You may know him as the guy that sings on one of
The Vibrant Sound’s songs. Or maybe he helped you find that obscure album at
Graywhale one time. Or possibly you saw him open for several well-known musicians at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. Whatever the case may be, Pablo Blaqk is not someone you meet and forget.
Pablo’s wearing brown skinny jeans he got for $10 at Rue 21, $5 dress shoes he got a D.I., a pea coat, a white V-neck with pizza sauce stains on it and an olive green beanie when I met up with him at Juice ‘N Java in Provo to talk about his life, his music and his aspirations. And I must say, it was an interview I wouldn’t soon forget!
We start out talking about tigers and lions as pets but soon get down to business. Pablo’s parents are both Cuban and are both in the military. A self-proclaimed “army brat,” Pablo has lived in Miami, England, North Carolina and Orem, where he currently lives with his parents. He works with Rock the Mic Entertainment where he helps out with karaoke nights at Guru’s and Pirate Island. He also helps organize non-profit events in the area.
Pablo’s first album is due out late March, which he co-produced with musician
Joshua James. The album will have a folk-inspired feel to it; however, you can’t pin Pablo down to one unique genre. He hopes to collaborate with many different artists from all genres and aims at progressing with each new album and getting more experimental as he goes along.
Pablo began playing guitar when he was 18, after his dad wouldn’t let him get a shotgun. “I was so bored,” he told me. So he spent his $200 on a guitar, not a shotgun, and discovered an outlet to express himself. “Music changed my life,” he said. He’s also a painter and enjoys creating abstract pieces.
Being himself in every situation is extremely important to Pablo, something that was very clear during our interview: He didn’t put up a front or tell me things that I wanted to hear; he said what he felt, and I feel like I know him incredibly well after only an hour in a coffee shop.
Pablo is one of the funniest and determined yet carefree people I have ever met. I left with a new perspective on the things I am facing and came away with a greater appreciation for life and living it to the fullest. He’s hilarious, but when it’s time for him to play his music or come on stage with The Vibrant Sound, he’s all business and puts on an incredible performance.
So there you have it, Pablo Blaqk in a nutshell. But believe me, there’s so much more to tell; and if you want to know more, I’m sure he’d love to sit down with you at a local coffee shop for an hour and talk about lions and tigers as pets.
Check out Pablo's music
here.
Posted by Spencer FlanaganPhotographs by Matt Clayton
Where do you call home? 
Whose style do you admire? 
