I would like to thank Tim van Rongen for making this interview possible.

Here is my interview with Airto Edmundo, A 24 years old singer/songwriter who has gotten huge publicity from his covers on youtube and also managed to build a good fan base for his music. Hope you enjoy the interview.

Hi Airto, Great to finally have you here on YHP, how are you doing?

Good to be on YHP! I'm doing great, thanks!

Before we go further, i would like to start with an introduction, tell us about yourself? Who is airto edmundo?

Airto Edmundo is a 24 year old dutch guy who used to play soccer but now goes through life writing, composing and producing music. ow and loving that!

How did you get into music?

Well, when I was around 15 years old I really started 'listening' to music and around that time I started singing as well. Just trying to do what the singers on the song did. But as I grew a bit older I kind of felt like I wanted to do more. So I started singing harmonies and ad-libs to songs I listened to, little after that I was figuring out how the song was made by trying to recreate the music in my music program.

At this time I was playing soccer on the highest level of the Netherlands and I was put in front of a hard choice…possible soccer career or music…? Me cancelling practice from time to time because I wanted to do music said enough. Before I knew it I was working on my first self-written song in 2005 called "You", the real beginning of my music and end of my soccer life.

When did you decide to start recording your songs, especially posting covers on youtube?

That was in 2005, I think I started doing youtube videos by the end of 2005, or beginning of 2006, I can't even remember. I was just curious to see what the people thought of the music and my voice. And after the first video, many followed!

How many instruments do you play?

I wouldn't say I really play any instruments well. Though I know my way best on piano/keys. I'm learning a bit of bass-guitar and guitar as well. Just to sweeten up demo's and productions I do from my home.

How would you describe your music to people?

Music from the heart, honest music! Soul with a hint of pop and rnb.

What instruments do you use to create your music?

I just switched to a Mac, so I'm still trying to get the hangs of the new music app I'm using, but I compose on piano and write while composing. That always seems to work best for me. Often words come to mind when you're playing chords and messing around with a melody as well. They often end up to be in the lyrics.

Who are your musical influences?

I'd have to say Donny Hathaway, Brian Mcknight, Stevie Wonder and a lot of cats who've been doing the soul, neo-soul, pop, rnb music in the last ten years! Music has kind of changed, billboard songs don't do that much for me anymore unfortunately. Everything sounds a bit too much alike for my taste.

Are there any plans of signing to a record label?

Well we're trying to do as much independent of course, a label could help out in many ways and can give you the step to reaching bigger things. We'll see how it all works out. If we can get the help of a great label and get a good deal, why not right?

What kind of atmosphere or area do you like performing in?

I think a medium sized venue with an intense vibe would probably suit my music best. Being up and close with the audience… Seeing how people respond. Yeah I see myself doing that for a long time. *Laughs*

What has been some of your most memorable moment so far?

Probably having diner with Usher (thanks to Tameka Raymond) and doing a song with Anthony Hamilton, just weird to think that YouTube made that all possible for me. Its just great to have people reaching out based on what they hear and see. I really recommend to put stuff online to all aspiring artists/songwriters/composers/producers. Its the future!

Are they any decisions you’ve made that you regret or wish you could go back in time to change?

Uhmmmm no, I mean I have my moments where I think "what if…" , but don't we all? I've always been honest to myself, never betrayed my own visions or thoughts about music and I don't intend to either.

How does it feel to see people excited to see you perform?

That just brings a certain feeling inside of me that I can't describe, you want to smile and enjoy the moment the best you can but you have to keep singing, so I try to let my eyes and vibe do the talking. I love to read comments people leave on my videos as well. I take some time everyday to scroll through every comment on my videos. Always does me good to see that people enjoyed. It makes me want to do more and more music.

What is the weirdest thing a fan has ever done?

There hasn't been a weird thing that a fan did actually. I guess i've been lucky huh? lol I'll get back at you when something DOES happen.

What would you say has been the key to your success so far?

I think it's being being real and showing my passion and love for music through music. Making songs different than the original and giving it another feel maybe? Of course doing a couple covers of songs that turned out to be huge helped me as well. People seem to share the videos too and I appreciate that a lot. Its so awesome to see how the web works sometimes.

Are you currently working on any new project?

I'm writing for my album! And working with a couple of other artists as well who are trying to get some music out (some already settled, some who want to break out) I'm happy as long as I can do music wether its for me or for others (Though my own project is a priority now).

Do you think that digital is way forward and no point of releasing a physical cd?

In the future definitely! Right now there are still people buying cd's and just loving the whole physical thing with the booklets and all, so I'd do both for my stuff. But digital is definitely the future, its so much easier for artists to go worldwide digital as well.

What should we expecting from you in the future?

A lot of music I support, more covers, a lot of tweets, interaction with fans, more gigs and hopefully an album pretty soon! I'm doing my best!!

Do you have anything to say to your YHP readers and your fans out there?

Just a big THANKS for supporting me, checking out the videos, leaving me all those comments and sharing the music I share with you. Without that I wouldn't have been able to do music full time and wouldn't have been this determined to get my music out there and share it! If you want to drop me a personal note, you can do that through my twitter or Facebook!

Before you go, is there any upcoming musician out there, especially those in the Netherlands that you are looking forward to?

Wow these questions are always so tough. I'm very curious about hearing the new "Lisa Lois" stuff. Check her out!

Thanks for your time airto

My pleasure!

Dont forget to check out his youtube channel
Follow him on twitter
Check him out on Facebook