Imagine a cold morning, the sensation of breathing cold air but actually being prepared for that. Now add to this pool of sensations, shortness of breath, a consequence you get acclimated to, for being at almost 3.000 meters above sea level at the South American Andes. I was born in Quito, Ecuador.
It was early on the eighties and I was a kid when I had my first memory about music.
My Grandfather was a Baritone lyrically trained singer. He was a cultured man, He spoked several languages, he was a diplomat and a business man. My grandfather went to University in the United States for an engineering degree but he also conducted his studies in singing. His voice was like a thunder, and my first memory about music, was his voice getting along with the major scale in the piano.
I was not hooked into singing, even while grandpa tried to make me sing on several occasions. I was more interested in the melody through the instrument. The piano looked so mysterious and full of potential, but it was sort of banned for me because of the noise I was producing. So maybe me and the instrument had a rough start, but a couple years later when I was 9 years old, I was sitting at a tiny music academy waiting for my piano lessons with my very strict Russian teacher. I was not thrilled about practicing “Für Elise” another 30 times, it all felt like homework in a bad way.
So, while feeling emotionally drained at the chore, A teenager walks through the door. He had long black hair, jeans, boots and a leather jacket and of course, An Electric Guitar! He suddenly was lighten up in a golden aura like in the movies and a chorus of angels sounded inside my head. Eureka!
My eyes popped out wide open looking at that amazing instrument in front of me. You have to understand that in a third world country during the eighties those were not around often at all and it was my first time seeing one in the flesh.
These guy was happy to show me his guitar and answer all the questions I had. He was kind and patient, I felt welcome into a community rather than banned from the piano room.
Basically I had to beg for the next 4 years until I finally got my first electric guitar, a 15w Peavey keyboard amp and a DOD overdrive pedal. I was in heaven. Not the most optimal gear, but now I had the wings to start a rock band!. At the time there were almost none electric guitar teachers or digital content, my needs where fulfilled by buying every single month the latest Guitar World Magazine (I love this guys) I had all over the walls in my room, pages with the usual suspects, such as Les Pauls, Strats, Custom 24’s, Comanches, Rg’s, the eclectic Parker Fly, Boogie Amps and tube screamers along with the latest Grunge Tabs to play next to the posters of the guitar gods. Those were good times.
High school was full of music to me, I had a solid band for years, we gigged at high school festivals and parties. We recorded an original song composed by me in the studio ( The school paid for it of course :-) and we represented our institution in national television in a high school competition we didn’t win lol.
We were popular in High School, so I found a niche. In order to upgrade my gear, I started selling guitars, pedals and tab books imported from the U.S from Guitar Center , I had the latest catalogs. (With the help of my aunt, which still to this day, helps me shipping my gear) So, basically, I developed the habit. I have been consuming gear information in the music industry for the past 30 years. I know who is who and their product offerings in categories such as Guitars, Basses, Amps, Studio, Live Sound, Drums, electronic drums, Keyboards, Effects, Software, etc. Not only that, I understand the operations behind them, the kings of the east (Ex. Cortek) and a deep understanding of the Industry as a whole. Please go ahead and try me!
Ok, now let’s go back to the story…
After our senior year, the J.W. Marriott hotel in Quito, Ecuador (my hometown) booked us for 14 shows in 7 days during the festivities of the city. After that, we parted our ways in favor of going to the University. (One of us went to California to study music, the other one is an architect, the other one a European Union bureaucrat and me:
I obtained a B.A. In Hospitality. Later I moved to Spain and obtained a Master of Business Administration degree. Later on, I obtained two specializations from Berklee, One in Music Business and the other one in contemporary Music. Besides theory, I also have been trained in sound engineering, music production, film scoring. I’m a multi instrumentalist and a composer. You can listen to my music in digital platforms. Here, Google it
Back to the story… While I was in Spain, I felt the necessity of a music community. Of course I went back to my trustful Guitar World Magazine for help. But this time, in a digital format. It was 2003 and the internet Forums where booming! After a year of being active in the forums, The editors in the magazine came to me asking if I would like to be a moderator in the forums. You know, the digital bouncer with banning rights. One of the editors was Andy Aledort. You might have heard from him. Great guy.
I was paid with all the printed editions, dvds, catalogs, sent to my door overseas. I was a happy camper, and even while I was busy working at my job (Logistics Manager at Celebrity Cruises M/S Expedition) I continued with my duty for 5 years until the forums ceased to exist. Apparently, Youtube was a thing!
As you might understand by now, My story has two paralell CV’s . Both with the same years of experience and coexistence.
I realized early that even while my Ikigai is all music related, I did not had a real opportunity to make a living out of it. To most people, this means selling their guitar and get a “job” but to me, it was more like “Ok, this could only mean I have to work twice as hard to pursue my musical interests”. You think its hard to be a musician in the U.S. / Europe? Try the South American scene, were opportunities are like unicorns and gear costs three times more and without 24 mo. /0% financing. it’s ok, it only makes us stronger and more creative. Even to this day, I buy second hand american made guitars and basses in the U.S. and re-sell them for profit in my hometown for the past 5 years, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
So, According to my timeline by now I was into what I call: “The Digital Marketing Experience”. So let’s get relevant:
I’m a Digital Marketing Director / Consultor with more than 10 years of experience, including agency. Working with some of the best companies in the world. Where I lead as project manager, several campaigns and complex projects including digital advertising, web and app development for our clients.
I learned during those years about video and photography production, video editing, graphic design and other tricks under my sleeve which aid me further to produce all my music career assets and projects, such as music videos, albums. EP’s and so on.
Career Highlights:
2012 Best Social Media Operation in LATAM for Grupo Telefonica. (Movistar)
Best Social Media Engagement in LATAM (Telecoms) According to Accenture and Social Bakers
2013 Most Influential Brand in Ecuador (Movistar) According to Llorente & Cuenca
2013 EFFIE Awards Finalist, Movistar / Blackberry
In parallel, I was gigging with a Band (Joe’s Cafe) I was the main composer, bassist and music director. We played locally for 6 years, and Here I got my first song in the air in national radio stations.
Later I gigged with two other bands until I moved to Buenos Aires Argentina in 2019 and decided to launch my solo music career as Martin Strang.
During this years I have been living out of my own ventures. A eliquid manufacturing company in which I invested 700 USD and got a Profit of 250k USD during it’s operational years.
Now I’m looking for a remote job in a company I could dream working at such as yours. Aligning my duality into a single path finally and be welcomed in the community like the “Guitar Guy” did when I was a kid.
Location does lower opportunities drastically for people like me to land dream jobs in the industry. But, do you remember when I said that difficulties only makes us stronger and more creative? Well, I’m sure we could find a way to work it out, so let me tell you what I could do for your company…
You get a top Digital Marketing Executive to lead your strategies, aligned the agencies you work with, be in charge of projects, development, advertising, multi format content, market research, growth, branding, etc. A real true player to jam with your team.
I have bilingual native proficiency in English and Spanish. I’m also studying Portuguese.
I can help you getting in touch with a huge hispanic market if your strategy aligns. I can even help you source new brands and luthiers for your consideration. I know people who knows people in Argentina, and there are plenty of amazing gear worth checking and possibly carrying into your portfolios.
I’m trained into looking for opportunities in different markets and business development. Above all I’m extremely creative, resourceful and hard working. According to Plum.io my top three talents are Decision Making, Persuasion and Innovation.
I hope to be able to discuss further employment opportunities. I’m open to contractor agreements.
I also hope I entertained you today, dear recruitment person.
All the best,
Martin
