Leaving an Impression Next to Legends with Fernando Perdomo (Jackson Browne, Beck, Fiona Apple)
Love Music More · hosted by Luke F. Walton (Scoobert Doobert)
Guest: Fernando Perdomo
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Host note
Fernando Perdomo has played guitar for Jackson Browne, Beck, and Fiona Apple, and this conversation traces how he got there: his mother's early influence, then the adaptability session work demands, then the record with a major Latin artist that changed how people saw him.
We get into why he moved to Los Angeles to keep advancing, and his own definition of success: not the car or the mansion, but making music for a living. He still takes projects for little or no money because of how they make him feel, and talks about a song that found new life years later when it landed in a film, a reminder that a song is only as old as its newest pair of ears.
Fernando closes on why he keeps at it: music is one of the few places where creativity and uniqueness both actually get rewarded.
Selected moments
- Fernando talks about his introduction to music 4:24 Fernando recounts how his mother influenced his love for music from a young age.
- The importance of adaptability in music 1:31 Fernando discusses the need to be flexible and responsive in the music industry.
- His experience playing on major records 5:40 Fernando shares the story of how he got involved with a major Latin artist, leading to significant recognition.
- Moving to Los Angeles for career advancement 7:09 Fernando explains why he felt the need to relocate to L.A. to progress in his music career.
- Creativity and connection with fans 15:15 He emphasizes the importance of forging real connections with fans over superficial success.
- Insights on the music industry and innovation 31:04 Fernando discusses how innovation has shaped music history.
- The impact of songwriting and recording 39:44 He shares his insights into the collaborative process that led to a memorable soundtrack.
- Creating music that resonates 20:20 Fernando articulates the necessity of balancing personal satisfaction and financial success in music.
Selected excerpts
"My idea of success isn't driving around in a nice car and living in a mansion; my idea of success is doing music for a living."
"A song is only as old as its newest pair of ears. Just because nobody likes it now, you never know; it might get picked up in a movie years later."
"When it comes down to it, you gotta still make money to survive but I do a lot of projects for little or no money just because I know it's going to make me feel better as a human being."
"Music gives me the chills. It has made me cry and scream, and it's that ability to feel something that makes it worth it."
"The beautiful thing about music is it's one of the few places where creativity is rewarded and uniqueness is rewarded."
FAQ
What is Fernando Perdomo known for?
Fernando Perdomo is known for being a session musician and producer, having collaborated with renowned artists like Jackson Browne, Beck, and Fiona Apple.
How can someone break into session work in the music industry?
Fernando emphasizes the importance of showing up at jam sessions and always doing your best work, even if it's just a demo, as you never know where that might lead.
What advice does Fernando Perdomo have for aspiring musicians?
Fernando advises aspiring musicians to focus on creativity and connection over financial success and to maintain authentic relationships with fans.
These pages are host notes, not a full transcript. The episode itself is on the listen links above.