Two years had gone by since I last attempted to catch up with Mr. Willie Colon for an interview. With San Diego's Street Scene Music Festival about to happen, and noticing that Willie was the headliner at the Latin Stage, I sent him e-mail to see about setting up an interview. Willie agreed and I looked forward to meeting in San Diego. However, as fate would have it, we missed one another after his fantastic performance. Not put off, I returned home and sent out e-mail, asking about the possibility of corresponding by e-mail for an interview. Though it is not the same as meeting in person, which Willie pointed out, he responded postively. I sent some questions and waited for his replies. The result was an 'electric' interview, complete with comments and personality.

Q: I want to do a bit of catch up with you. Tell us a bit about your decision not to run for Congress. Why not? What influenced your decision?
WC:Campaigning is hard on your family, friends and wallet. If you continue to run and lose you will dishearten your supporters. I believe in a case like mine where we came so close to victory (41%) without a real plan, we should analyze the situation and do it methodically. That means being patient and waiting for what seems like an eternity of 2 to 4 years. Meanwhile, I have worked on other group member's projects, like school board and planing board seats. [Also] Working with CBOs (community based organizations) and local candidates. The key to success here is not to focus on just one candidacy, mine for instance, but to develop an understanding and enthusiasm for participation in the process. Once we plant that seed the fruits of progress and empowerment can begin to grow.

Q: Please elaborate on your move to Mexico. What brought you there? For how long? Doing what?
WC:Mexico is the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. It is at the same time a practical and mysterious place. It is state of the art modern in some ways, especially communications and steeped in ancient customs and history at the same time. It is the most ambitious sociological experiment that ever was. Over 90 million Mexicans are working hard to create a better place for themselves against all odds.

I have always lived in an Anglo oriented culture and long to feel what it would be like to live and work in a Latin culture. After living in the Big Apple for all my life it's hard to consider many places that I could really grow in. Last year I had to come to Mexico quite a lot because of the soap opera (Demasiado CorazÛn), I found that Mexico City had everything that New York had to offer.

A group of investors asked me to come in on a grandiose project, a 2000+ seat night club. Not a discotec, a nightclub in the old fashioned sense. Like those clubs in the old 1940's movies. Live music, food, large dance floors, elegance. So, we're opening on (or hope to open) Oct 21. Besides being an investor I am putting together a big band, 3 Trumpets, 3 Trombones, 4 Saxes, 2 Keyboards, 3 Percussion, 4 Vocals, Guitar, and Bass. This group will be the house band. I hope we can make this a worldwide chain like Hard Rock or Planet Hollywood but with more integrity.

Q: Were you writing scripts for the soap opera? music scores? How did your working for TV come about?
WC:Epigmenio Ibarras, a world acclaimed TV journalist, who did extensive work in Central America during the wars in Nicaragua and Salvador, came to NY from Mexico to ask me to compose a theme song for a new soap.

The soap was Demasiado Corazón, a bold exposé on the drug cartel and government corruption. As we worked together on the project, I presented various versions and he would very candidly reject stuff he didn't like. When the final theme was accepted he asked me if I would like to be in the soap. I said yes. The relationship with Azteca Music expanded into a record contract and Azteca TV put me in as a recurring character, DEA Agent Feliciano Pintor.

There are other projects in the fire also. I am writing a couple of scripts for TV. Three more CDs for Azteca Music. Basically, I think that changing my base to Mexico City 'till Spring will be good for me. It'll get the juices flowing. I am excited about all of this.

Q: What about new recording projects. In the works? Almost ready? Where and with whom? Any collaborations?
WC:Yes, I hope to do a few collaboration in the future. I'd like to get another shot at working with Ruben [Blades] but there are also some new talents I'd like to work with.

Q: Which new talents, for instance?
WC:No comment. :)

Q: Elaborate on your views of LARAS (Latin American Recording Artists Society) and the Grammy process.
WC:I don't think it's a good idea to segregate us from the real Grammy [Awards]. Many Pop and Rock artists have been able to steal a Grammy from our category and still strut and tought themselves as a "Grammy Winner". Now we will surely be relegated to "Latin Grammy Winner" which takes on a lesser connotation.

Q: What other projects do you see working on in the future, musical or otherwise?
WC: TV, Film, politics, who knows? It's all good. :)

Q: Is there anything else you would like to talk about?
WC:Not at this time!

It is plain to see that Willie Colon is far from retiring. He is anything but idle and busy laying groundwork for future projects. Don't forget to head down to Mexico City and check out his new club. Find out what he and his band are up to at Willie's site