Ricky Martin still going strong

Cenk Erdem - ISTANBUL

It might not exactly be la vida loca, but Puerto Rican superstar Ricky Martin is still keeping his hectic schedule, juggling tour dates, recording new work and raising twin sons.

Thirty years into a music career that has made him a household name around the world, Martin recently topped the Billboard Dance Club Songs for the first time with his disco-flavored song “Mr.Put It Down,” which was released as the lead cut from his upcoming English-language album.

Martin also served as a judge on “The Voice Australia” and “The Voice Mexico” last season and has already participated in the next “The Voice Australia” launch party for the next season. 

I had a chance to communicate with Martin thanks to Sony Music Turkey.

Your song “The Cup Of Life” was the most successful hit of your career; but which song of yours makes you feel most emotional on stage?

It is hard to choose one song because each one of them has a special meaning for me. I enjoy performing all of them, to be honest, from the ballads to the up-tempos; I’m always on cloud nine when I’m on stage. 

You’re already on your 10th “One World Tour;” after a little break, you will go on with North American dates, so what’s your plan for the little break? 

I can’t stand still, I’m always moving and creating, it is part of my nature. So when I’m not touring, I continue to work on several projects, including the promotion of my new album, “A Quien Quiera Escuchar;” two TV shows, “The Voice Australia” and “La Banda,” which will air in the United States in September; and of course everything related to the Ricky Martin Foundation. 

Your song “Adios” from “A Quien Quiera Escuchar” was released as a collaboration in Turkey with Ayşe Hatun Önal; how did you proceed with this idea as a collaboration?  

I have been fortunate to do many collaborations with amazing artists throughout my career. I’m a fan of fusion. Different rhythms different languages … Music is a universal language and we spoke to Sony Music Turkey and found an amazing artist, Miss Ayşe Hatun Önal. And of course I said yes. I love how it turned out… 

Your song “Mr.Put It Down” has already become a hit on the Billboard Dance Chart. Do you have any plans for future singles?

Thank you so much, the response has been incredible! I’m very happy. We just released a third single from “A Quien Quiera Escuchar” called “La Mordidita” which is another up-tempo [song]. I love performing it live and see everyone just dance like no one is watching.  

What person or persons have inspired you the most in showbiz throughout you career?

oo many to named. I admire everyone who works every day on what they are passionate about. It sounds easy to say, but it actually takes a lot of courage and strength to do so. 

Madonna is one of the pop icons who expressed her adoration for you, and you collaborated on the song “Cuidado Con Mi Corazon” in 1999. How do you describe her role as an inspiration? 

She is an incredibly hard-working artist. I have always admired her courage and work ethic, and she gave me some of the best advice when I needed it the most. I will always be grateful for that. 

What would you need on a perfect day? 

My family, music and the beach.  

Do you believe in love? And how do you describe love? 

Love is indescribable and of course I do believe in it.  

I watched your Istanbul performance right beside the beautiful Bosphorus; what’s your best memory of Istanbul? 

Oh that was pure magic! The audience was so amazing. I can’t wait to go back. 

You have sold more than 85 million records and you have six Grammy awards. What’s next for you? 

First I would like to say that I’m so grateful I have been able to do what I love for the past three decades; I really could not ask for more. I’m always coming up with new ideas and things I want to do, but for now I’m concentrating on my world tour which will continue in the U.S. and Canada in September and October of this year and next year in Puerto Rico, Latin America and Europe.