Alejandro Licano

Alejandro Licano's journey into music began with the influence of friends and family. "I was inspired by my friends and cousins who also played instruments," he recalls. However, a defining moment came when he attended a friend's live performance. "I walked into the venue, and a cover band was performing 'We Die Young' by Alice in Chains. It was mind-blowing at the time because they were so perfect and sounded exactly like the record," he remembers. The energy and vibe on stage sparked a desire in Alejandro to perform, setting him on his musical path.

Alejandro's musical style is shaped by a diverse range of artists, from the melodic to the technical. "Currently, I'm heavily influenced by many jazz artists," he says. Guitarists like Plini, Tosin Abasi from Animals as Leaders, Stephen Taranto, and Bernth play a significant role in his approach. Early influences include Queen, Joe Satriani, Metallica, the Gipsy Kings, Eric Johnson, Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Tool, Opeth, Dredg, At the Drive-In, The Fall of Troy, and The Mars Volta. "These musicians have painted a tapestry of sound for me, offering various angles and approaches to music," he explains. Alejandro emphasizes the importance of melody and rhythm, striving to create a balance between technical prowess and emotional expression.

Alejandro's multicultural background is a significant part of his identity. "I was born in Ecuador and I am multilingual," he shares. In addition to his musical talents, he has a 27-year-old tarantula and spent 13 years as a chef. "I also have a bachelor's degree in Humanities and absolutely love human studies, anthropology, and human history," he adds, showcasing his diverse interests.

Alejandro's musical journey began with the piano at the age of four. "My mom wanted me to have a piano, and my dad came home with an 88-key Casio synth piano," he recalls. This early exposure allowed him to experiment with recording and looping from a young age. Guitar entered his life through his fascination with his cousins' musical activities. "One of my cousins owned a Peavey bass, and I used to play 'The Man Who Sold the World' by Nirvana on it," he says. Although he initially wanted to play bass, his father encouraged him to start with an acoustic guitar. This decision led to his self-taught journey, which lasted until he began formal lessons with Angel Vivaldi in his late twenties.

The formation of Crossing the Rubicon is a testament to Alejandro's vision and dedication. Inspired by his diverse musical influences and a desire to create something unique, Alejandro founded the band with a clear goal in mind. "I wanted to create music that resonated deeply with people, blending technical proficiency with emotional depth," he says. The band's name, Crossing the Rubicon, signifies a point of no return, reflecting Alejandro's commitment to pushing musical boundaries and creating unforgettable performances.

The early days of the band were marked by intense practice sessions and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Alejandro's leadership and passion for music helped the band quickly gain a following. "We started playing local gigs and quickly built a loyal fan base," he recalls. The band's dynamic sound, characterized by Alejandro's intricate guitar work and powerful stage presence, set them apart in the local music scene.

Alejandro's songwriting process has evolved over time. "In the past, I always worked with a melody," he explains. Using clean tones with chorus and delay, he created ambient vibes to inspire his compositions. Recently, his approach has become more structured, often collaborating with band members and incorporating music theory. "I prefer more structure and thoughtful planning, especially using music theory," he notes, emphasizing his shift away from spontaneous jamming.

Alejandro's performances are marked by both triumphs and challenges. One standout moment was the Summer Slaughter Tour in 2019, where his band opened for Brand of Sacrifice. "It was amazing to see people's reactions when they saw a saxophone get on stage," he says. Another memorable event was playing Woodshock in 2005, where he met Brann Dailor of Mastodon and received an autographed copy of "Remission." Conversely, a particularly challenging performance occurred during a Battle of the Bands in July 2019. "The temperature was around 95 to 98 degrees, and my fretboard was literally wobbling in the heat," he recalls, describing it as one of his worst shows.

Had Alejandro not pursued music, he might have joined the Navy to become a pilot. "I always wanted to be a Navy pilot," he says, reflecting on the decisions he made in his late teens. Outside of music, he is passionate about football (soccer), hiking, camping, and art. "Real Madrid is my favorite team, and I hope to travel to Spain to watch them play live," he shares. Alejandro also enjoys studying classic Greek literature, philosophy, and engaging in various creative activities like drawing, painting, and miniaturization.

One of Alejandro's favorite songs to perform live is "Divide the Sky." "It is one of our best songs and it’s always really cool to end the show with its various sonic approaches and angles," he says. The audience's reaction to this song makes it a standout piece for him.

As a musician, Alejandro has faced numerous challenges, from technical issues on stage to navigating the evolving music industry. "The way social media works is very difficult for musicians to catch up with because of how many hats you have to wear," he explains. Despite these challenges, his passion for music and dedication to his craft keep him moving forward.

As the founder of Crossing the Rubicon, Alejandro's goals are centered around the band's growth and the enjoyment of his bandmates. "My biggest focus is to always see Crossing the Rubicon as a lifelong project," he says. He aims to grow the band's fan base and create music that resonates deeply with their audience.

Alejandro is passionate about several social causes, including animal rights, planetary conservation, and Native people's rights. "I believe that people's rights and human rights are hugely important," he asserts. He supports various organizations dedicated to these causes, advocating for equality and justice.

To relax, Alejandro enjoys watching football, going for walks, and hitting the gym. "Sometimes, I also enjoy going for walks or heading to the gym to de-stress," he says. His favorite book is "A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius" by Dave Eggers, which he finds incredibly moving and insightful. His favorite movies are "Fight Club" and "Flatliners" (1990), both of which explore themes of self-identity and inner journeys.

Alejandro dreams of traveling to Spain, Ireland, and Scotland. "Spain is at the top of my list because of my background, football, and the food," he says. He is also fascinated by the history and beauty of Europe, the Mediterranean, and Northern Africa. Additionally, he hopes to visit Australia and explore the Scandinavian peninsulas.

Alejandro Licano's memoir is a rich tapestry of cultural influences, musical evolution, and personal growth. His journey reflects the power of inspiration, the importance of structured creativity, and a deep commitment to social causes. Through his music and passions, Alejandro continues to inspire and connect with those around him.