The Andy Vargas Lyric Lounge

Andy Vargas
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  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS
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Santana lead singer Andy Vargas takes some time to talks life and music with some of the most talented artists in the industry. Some you may have heard of, and others you may have not. Many episodes include an EXCLUSIVE performance with Andy and his guest. The Andy Vargas Lyric Lounge is a Build Your Authority Podcast. Level up your podcast production at www.buildyourauthority.co

Episodes

  1. He Played Piano on Santana’s Biggest Album — and No One Knew His Name | Alberto Salas

    MAR 24

    He Played Piano on Santana’s Biggest Album — and No One Knew His Name | Alberto Salas

    The untold story behind one of the biggest Latin rock songs ever recorded. Alberto Salas played the original piano on "Corazón Espinado" — the Mana and Santana collaboration from the Supernatural album — recorded it in a single take at the Record Plant, performed it live at the very first Latin Grammys with Carlos Santana and Celia Cruz in the front row, and played it again on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno the very next day. And almost no one knows his name. Andy Vargas sits down with Alberto for a deeply personal conversation about growing up in South Central LA as the son of a Costa Rican father and Cuban mother, teaching himself piano by sneaking into jazz clubs and watching players’ hands, the spiritual bond with late Santana drummer Raul Rekow, faith and sobriety in the music industry, and what it means to spend a career as one of the most in-demand session keyboardists in Latin music. Alberto has gone on to teach at Musicians Institute, USC, and UCLA — all without ever attending music school himself. He calls it “Sink or Swim University.” Key topics: Santana Supernatural album, Corazón Espinado, Mana, first Latin Grammys, session musician life, South Central LA, Cuban music, faith and music, piano, Latin jazz, teaching music Connect with Alberto: @albertosalas68 (Instagram) | Alberto Salas (Facebook) Follow Andy Vargas: andyvargas.com | @andyvargasofficial Produced by Build Your Authority — buildyourauthority.co

    1h 12m
  2. Darrel Sauceda: From Addiction to LA's Top Leader (Latin Soul & Generational Wealth)

    MAR 10

    Darrel Sauceda: From Addiction to LA's Top Leader (Latin Soul & Generational Wealth)

    Darrel Sauceda, Chairman of the LA Latino Chamber of Commerce, shares his raw journey from Imperial Valley farm roots and wrestling with addiction to steering a powerful business organization. His powerful story is a masterclass in purpose, proving that you can't lead the struggle unless you've lived it. Andy Vargas (lead singer of Santana and founder of the AVLL Foundation) hosts this essential conversation about mentorship, economic literacy, and cultural authenticity, reflecting the core Souleros spirit. Key Discussion Points: *   The blessing of "walking the walk" and how lived experience trumps education in leadership. *   Darrel's viral "Economy of Greed" and his explosive analogy on homelessness and system exploitation. *   How the Chamber's "Listos" portal acts as a personal salesman to vet and elevate Chicano businesses. *   The internal rules and leadership principles of the LA Latino Chamber of Commerce board. *   The 23-year mission of the Tejano Convention to educate and empower artists. Connect with The AV Lyric Lounge: Subscribe to the Andy Vargas Lyric Lounge for more deep-dive interviews with artists and community leaders. Listen to Andy Vargas on Spotify Follow Andy on Instagram  Visit The AV Lyric Lounge

    55 min
  3. What No One Tells You About Being Famous

    09/26/2025

    What No One Tells You About Being Famous

    Are you feeling stuck in your purpose, wondering how to turn your struggles into something meaningful? This raw and honest interview with former Tierra lead singer, Billy Mondragon, reveals the unseen journey behind the music, the faith that carried him through, and the emotional battles most men are afraid to admit.This powerful podcast interview reveals how music, pain, and faith shaped both and Billy and Andy into the men they are today.HERE'S THE HONEST TRUTH: This episode won’t give you all the answers. But if you’ve ever felt overlooked, misunderstood, or unsure of how your past fits into your calling, This interview will help you see your pain through a new lens. A lens focused on purpose, healing, and impact.

    46 min
  4. The Art of Live Sound: How Engineers "Heal People with Music"

    09/08/2025

    The Art of Live Sound: How Engineers "Heal People with Music"

    Join Andy Vargas at the O2 Arena in London as he chats with the incredible Kevin Madigan, Santana's house engineer! Kevin, a Grammy-associated mix engineer, reveals his journey into sound, from live gigs in Dublin to working with legends. Discover his "secret weapon" unit, the Neve Master Bus Transformer, and hear untold stories about mixing for iconic artists like Kendrick Lamar, Lizzo, The 1975, and of course, Carlos Santana. Learn what it takes to make music sound "distinctly clear and powerful" for thousands of fans every night! ---------Follow Andy VargasWebsite: https://andyvargas.com/Spotify: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebook: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebookInstagram: https://bit.ly/AndyVargasIGTwitter: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasTwitter

    13 min
  5. Santana Percussionist Karl Perazzo: 30+ Years on the Road & Life Off Stage

