Meet Carlos Ramos | Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carlos Ramos and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carlos, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
Risks have been the most important factor for my growth as an artist in Texas. I come from Costa Rica, a 4 million people country, to America, a 330 million people country. The platform for musicians here in Texas is vastly different from what I was accustomed to back home, and it took a lot of risk for me to begin building my reputation as a musician in this country. I also knew that reggae in Texas was a risky choice, but I could see as soon as I got here that there was a huge opportunity for adding to the musical diversity. We have a saying in Costa Rica, that nobody profits in their own land, and I am proud to represent my country here.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I feel that what sets me apart is bringing parts of my culture, as a Costa Rican, and introducing my identity to audiences here in Texas.
I am very excited to be working with Mateo Orozco, an incredible Dallas based music arranger and guitarist from Colombia, to produce my original songs under my artistic name Pa’lante. It’s been such a blessing to be working and learning from him.
It took many years to build up a reputation here in the Dallas-Fort Worth music scene.
Because of how hard I’ve worked since I migrated to Texas I wanted to bring to life a project that identified with the resilience that any migrant faces in a new country.
Pa’lante means “Going forward” and that’s how I’ve lived my life since I came here.
I feel overcoming challenges is not possible without connecting with others or just being kind and nice to everyone. This goes for any other musician I’ve met in an open mic or gig, booking agents, venue owners, staff and patrons. There’s so many beautiful people here in Texas and meeting them has made my transition to living in America something to be grateful for.
I want Pa’lante to be a reminder to everyone that if we band together we can all move forward and build a better society.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, being based in Fort Worth, I would definitely take them to Salsa Night at Sundance square.
I would ask my wife Sam if she’s dancing in the ballet and go to Bass Hall.
We would bar hop on the Southside of Fort Worth near Magnolia Ave to catch some great live music.
There’s so many great bands and art performances here in funky town!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s so many people I could mention that have helped on my journey but if I had to choose one it would be a couple I met a few years ago (Beckie and Fred) when I was struggling with homesickness and had a hard time fitting in.They mentored me and took me under their wing. Without them, I wouldn’t have had the tools and direction to keep playing here in Texas.
And of course, meeting my wife, Sam, who, as an artist herself (professional Baller dancer) has given me a home here in Texas.

Website: https://www.carlosramosmusic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlosramosmusic?igsh=Y3c1YWJiMDZ4bHF6&utm_source=qr

Facebook: @carlosramosmusic

Youtube: @carlosramosmusic

Image Credits
Samantha Pille
José Guerrero