Reggaeton artist, Farruko and producer Sharo Towers talk about their latest musical documentary, Farruko: En Letra de Otro, that is set to premiere on HBO Latino August 23rd.
The 28-year-old Puerto Rican singer, Farruko debuts his first documentary- Farruko: En Letra de Otro- to showcase his background and how he got to be where he is now. In the hour-long special, he takes fans to the place where he was born and raised in, as well as performs classic musical hits that fans have adored for many years from artists before him, such as: Frankie Ruiz, Jerry Rivera, Yandel, Divino, and Ricardo Arjona. Farruko wanted the songs in the documentary to be relatable to fans as well as represent his story. Although Farruko sang several popular songs, he made sure to add some of his unique style and ultimately made each and every song his very own. Sharo Towers, executive producer of the documentary and latest album, made sure you noticed Farruko trying to convey a deeper message to fans that were once in his position- to never lose faith and to stay committed to your dreams. Ultimately, by the end of the documentary, you’ll be left feeling inspired and never wanting to ever give up on your dreams!
Translation of Interview with Farruko and Sharo Towers:
The Knockturnal: Talk to me about this opportunity with HBO. How did it happen?
Farruko: Basically, it was me that approached Sony. I had previously seen other artists in this series- En Letra de Otro- such as Pedro Capó and Gente de Zona. So it caught my attention because I’ve never seen it with an urban artist before and I liked it and it made me curious. So, I accepted the offer and thought I could do this challenge. I thought I would be great for it and have a great story to tell for this documentary.
The Knockturnal: You also mentioned in the documentary that your father use to put salsa music in his business, in the car wash, I believe.
Farruko: Yes! When I first use to hear music as a young kid, my father use to put salsa songs. And those were songs that always stood in my head and ultimately influenced me to what I am today.
The Knockturnal: If you could work with any salsa singer. Who would it be and why?
Farruko: Any salsa singer!?
The Knockturnal: Yes!
Farruko: Shit! If I could work with any singer, I’d love to work with Frankie Ruiz. But, he’s not alive. I would of loved too!
The Knockturnal: [ To Sharo Towers] You’re executive producer of the documentary?
Sharo Towers: Yes! I’m excited to work with Farruko again. I’m his producer for his albums; etc. And this was a project that was very interesting because of the songs that were successes in other generations. It was not only a commitment to new audiences and Farruko, but to others who grew up hearing these songs and now have an opportunity to hear a new version of those successes. On the other end, there’s also pressure from the public accepting these new versions with the flavor of Farruko. I think we accomplished it. I think it was a very interesting project because of all the prior musical influences and I think the public is going to love it.
The Knockturnal: What can fans expect in the documentary? From the beats and songs?
Sharo Towers: It’s going to be a memory, a back track. It’s going to bring back those memories from the past along with the flavor from where Farruko is from. But also for the young kids, for them to appreciate the music from before, from where their parents grew up and to understand that that generation was also beautiful.
The Knockturnal: You both have worked with each other a lot- in this documentary, album and more. What more would you like to work on with each other?
Farruko: We’re working on a lot of stuff together. Sharo, my right-hand, like he says, is in charge of all my productions and we’re always cooking something up in the studio. I’ve always had the opportunity to work with different producers but I have found a secret recipe, a unique dynamic with Sharo. Yes, we accept other collaborations with other producers but everything I do comes from this filter right here (points to Sharo). We hope to continue to work on other projects- whatever God wants and what the public wants.
The Knockturnal: You’ve worked with Daddy Yankee, Baby Rasta and many more. What have you learned from them in your career?
Farruko: For example, Daddy Yankee, I have learned a lot from. Daddy Yankee has been valid for more than three generations I would say, and he’s always fashionable- always on point. I think, from the advice he’s given me, is to keep my essence and to have the opportunity to work with new talent. Because those new talents on the rise always bring a certain freshness. The same way you support them, they help you stay fresh and new. That is something I have definitely taken from him as inspiration. But to also understand the business in the music industry- to not only sing but to capitalize and become a businessman within the music industry.