    07/18/2025

    Santana Percussionist Karl Perazzo: 30+ Years on the Road & Life Off Stage

    Santana singer,  Andy Vargas sits down with his "big brother" Karl Perazzo to discuss their 25+ year journey with Carlos Santana, Karl's 30+ years in music, and the importance of giving back. Filmed live in Paris, France on their European tour! ----------------Follow Andy VargasWebsite: https://andyvargas.com/Spotify: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebook: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebookInstagram: https://bit.ly/AndyVargasIGTwitter: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasTwitter

    7 min
  6. Building Beats Before YouTube: Adrian Cisneros on Old-School Production

    05/28/2025

    Building Beats Before YouTube: Adrian Cisneros on Old-School Production

    How did producers learn before online tutorials? AK Cisneros reveals his hands-on journey with MIDI, sampling, and hardware in the 90s. Get an exclusive look into the gritty, pre-internet era of music production. Real stories and real techniques!---------------Follow AK:YT:  @RootsCovenant  FB: Adrian CisnerosIG:  @akcisneros Website: Akmusicbiz@gmail.com CamaticMedia.com------------Follow Andy VargasWebsite: https://andyvargas.com/Spotify: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebook: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebookInstagram: https://bit.ly/AndyVargasIGTwitter: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasTwitter

    1h 26m
  7. How to Find Your Sound: Gabriel Gonzalez's Musical Evolution

    05/07/2025

    How to Find Your Sound: Gabriel Gonzalez's Musical Evolution

    Explore the dynamic musical evolution of my friend, Gabriel Gonzalez! He shares how he experimented with different genres, from mariachi to salsa, and ultimately discovered his unique sound. We talk about his influences and the importance of artistic exploration. #musicalevolution  #FindYourSound #MusicInterview #GabrielGonzalez #MusicianTips What's your musical journey like?  --------------Follow Gabriel GonzalezWebsite: https://www.laverdadband.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cantante101 ---------------Follow Andy VargasWebsite: https://andyvargas.com/Spotify: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebook: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebookInstagram: https://bit.ly/AndyVargasIGTwitter: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasTwitter

    1 hr
  8. Sal Rodriguez of WAR: Untold Stories & Musical Journey

    04/14/2025

    Sal Rodriguez of WAR: Untold Stories & Musical Journey

    Explore the musical mind of Sal Rodriguez in this captivating interview. He discusses his early influences, the bands he played with, and the evolution of his drumming style. A must-watch for music enthusiasts! #MusicPodcast #DrummerInterview #SalRodriguez #AVLyricLounge

    1h 28m
  9. Faith, Music, and Brotherhood with P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval and Tattoo Artist Legend, Mike Kellerman

    03/28/2025

    Faith, Music, and Brotherhood with P.O.D.'s Sonny Sandoval and Tattoo Artist Legend, Mike Kellerman

    In this special episode of AV Lyric Lounge, Andy sits down with legendary tattoo artist, Mike Kellerman and Sonny Sandoval of P.O.D. for an intimate conversation about their lives, careers, and the bonds of brotherhood. They share stories of their early days in San Diego, the journey to success with P.O.D., and the powerful moments of faith and inspiration that have shaped their paths. From Mike's first tattoos to touring with the biggest names in music that all leads to creating their new TV show, "Off Point," you will want to listen to this entire episode. Creators & Guests Sonny Sandoval - Guest Andy Vargas - Host Mike Kellerman - Guest Check out Off Point TV onYOUTUBE:  @Offpointtv  INSTAGRAM: @offpointtv#Podcast #Interview #POD #southbaymike #SonnySandoval #TattooArt #MusicInterview #Faith #Inspiration #AVLyricLounge Follow Andy VargasWebsite: https://andyvargas.com/Spotify: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebook: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasFacebookInstagram: https://bit.ly/AndyVargasIGTwitter: http://bit.ly/AndyVargasTwitter The Andy Vargas Lyric Lounge is produced by Protagonist Creators Studio. www.protagonistCS.comINSTAGRAM: @protagonist_cs

    51 min
  10. Behind the Scenes of Make It With You with Special Guest Gato Bahbalu

    01/24/2025

    Behind the Scenes of Make It With You with Special Guest Gato Bahbalu

    Carlos Santana lead singer, Andy Vargas interviews Gato Bahbalu about life and music and how they came to record their cover of "Make It With You" originally performed by Bread.  Andy and Gato wrap up their conversation with an EXCLUSIVE to the podcast performance of Make It With You. AV Lyric Lounge is produced by Protagonist Creators Studio, www.protagonistcs.com.Creators & Guests Andy Vargas - Host Click here to watch a video of this episode.

    36 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

About

Santana lead singer Andy Vargas takes some time to talks life and music with some of the most talented artists in the industry. Some you may have heard of, and others you may have not. Many episodes include an EXCLUSIVE performance with Andy and his guest. The Andy Vargas Lyric Lounge is a Build Your Authority Podcast. Level up your podcast production at www.buildyourauthority.co

Information

  • Creator
    Andy Vargas
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    ©2026 Andy Vargas and Build Your Authority, LLC
  • Show Website
    The Andy Vargas Lyric Lounge