middle School, but I also took part in some talent shows, and I performed and won at my first talent show. I did Sugar Mountain by Neil Young on an acoustic guitar and harmonica holder! I sang in a group before my voice changed, and I actually had a high voice.

Did you undergo any specific training or education?

All of my education was in High School mostly. I did Rock Ensemble, Classical Guitar, and Recording Studio Class under the auspices of Doug Burris. Doug was quadriplegic with Multiple Sclerosis. He really was an incredible influence. When my dad passed away, he became a second father. I miss Doug dearly.

What instruments do you play?

Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards. I am a critically acclaimed singer, who doesn’t really like his voice.

If you had to describe your personal sound, what would you say? Has that sound evolved or completely changed over time?

A lot of what I do is throw back to the 70s. Everything I do is organic and I play all the instruments on my records. I have a very old-school way of recording.

You’ve played with bands from a few different genera, do you find it challenging to play something outside of what might be your personal sound?

I’ve learned to be versatile. You have to be versatile to be a Record Producer. So I definitely roll with the punches with whatever I’m sent.

Can you share a little about your songwriting process? Where do you gather songwriting inspiration from?

I usually write the music first. Lyrics usually come second. When I’m writing instrumental music, It just flows out of me. I just started working with a lyricist, and I find it very easy to start that way with a set of lyrics.

So let’s discuss jingles! How did you get involved in that area of music creation and how does your process differ from general composition?

I started doing music for TV in Miami back in 2004. I wish I was doing more of it because the money is great. It could be very frustrating though. But I’m very grateful for the work I did get. A lot of the music I made back in the 2000s still pays my bills when I receive my quarterly payment from BMI.

Can you share with us how your participation came about in Echo In The Canyon, the documentary of the historic music scene in L.A.‘s Laurel Canyon?

Echo in the Canyon came out of nowhere. I was just jamming at an unpaid jam at a place called Canters in LA. The Director of the film (Andrew Slater) walked in, saw me play, and immediately asked me to participate. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would ever be on the record or in a movie with these amazing artists. I am forever thankful to Andrew. He also produced one of my favorite albums of all time, Tidal by Fiona Apple.

Let’s talk about your album Zebra Crossing, recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London… how surreal was that?

I was on tour in London with an artist named Dave Kerzner. When the tour was over, I asked Dave to fly me back a week later than originally scheduled. I randomly called Abbey Road and they had a cancellation. I was able to crowd fund the money, and I came in there and made an incredible record. Recording at Abbey Road is humbling. The soundtrack of our lives was made there. I couldn’t sleep the night before. I was in heaven.

Starting out in the Miami music scene, you eventually made your way over to the West Coast where you set up your own studio, Reseda Ranch Studios, and then Stairway Studios (Forward Motion Studios) in Los Angeles area… has having your own studio always been a dream of yours, or was it more of an inevitable step?

I can’t think of life without having a studio. I like kind of falling out of bed, having coffee and getting to work. I make a lot of music, so I never even put away any microphones. It’s constantly set up for work. It’s the only way I like to work.

At what point did you decide to start Producing other artists?

I started Producing other artists when I was 18 years old. It really makes you a better musician. You leave your ego out the door and you serve someone else! My favorite feeling in the whole world is to see the expression on my clients face when they hear the song produced and ready for radio.

What is your favorite thing about being in the Music Industry, and your least or most frustrating thing?

I love that I make a living doing music. I hate how hard it is. It’s a lot of work. I joke that Los Angeles has been everything I ever dreamed of and everything I was warned about. Lots of dreams are crushed. You have to have a thick skin in this business.

Who do you count as influencers in your craft and/or your life in general?

I watch a lot of YouTube. There’s some great people on there. Rick Beato is great. But I also love channels that remind me of the love of music. Abigail Devoe’s Vinyl Monday and Professor of Rock are faves.

What is the best advice you’ve been given, and what advice would you have for someone starting out playing music and looking to progress into recording?

If it isn’t fun, it isn’t worth it. The minute that you’re not having fun making music you’re in the wrong place.

You’ve been able to do some music performances/touring with one or multiple shows, where is your favorite or most interesting place you’ve traveled to thus far?

England. It’s my favorite place to tour. I love the friendliness, I love the accents.

Who would you really like to perform and/or collaborate with that you haven’t already?

Judie Tzuke, Jean Luc Ponty, Billy Joel, so many.

What’s up next for you?

I have a new album called Self coming out on June 14th on Spirit of Unicorn/Cherry Red Records. It is my most diverse and challenging record yet. It really defines me.

Tell us something about yourself that might surprise us?

I do everything by ear. I can read music, but it slows me down. I prefer to use my ears. They are my most valuable possession.

Wow, that was a great trip around your world! Thank you again, Fernando, for your time. Really appreciate you sharing! For anyone who would like to keep up with Fernando and his work, you may find him on his socials here ===> Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Website YouTube Spotify

Before we close, take a listen to the recording at Abbey Road Studios of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, right after you check out the traditional… Fast Five – Questions for Fun!

Favorite food indulgence? Cuban Food
Last song/band you listened to (excluding your own music or client?) Spyro Gyra
Define happiness in one word? Music
Which Superhero would you choose to be? Superman
Favorite downtime activity other than music? Sleep