Meet Pedro Fumero

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Pedro Fumero a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Pedro, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I love being alive and tasting life (literally)… It is impossible not to feel fortunate about being on this absolutely stunning planet full of wonders.
How not be in a permanent state of awe just by looking around? The fantastic possibility of enjoying unbelievable creations. One could think of this place as a paradise if it wasn’t because the reigning species uses all its talent for horrors, destruction, oppression, and greed.
I was born at the end of 40 years of Fascist dictatorship, so I was spared of the atrocities, repression, and misery of all those years. My parents were not that lucky. All I have known (thanks to them) is progress, improvement, respect for the environment, and a better life for everyone… Until lately, I had never experienced “the dark ages” but even there, I still hope the good guys end up accomplishing the rescue and finally saving the day.

Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?

I have to say that I never feel comfortable talking about myself. I am afraid of falling for, this new and growing egocentric trend among “We the People.” I will briefly say that, my interests are many and diverse, but all of them seem to have the common denominator of: creativity. I see myself as, unapologetically curious, a bit naive, and optimistic. Don’t like injustices, greed, stupidity, or hypocrisy, and always listen respectfully to people who know way more than I possibly do.
A little background about myself: I grew up on a little island located in the Atlantic called Tenerife. This wasn’t just an island, it also happened to be a unique crossroads of cultures: geographically Africa, administratively Europe, and Culturally Hispano-America. This strategic location, allowed me to explore and meet so many people and cultures.
My first job ever was in Radio and around Music. I was at the top of the world at 16, then slowly saw this beloved industry, die in front of my eyes. Decades later, this crazy idea fueled my mind: How come Latin Music in the US is so limited and heavily divided by all of the different nationalistic nonsense?
That is how we get to my Non-Profit / Listener Supported / late professional focus called “Radio Futura”.
This idea found a home at the historic WFMU radio in New York and New Jersey where they received me with open arms. Originally, “Radio Futura” wasn’t supposed to be an ALL-Latin show but, since no one else has done a show with the wider concept that “Latin” music deserves, I perceived a need to create something that included countries like: Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, all América and part of Canada. Two basic objectives, the first one is to demonstrate to young Latin descendants, that their heritage is wider, older, richer, and far more complex than the one they were told. The second will be to represent the immense legacy and history of fusion and mestizaje of Latin music through the centuries to all demographics (everyone is welcome). When the cultural debate is still ongoing and the language doesn’t seem to be able to unite (as it should), music appears to be the common ground for millions to put their differences aside and simply enjoy as their ancestors did.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I think it was Orson Wells, the one who once described ignorance as a gift (probably Hemingway too): …”One doesn’t know what one can’t do.” This idea has been a powerful engine in my life but, I am also well aware of (as Don Miguel de Cervantes may have pointed out in his “Don Quixote”) the big risk in ignorance (often masked by idealism) can lead to self-destructive behavior and confusion. I would recommend to anyone a certain level of transgression and a good amount of creativity but, as soon as you find the field to use this double-edged sword, just seek some serious training. Knowledge is always a reliable partner. Eventually, the opportunity presents itself, and you better be well prepared when it does.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?

Definitely monetization. One of the biggest challenges any creator faces is figuring out how to earn a living from their work. So far, I have been fortunate enough to have other professional activities supporting my non-profit adventures but it would be fantastic to see any idea taking off on their own. I have no interest whatsoever in being a billionaire ( especially looking at the selective group I will have to hang up with these days ). Money, beyond its materialistic nature, is also a recognition of someone’s work. Throwing money into bad products rewards the companies that will keep delivering even worse stuff.
There is something to be said about the whole concept of “value” and how little/or non-existent buying culture there is. Briefly, I would say that we seem enthusiastically eager to throw money at junk. The message to the companies or businesses (that in many cases have been swallowing any competition in the process) is pretty clear: more garbage, please!… How come companies have found ways to make things cheap (and poorly made) but the price doesn’t get any lower??… Yep, that’s right…
Anyway, money for me, represents recognition and could provide a wider reach in the form of: education, collaborative projects, support for new and upcoming bands, or even Live Show Productions. Sort of like the Grammy organization but with a proud thick accent.

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Image Credits

Vanessa Tamarit photo

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