Nicolás Emden

Nicolás Emden is an Indie South American Folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Chile. Emden's debut release, the album 'Como Los Pájaros,' has received radio rotation in Chile. A recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Emden also works as a Music Director/Conductor for popular music ensembles and in contemporary music theater. In 2016 he conducted a concert given at Berklee College of Music with the Canadian World Music band Color Violeta. Emden's inspirations include many South American singer-songwriters such as the Chilean Victor Jara and Argentinian musicians as Fito Páez, Charly García and Luis Alberto Spinetta. His single, “Solo Tengo Ojos Para Ti” is a great introduction to his musical style and talent.

The song open ups with beautiful finger-style guitar picking intro played on acoustic guitar then changes into a soft rhythm guitar strumming as the song begins with the chorus. The beginning of the song is sparse and simple allowing for the song to open and build later. The clarity of the production/mix is brilliant, showing off the raw talent of Emden.

As Emden enters, his tenor-range vocals have a nice bright tone, with just the right touch of vibrato ,that will send shivers up your spine. The song is sung in Spanish, giving it a beautiful flow. Emden sings with emotion and his delivery is articulate and smooth. The chorus is very melodic and will stick with you long after you have heard the song, even if you are not a Spanish speaker. Along with the chorus, the verses show that Emden has a knack for writing beautiful melodies and creating a musical experience that will swoon many listeners.

“Solo Tengo Ojos Para Ti” is about the intangible feeling that you have about another person who connects with you on a soulmate level. You feel that you have known the person all your life, yet you have just met them and you don't want the moment to end. The English translation of the chorus is, “Everything passes by and I'm here as if it was nothing. I only hear your voice each morning. When the sun rises and you're sleep,I only have eyes for you.” The English translation does not truly do justice to the rhythm, rhyme or poetic nature of the Spanish text which has wonderful fluidity, "Todo pasa y yo como si nada Solo oigo tu voz por la mañana Cuando sale el sol y estás dormida Solo tengo ojos para ti Solo tengo ojos para tiSolo tengo ojos para ti."

The songs structure is verse-chorus/ verse-chorus and the musical build to the chorus is very nice. The percussion and bass kick in after the first chorus is sung, filling out the song with a nice beat and gentle sway. The vibe is laid back and happy. Listeners will find themselves singing along. There are also tasteful guitar riffs throughout and a nice instrumental section about three minutes into the song where a crying, melodic solo takes center stage. The professional video below will have you falling in love with song and with Emden. What becomes very clear when you watch the video is that Emden has great performance charisma. He has a natural stage presence and comes across as an artist who is very comfortable performing.

After listening to Nicolás Emden’s “Solo Tengo Ojos Para Ti,” there is no doubt that he is an outstanding artist who has the ability to reach large cross-over audiences stateside and internationally. The pristine arrangements and production of the instrumentals, paired with his passionate vocal and stage persona, will resonate universally. Emden also tours and performs with his band, Nicolás Emden & the Resonancia. Members of the band are from different part of the world (Korea, Indonesia, Scotland, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, etc). The band adds improvisation to Nicolás' original music creating an exciting live performance. All of Emden’s music is available on iTunes. For more information on Nicolás Emden , visit his website. - Bryon William

