We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Estevan Vega a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Estevan with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
Having a father who worked hard my whole life helped me become a hard worker. He instilled in me the desire to reach for things that are beyond my grasp, to never let money be the reason why I didn’t try to get something, and to never quit. He faced a ton of adversity and survived a lot of difficult things, and watching him get through it all and stand strong showed me that I could do it too. Even though there are times when I want to give up, there’s another part of me that chooses to press on and persevere.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
Ever since I was a kid, music and art has had a special place in my heart. I used to sketch a lot in elementary and middle school. I wanted to work for Marvel. I was always dreaming big. Around this time, my older brother bought me my first rock CD back in the late 90s. Audio Adrenaline. Some Kind of Zombie. Though I thoroughly overplayed that album, and that band pretty much became the only band I sought out new music from until high school, it was the mid-2000s scene that made me obsessed with rock music. My tastes kept evolving into more diverse offerings and even heavier stuff. My parents got a little concerned, but I continued to reassure them that the music had a positive influence on me and allowed me to connect about difficult topics and flesh them out inside my head. As the years went on, I poured myself into my writing, from poetry to novels, and my love for meaningful lyrics and emotional music bloomed. When I was in high school, I remember getting frustrated that a lot of the bands I followed rarely came through Connecticut, and I always wanted to see that changed. I remember discussing the possibilities of bringing some of these bands into the area, but having no idea where to start. It was a dream for the future, and now I’m in that future. In 2012, Capulet Entertainment was created, and in 2022, Capulet Fest was born. We are now entering our 3rd year of bringing New England the premier rock festival of their dreams! Mark your calendars: June 28-30, we’re gonna shake the earth!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Talent. Belief /Vision. Perseverance.
In order to believe that you can make it, you need to have an understanding of what you’re trying to accomplish and have your skills confirmed over time. Like, it’s not enough that just you think you’re awesome. Others should confirm that in you. Not to say that you rely only on positive feedback to move forward. Just that, if you’re really gonna devote your energy and time to this thing, it should be obvious that this is something you excel in. Talent is a necessary ingredient.
Belief and Vision. Ancient Scripture tells us that people perish for lack of vision. It also tells us that Faith, or belief, will be one of the only things to stand the test of time. If you’re gonna chase anything during this life, you have to believe in the audacious notion that you might actually get what you are chasing. This journey will present numerous struggles. Do you have what it takes to believe that, against all odds, you will be victorious?
Perseverance. You must develop a thick skin. People, events in your life, and just your own negative thoughts will try to convince you all the time that this endeavor is fruitless and a waste of time. Can you soldier on? Can you withstand harsh criticism and take advice when you need it? Can you persevere through the storm?
What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?
My parents enrolled my brothers and me into a private school when we were young. As a kid, I didn’t appreciate it. But looking back, it was probably the most impactful thing they ever did, whether they knew it at the time or not. My parents struggled financially to make it happen, and I used to complain about wearing a uniform, but it really was silly. I made lasting friendships, learned about my faith and made it personal. My understanding of the morality that my parents were trying to create in me flourished. And it was at this school that my love for writing developed. It shaped so much of who I am, and I’m grateful for that.
Contact Info:
- Website: Capuletfest.com
- Instagram: Capuletfest
- Facebook: Capuletfest
- Other: If you’re interested in checking out my published novels, you can find them on Amazon. Just type in Estevan Vega. I recommend starting with Arson.
Image Credits
Ian Urquhart Shan Babu
