We create labels to simplify how we see the world. It's an important part of how our brain works.

However, those labels can, and often do, cheat us out of really getting to know someone.

Carlos is a musician. It's easy to come to this conversation with a lot of biases and assumptions based on that one label alone.

What you learn about Carlos in this episode though will change how you look at him as a musician.  This conversation is a great example of how our assumptions can limit our ability to truly know what someone wants from life and who they are.

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Today we are with Carlos "Lonelez" Rosario Gonzalez.  Lonelez began his journey in the music industry as a graphic designer. Having designed for names such as Ozuna, Mozart La Para, J Alvarez, and Natti Natasha, he discovered that his true passion was in music production. Soon, Lonelez began to remix popular songs, and it wasn't long until his remixes began to garner favorable attention.

His trap remix of Daddy Yankee's Shaky Shaky became an internet sensation, and his bachata remix of Plan B's Fanatica Sensual was danced all over the world. In 2021, his reggaeton remix of Taylor Swift's Willow became a viral sound on TikTok.

He is now putting lyrics to his beats and after releasing his first independent album Atraccion in 2018, and recently released his EP LaRomcom. His songs are those of love, adventure, party-going, and fun, with a bilingual touch that's purely unique to Lonelez.

Carlos also has written the romance novel series "The Bohemians."

Topics we discuss:

• Smile to defuse

                ○ Authentically Smiling

                ○ Finding the best in others

• Masculinity as a Social Construct

                ○ His novels

                ○ Being ourself

                ○ What it's like in the Dominican Republic

• Influence of his childhood on his decisions

                ○ Self-Identity

• Fear and how he shows up through it and with it

References:

• Carlos' Books

Credits:

Music:

Main Theme: "Eaze Does It" by Shye Eaze and DJ Rufbeats, a More In Common Podcast Exclusive.

All music created by DJ Rufbeats