Last night I had the best theatrical experience of my life. I saw In The Heights, performed by students of the Berklee Music School. In The Heights is a story about young men and women coming to terms with their role in the world, finding their future among their dreams. It tells the story of kids with more energy than experience, a tale which directly mimics the story of the musical’s creation. Lin-Manual Miranda (of Hamilton fame) created it while in college.
The story is therefore uniquely celebrated by the youthful energy of a college production. The actors and musicians aren’t feigning the uncertainty and excitement of the future, they feel it. This isn’t their thousandth production, their job. What can bring a bigger smile on your face than watching a whole stage of performers get to live their dream in front of an audience of 1000?
All of that would be true in a mediocre production. This was not that. I never got a chance to see In The Heights while it was on Broadway, but I have listened to the cast recording dozens of times. Some of the actors in this production could be transported to Broadway tomorrow and I, at least, wouldn’t think anything was amiss.
Zaid Tabani, who played Usnavi, is legitimate hip hop artist himself. And like Lin-Manual, that allowed him to deliver the (many) rapped lines of the show exactly as they were intended. He was there to connect with the audience, and that’s exactly what he did. Texas Hart (who has the best country-music-name I’ve ever heard) was dead on as Sonny. Janina Salorio who played Carla was perfect. I’m not convinced Nicolas Emden, who played the Piraguero, was not Javier Muñoz brought in as a ringer. Playing a Latin mother convincingly is not the easiest role for a college student; Gabriela Cabezas, who played Camila, was incredible.
Now I get really bold: Natasha Torres who played Nina was better than the Mandy Gonzalez who played the role on Broadway. Mandy had a refined, educated, bearing which never aligned with the characters roots in Washington Heights. Natasha had a vulnerability which made you wonder how she can possibly sing while her bottom lip quivered so much.
On Broadway the orchestra is generally hidden below the stage. Here they were arranged behind the (minimal) set. You could watch the conductor (Jacklyn Riha), the fantastic pianist (Seulah Noh) and portions of the horn section throughout the performance. And dear god they were incredible.
This is not an easy score. Start with very energetic unbroken Latin music for three hours. Add triggered sounds, four separate percussionists, and precise cues with action on the stage. Then cut all the stage lighting at the end of the First Act (the conductor wore glowing gloves). At one point the conductor had to remove her monitors so she could sync the orchestra to the beat being played on stage by the Piraguero. And it was PERFECT.
Zaid Tabani, who played Usnavi, ended the performance with an original song. If you’re anything like me, that sounds about as appetizing as a transatlantic flight on United. It was incredible. A dizzying spin of rap lyrics and live accompaniment which could be released on Def Jam tomorrow. The audience was on its feet, snapping on the downbeats and singing the chorus.
I’m sure a more critical eye could find faults, as with any amateur production. But theater is about having an experience, a unique connection the with actors and musicians. I have seen Hamilton on Broadway with the original cast from the second row. I have seen the Metropolitan Opera twice, the Bolshoi and the Royal Shakespeare company by live stream. This was the best theatrical experience of my life. The one which left me with the biggest grin on my face, and the most wonder in my heart.
I was sitting in the front row of the theater. The actors were at times feet away from me. I payed $12 for my ticket. If you live in Boston, and you’re not taking advantage of Berklee, you’re a fool. - Zack Bloom

Nicolás Emden is an Indie South American Folk singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from Chile. Emden's debut release, the album 'Como Los Pájaros,' has received radio rotation in Chile. A recent graduate of the Berklee College of Music, Emden also works as a Music Director/Conductor for popular music ensembles and in contemporary music theater. In 2016 he conducted a concert given at Berklee College of Music with the Canadian World Music band Color Violeta. Emden's inspirations include many South American singer-songwriters such as the Chilean Victor Jara and Argentinian musicians as Fito Páez, Charly García and Luis Alberto Spinetta. His single, “Solo Tengo Ojos Para Ti” is a great introduction to his musical style and talent.

Song Review of 'Como los pájaros'

The song open ups with beautiful finger-style guitar picking intro played on acoustic guitar then changes into a soft rhythm guitar strumming as the song begins with the chorus. The beginning of the song is sparse and simple allowing for the song to open and build later. The clarity of the production/mix is brilliant, showing off the raw talent of Emden.

As Emden enters, his tenor-range vocals have a nice bright tone, with just the right touch of vibrato ,that will send shivers up your spine. The song is sung in Spanish, giving it a beautiful flow. Emden sings with emotion and his delivery is articulate and smooth. The chorus is very melodic and will stick with you long after you have heard the song, even if you are not a Spanish speaker. Along with the chorus, the verses show that Emden has a knack for writing beautiful melodies and creating a musical experience that will swoon many listeners.

“Solo Tengo Ojos Para Ti” is about the intangible feeling that you have about another person who connects with you on a soulmate level. You feel that you have known the person all your life, yet you have just met them and you don't want the moment to end. The English translation of the chorus is, “Everything passes by and I'm here as if it was nothing. I only hear your voice each morning. When the sun rises and you're sleep,I only have eyes for you.” The English translation does not truly do justice to the rhythm, rhyme or poetic nature of the Spanish text which has wonderful fluidity, "Todo pasa y yo como si nada Solo oigo tu voz por la mañana Cuando sale el sol y estás dormida Solo tengo ojos para ti Solo tengo ojos para tiSolo tengo ojos para ti."

The songs structure is verse-chorus/ verse-chorus and the musical build to the chorus is very nice. The percussion and bass kick in after the first chorus is sung, filling out the song with a nice beat and gentle sway. The vibe is laid back and happy. Listeners will find themselves singing along. There are also tasteful guitar riffs throughout and a nice instrumental section about three minutes into the song where a crying, melodic solo takes center stage. The professional video below will have you falling in love with song and with Emden. What becomes very clear when you watch the video is that Emden has great performance charisma. He has a natural stage presence and comes across as an artist who is very comfortable performing.

