In-Depth Session with Marc Anthony

Marc Anthony was greeted with hundreds of flashbulbs. The salsa singer was at the Billboard Latin Music Conference to debut his new single, “Y Como Es El” and other cuts from his forthcoming album. The acclaimed Puerto Rican star opened up about his creative process, his philanthropy and his upcoming album due out May 27^th.

“Mr. Lopez” as he jokingly referred to himself as credits his wife, Jennifer, for getting him back into the studio. “I told her I’m not ready [to go back into the studio] and she said, ‘you better be ready’ and got me into the studio,” he said. “That was the [edited version] of the story, it was more like, ‘you better get your f***ing butt in that studio.”

He revealed he records his songs in one or two takes. He’s a firm believer he should be able to sing the songs in one take, “I like to treat it like I’m performing it live,” he said. Like in most live performances, “things happen,” he admitted. “But it’s safe [because] It’s in a studio so you can always [go back] and retouch them.”

His performances are always emotional. They seem very personal as if you’re intruding on a private moment. Marc revealed he stuttered as a kid and was painfully shy to the point that he would refuse to talk. He then discovered that his speech impediment would disappear when he sang. “It was my savior,” he confessed. “I preferred to sing than to talk so I protected it, [singing] was mine and that’s why when I do anything I do it wholeheartedly. I have to get it right.” He continued, “It’s been good to me so I have to be good to it.”

He shared that many of the songs that are sent to him are sent in ballad form, “my style is very particular, so I need to fall in love with it in the simplest form, find its essence to then record it my way [in salsa].”

On Thursday night’s Billboard Latin Music Awards the singer was awarded the Spirit of Hope Award for his philanthropic work, the day prior to the ceremony at the interview session, he was hesitant about speaking publicly regarding his charitable work stating that it’s something he does out of the kindness of his heart and not for publicity. However, he disclosed that he became passionate about sponsoring health programs that help underprivileged families get the medical attention, they otherwise couldn’t afford after the birth of his twin daughter Emme. “One doctor told us there was something they needed to keep an eye on.” The news was heartbreaking, but he could assemble a team of the best doctors within hours to observe her and run tests. “As a parent,” he said tearing up, “I can’t imagine getting that news and not being fortunate enough to afford the top doctors to look after my child.”

His album of ballad covers is yet to hit stores, and already he’s restless about getting to work on a follow-up, “it’s time, it’s time for me to record a new salsa album,” he said. “I like to get to the point where I can’t breathe that I’m so anxious that I have to get back [into the studio] to work on my next project.” Apparently that time is now.