By: Nadia Sobehart
From a long-time music lover to a fresh recording artist, Sifuentes reminds us of the power of hopes and dreams in his latest album, Summertime, featuring the lead single by the same title. Summertime is a collection of 12 heartfelt pop tracks that bring positivity, light, and the reminder that life is best lived to the fullest.
At 61 years old, Sifuentes has an unparalleled drive and motivation to bring his stories to life. Reminiscing on his younger years, Sifuentes recalls a time when he used to compose and play music along the venue circuit. “I wanted to go to New York or Los Angeles, but life came into play, and I didn’t follow through.”
Before he knew it, he was 50 years old and facing his first major life crisis: a diagnosis of Hodgkins Lymphoma. Within the next decade, Sifuentes would be dealt another blow in the form of a heart attack at age 60—just after losing his job in a 20-year-long career. It was then that he decided to take on the bucket list of dreams he never got around to—starting with his music.
“I felt lost and abandoned, but music came back to me to get me through this. I can still sing and play,” explains Sifuentes after his long hiatus. “I made a goal and wrote it down: this time next year, I would have an album. And then I told my inner circle to keep me honest.”
At first, Sifuentes had doubts, “Who’s going to listen to a 60-year-old? Then I said, ‘Forget it. I’m going to do it.” And so, he did. Around this time, Sifuentes met Diego, the son of a friend, who wanted to capture Sifuentes’ journey in a documentary project. Diego accompanied Sifuentes to his first studio recording session, where two songs were recorded, and Sifuentes battled nerves during his performance. After a few months, he returned to the studio with confidence and the additional tracks ready to record.
The following January, life delivered Sifuentes another unexpected blow in the form of stage four pancreatic cancer. “At that point, I had made a commitment, and I wanted to leave a legacy for my two daughters and family and for me. I thought, ‘I can still sing enough.’ So, I was going to go through with it. Either way, it’s not about fame—it’s about giving to the world.”
While Sifuentes had been dealt with a difficult hand of cards, he wasn’t about to stop playing. In order to finish recording his songs, Sifuentes postponed his chemotherapy treatments. Eventually, he managed to finish the final tracks while receiving treatment. “My voice wasn’t at its strongest, but I got it done,” adds Sifuentes of the journey. “I still feel good, and I’m still living. I wanted to release the album and see where it goes.”
Sifuentes’ single, “Summertime” embraces the golden moments of summer. The single sets the mood for the Summertime album, introducing listeners to the warmth and positivity laced into the record. For those living in colder areas who can’t wait for summer, this single will have them daydreaming all year long.
“Summertime” was born from a simple melody as Sifuentes played around with chord progressions. “I was trying to figure out the song, then the melody came. Heavily influenced by The Beatles, Sifuentes would often reflect on his own music from the lens of their writing. “Would they write this?” Sifuentes often asked of his own work as a songwriter.
When I started writing “Summertime,” I played it for my daughter, who liked it and told me to finish it. I thought, if she’s in her 20s (back when I wrote it) and likes it, that’s a good thing.” Going into the studio to record, Sifuentes had a strong feeling the song would be perfect for a summer release a year later, along with the entire album. “The cool thing about being 61 is that I know what I can say. I know my strengths, and that’s writing lyrics.”
In addition to “Summertime,” listeners can enjoy a full album of pop songs for lovers of all genres. “There’s always a hooklike and catch in every song,” adds the artist. “Love You Dear” will be the next feature single to look out for. The final song also features a Latin beat in honor of Sifuentes’ Mexican-American heritage.
While recording the album, Sifuentes relied on his strengths playing bass and keyboards and singing. His friend, Matt, joined in on the drums, brass, and piano, while his brother added in lead guitar. In fact, the album cover is a throwback to olden times playing together. Both a reunion and a fresh beginning, the album represents a chance to lean into the moment and live.
At the end of the day, Sifuentes wants listeners to take away a renewed commitment to their own dreams. “Don’t stop living, no matter what. Don’t stop setting goals,” says Sifuentes. “[My misfortunes] didn’t stop me from moving and living in the present. I can choose to fall into depression or bring it along with me and give it music to energize people. To this day, I have a choice to feel bad or feel good. Songs and music are that energy for me.”
Make sure to stay connected to Sifuentes on all platforms for new music, videos, and social posts.
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