Orlando Mendez, a renowned American singer, songwriter, and composer, shares his impressive abilities and a lifelong love of country music.
Orlando’s high school years were marked by a tremendous affinity for country music, which, combined with his upbringing in a mostly Cuban environment in Miami, earned him the loving moniker “Cuban Cowboy.”
To further his musical goals, eight months ago Orlando started his own band, simply called the Orlando Mendez Band. He takes great delight in this creative endeavour as he draws inspiration from his rural upbringing in order to create his mesmerising works of art.
When Orlando learned that his grandpa was a real Cuban cowboy, he felt an even deeper connection to his history. This insight struck a chord inside him, strengthening his connection to his nation of origin and influencing the development of his creative identity.
After finishing his degree at the University of Florida and dabbling in acting for a while, Orlando decided to devote himself once again to his longstanding love of country music. The Orlando Mendez Band performed for over two years, captivating people all around Florida with their captivating shows.
The music business took notice of Orlando’s extraordinary skill in 2022 when he tried out for Season 22 of “The Voice.” He wowed the distinguished panel of coaches, which included Blake Shelton, John Legend, Gwen Stefani, and Camila Cabello, with his distinctive voice and commanding performance. His strong performances on the programme further strengthened his reputation as a promising newcomer to the world of country music.
One of Orlando Mendez’s best songs is “Long Gone Lullaby,” a country-rock vengeance ballad. The track, which was produced by Lucio Rubino, features the vocals of Orlando Mendez and the guitar skills of Jack Sizemore.
“Long Gone Lullaby” is a high-octane ode to the freedom found in letting go of an old flame. Lyrically, the journey from grief and into the light of greater freedom is captured with raw honesty and a hint of bitterness.
The tune begins with musical components that are gentle and sensitive, giving the impression that it is a love ballad. But when the chorus develops, the song takes on a whole new dynamic, delivering a jolt of rock and roll and cutting words.
The juxtaposition of happy and sad feelings throughout “Long Gone Lullaby” keeps the audience on the edge of their seats, their hearts pounding from the honesty of the lyrics.
Orlando Mendez expertly juxtaposes these divergent components, resulting in an emotionally engaging and intellectually stimulating musical journey. Through his music, he takes listeners on an emotional roller coaster through the ups and downs of life and love.
Orlando Mendez’s country-rock melodies will sweep you away with their heartfelt lyrics and boundless enthusiasm. His music is sure to strike a chord with fans of the genre and those who are just discovering it because of his undying enthusiasm and natural skill.
Could you tell us about the creative process behind “Long Gone Lullaby”?
The creative process for “Long Gone Lullaby” was intimate and extremely collaborative. I worked with my good friend and producer Lucio Rubino who owns a studio called Fishtank Recordings in St. Augustine, FL.
I travelled to St. Augustine where we spent a few days bringing this song to life. We took my initial idea of having this song be more of a country-rock ballad and worked to build on that concept. Lu has an incredible way of moulding the music to accent the lyrics and bring the story across.
That’s why I love the way this song goes from a more subdued/chill vibe in the verses, as the story is being established to rocking, powerful choruses that bring the idea of freedom from heartbreak to the choruses.
What inspired you to create “Long Gone Lullaby”?
“Long Gone Lullaby” was written as a post-breakup anthem. It was meant to capture the feeling of finally being over an ex and giving them one big “F you” as you walk away.
You’ve undoubtedly developed a unique sound and style to fit into your musical journey, how does it showcase your growth and artistic evolution?
I feel like I’ve been able to hone in on what speaks to me. My greatest passion is country music which is primarily my genre but with “Long Gone Lullaby”, as well as some of my other original songs, I have found a way to incorporate some of the rock influences that I grew up listening to.
Can you share the underlying message or theme that you wanted to convey through “Long Gone Lullaby”?
I wanted to explore the topic of healing from heartbreak. It’s not always clean or pretty and sometimes there’s a layer of bitterness that can last for a while. However, there is a feeling of freedom that comes with finally being on the other side and letting go of that person.
How do you envision this song resonating with your audience, and what impact do you hope it will have on listeners as this has the potential to become a fan-favourite.?
I feel like this song has all the elements to connect with the masses; not only country music fans but also rock fans. Honestly, it has the power to connect to anyone who has ever had to get over a relationship.
Melodically the song has country rhythms as well as rock rhythms that keep the listener engaged throughout. The lyrics tell a story and convey the emotions of the rollercoaster that is heartbreak and healing. I feel like almost everyone can connect to that.
Do you have any exciting plans or projects in the pipeline? Can you give us a glimpse into what the future holds for your music?
I have a ton of new music coming this year! I am really trying to set the foundation so listeners understand who I am and what story I’m trying to tell. Hopefully, this creates a solid fanbase so I can get out on the road and connect in person with live shows all over the US.
How do you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with being an artist in today’s competitive landscape?
I navigate the challenges with joy. This industry is tough and becomes more difficult by the day with new technology and changing standards, but I’m doing what I love. I’m taking my voice, story and passion out to the world and that is special.
Are there any other musical genres or styles that you are interested in exploring in your future releases?
Absolutely! I would love to honestly bring a bit of my background (Cuban-American) into my music. I want to bring rhythmic and lyrical elements of salsa and other Hispanic flavours to the world of country music.