After listening to Nicolás Emden’s “Solo Tengo Ojos Para Ti,” there is no doubt that he is an outstanding artist who has the ability to reach large cross-over audiences stateside and internationally. The pristine arrangements and production of the instrumentals, paired with his passionate vocal and stage persona, will resonate universally. Emden also tours and performs with his band, Nicolás Emden & the Resonancia. Members of the band are from different part of the world (Korea, Indonesia, Scotland, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, etc). The band adds improvisation to Nicolás' original music creating an exciting live performance. All of Emden’s music is available on iTunes. - Bryon William

South American, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Nicolás Emden comes from a city called Osorno, at the beginning of Patagonia. From his travels, studies and experiences, he is an artist with a rich pallet to draw from. Nicolás is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music in Boston and is currently the Music Director/Conductor for Popular Music Ensembles and Contemporary Music Theater. Songwriter, composer, conductor, director, singer, and instrumentalist - Nicolás proves that he can pull all his talents together to create a lasting impression in his latest ten-track CD, 'Como Los Pájaros.’

The first song off the CD is “Hace Tiempo.” The song starts off with a rocking acoustic guitar lick accompanied by a pulsing drum hammering the beat. The pattern loops until the entrance of the first verse. The arrangement gives the song a cool edgy feel. As the song moves into the first chorus, the sound fills out with layered guitars making a nice foundation with a great groove. The song progresses and builds throughout its entirety with the addition of strings, vocal harmonies, and additional percussion. The lyrics speak about inner transformation and Nicolás delivers with great expression using dynamics and articulation to enhance his performance. “Hace Tiempo” is a great opening song that will get you hooked.

Next up is “Como Los Pájaros,” which is the title track of the EP. This up-tempo, high energy song is sure to stick in your musical memory with its engaging and fun instrumental arrangement. The song begins with a brief acoustic guitar intro that then breaks, bringing in the first verse and percussion. “Como Los Pájaros” is a song about taking a breath, exhaling, to enjoy life around you and it does just that as it is a song that is easy to tune into and enjoy. Emden sings, “De vez en cuando necesito respirar/Echarme un rato en el parte a conversar/Como si fuera la última.” Through its good vibes and colorful arrangement, this catchy song is sure to brighten your day and put a smile on your face, and without a doubt, you will be playing it over and over. With mass appeal, this title track is a chart topper.

Take a moment to kick back and enjoy the video.

Track Four, titled “Antes,” changes up the mood entering with a delicate finger style guitar line which is soon joined by percussion and ambient, eerie sounds fading into the background. The vocals enter with a smooth, soulfulness that accentuates the mood of the song striking at your core. Throughout the CD, Emden shows his sophistication as an artist. Every nuance is attended to and in “Antes” the vocals are intimate, reflective and passionate. With the later addition of electric guitar with stunning effects combined with the intriguing melody of the chorus makes “Antes” a beautifully unique song that is a fantastic addition to the EP.

In the below video, Emden gives a dynamic performance of the song "Antes."


Moving over to track eight, is the song “Todo se transforma en mi.” This song enters with melodic classical-esk guitar accompaniment along with Emden’s vocals. It is highly moving and the simplicity of the arrangement showcases Emden’s vocal control with gorgeously smooth transitions from his falsetto to his chest voice, displaying a shimmering timbre in his voice. The simple accompaniment throughout the song allows Emden’s raw talent to shine through. The last track on the CD is called “Natura.” It starts out with a synthesized chord that fades out to a guitar accompanied by percussion. A violin plays in unison with Emden’s voice creating a lovely duo between voice and instrument. Emden’s singing is heartfelt and genuine.

In Como Los Pájaros,’ Nicolás Emden has written the kind of CD that both musicians and non-musicians will appreciate with gorgeous arrangements, catchy melodies, nice grooves and a vocal talent that demonstrates emotional artistry. Throughout the CD there are great grooves to move to and the overall vibe is engaging. 'Como Los Pájaros' is proof that Emden's music has the potential to reach out to a wide audiences and big stages. In addition to great songs, Emden also has a wonderful performance style and he is extremely handsome, something the ladies will surely like as well. From engaging instrumental work to polished vocals, Emden will not leave you disappointed. To listen to all ten track of Emden’s CD, find ‘Como Los Pájaros on Itunes. For more information on Nicolás, visit his website. - Sylvie Marie