RODRIGO MASSA- ACTOR, SINGER/SONGWRITER
Rodrigo Massa. His name rolls off your tongue and you can’t help but smile. Speaking with Rodrigo was pure joy!! His passion and infectious personality makes you feel like you’ve known him for ages. Not only did I think he was my spirit animal after our convo, I wanted to learn how to properly dance to his song “Tira o Pé do Chão” & I thought ‘finally a talented gem that the world is able to see shine.’
I had the pleasure of talking with Rodrigo Massa on Wednesday afternoon. It was a wonderful and compassionate conversation…
YL – How would you describe yourself?
RM – Oh gosh starting with a hard one… I am a dreamer, deeply passionate and emotional. If you know me, follow me, and follow my music – you would see I let my emotions and passion flow.
YL – You are trained in acting, singing, and dancing – which brings you the most joy?
RM – Acting was first. I started doing commercials, then doing that (commercials), I fell into acting. However, music was my focus at first.
YL – Where do you get most of your creative inspiration?
RM – My dad was a musician and he was my main inspiration. He played the guitar during the night at our country home. I also watched a lot of TV growing up… when I was about 10 years old, I was obsessed with ‘Friends’, and I still watch ‘Friends’ – lol. Mainly because I do want to do comedy.
YL – How has the current situation of the Black Lives Matter movement affected you, your creativity? If so, how?
RM – Oh yes, it affects me 100%. I have so many feelings accumulating… as an artist, and a songwriter. A lot of major frustration, sadness, loneliness, missing the life I/we had. I have been watching many documentaries. Many of my friends are involved in the movement. For me I believe the best way for me to support is through my music. I write songs based on that.
YL – Do you have any upcoming projects that you would like to share?
RM – Well, I have singles released from my new album. I always have videos with my singles and they always come with a surprise. Something that my fans never expect. Next year planning a tour in the U.S., Mexico, Central & South America. Also, I am in a musical in Vancouver, the first Latin Musical, “Lady Canada”, and that is coming up.
Rodrigo and I talked more about how he wants to help people during the current times. That’s why Rodrigo grappled with the original release date of March 26th, because this was in the middle of Covid-19. Then he says he thought we/people are going to be home going crazy. So, I decided to release it because artists are important to bringing in happiness and joy.
YL – How do you relax and reward yourself?
RM – Well, before the current world situation… after several months of filming a big project; I would then go to Europe for several months alone or with my family. Now I will start back watching reality TV, ordering food… oh yes, I am now obsessed with Shark Tank.
We also talked about his character on Netfkix”s El Dragon: Return of a Warrior (S1 and S2). Rodrigo was drawn to El Dragon: Return of a Warrior because of the amazing script. He shared how he was drawn to do two of his own stunts. The stunt where he’s on the helicopter garnered even more respect for Rodrigo – because he shared with me his helicopter stunt scene made him quite nervous due to his real fear of helicopters.
Lastly, we talked about how everything comes full circle… when he was a young child, he had a thirst for knowledge, and learning languages. He begged his parents to enroll him in the program to learn English. After that was mastered, he learned Spanish, Italian, and French; along with his native Portuguese he’s fluent in 5 languages and now he’s learning Polish. This has opened the door to more opportunities, and language is the connector. Rodrigo’s message is for you to have the freedom to be who you are… to celebrate the individuality of us all.
