The voice of a generation that became producers of legends

Alejo Stivel, a 67-year-old Argentine-born musician who has spent nearly half a century in Madrid, is reflecting on his life’s work in a new book and through collaborations with some of Latin America’s most revered artists. His journey began in Buenos Aires, where he was raised in a home steeped in culture, politics, and music, before fleeing the country in 1976 during Argentina's military dictatorship. Now, after decades abroad, he finds himself at the center of a renewed artistic collaboration with Cuban singer-songwriter Silvio Rodríguez, culminating in the release of a song titled “Déjame en paz.” Stivel moved to Madrid shortly after leaving Argentina, settling near the Parque de Berlín with his mother, Zulema Katz, a former actress and theater teacher. The family remained there for almost five decades, and today, Stivel lives in the same house, surrounded by two cats and hundreds of vinyl records that crossed the Atlantic in a single trunk. These records, many of which were introduced to him by friends and mentors, have become a vital part of his musical identity. A key figure in Stivel’s early life was Paco Urondo, a poet and journalist who became more than a mere friend, he was like a father figure. Urondo, whose death marked its 50th anniversary during this interview, played a crucial role in shaping Stivel’s political consciousness. He instilled in the young boy a deep appreciation for literature, theater, and music, while also fostering a sense of social justice. “He taught me that talking about books, politics, or art at a very young age was completely normal,” Stivel recalls. This upbringing laid the foundation for his later career, blending intellectual rigor with creative expression. The cultural environment of Buenos Aires, where Stivel grew up, was one of constant exchange between writers, actors, journalists, and musicians. It was here that he developed a passion for Latin American music, particularly the works of Charly García and Spinetta. When he arrived in Spain, he brought these influences with him, sharing them with fellow musicians and eventually introducing them to Silvio Rodríguez. The Cuban artist, known for his poetic lyrics and folk-inspired melodies, would later credit Stivel with introducing him to Argentine rock in 1976. Their friendship, forged in the early years of Stivel’s exile, deepened over time. Rodríguez often visited Stivel’s home in Madrid, playing guitar late into the night. One such evening led to a pivotal moment: Stivel shared his collection of vinyls, including recordings by Charly García, and Rodríguez discovered a whole new world of Argentine rock. Years later, Rodríguez would recall how Stivel had introduced him to this genre, describing it as a revelation. In recent months, their long-standing friendship took an unexpected turn. During a conversation in Madrid, Rodríguez proposed that they collaborate on a song. For Stivel, this was both surprising and deeply meaningful. “I never imagined that Silvio would ask me to create something together,” he says. The process was influenced by the current climate, with communication taking place primarily via WhatsApp. Rodríguez sent him a file titled “Déjame en paz,” which initially seemed to be a politically charged track. However, upon reading the lyrics, particularly the line “Déjame en paz, conciencia”, Stivel recognized its poetic depth and emotional resonance. “It felt like a twist of fate,” he says. “It was a poem worthy of genius.” Despite the initial excitement, the challenge of setting such a powerful lyric to music proved daunting. “Writing music for a Silvio Rodríguez song is like composing for Bob Dylan or Paul Simon,” Stivel explains. The task required not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of the lyrical intent. Yet, the result is a testament to the enduring bond between the two artists, bridging generations and cultures through music.