Draco Rosa is sitting in a cafe, just a few blocks down the road from his L.A. studio, Phantom Vox.
"I'm sorry I'm being so rude, but I'm eating this delicious gluten-free cookie. It's so good. I wish I could give you half," the ex-Menudo heartthrob laughs.
Having been in the music biz for over 20 years now, the multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning artist has done it all. He's produced his own tracks, created several bands along the way, wrote tunes for Ricky Martin and Luis Miguel (among other Latin music legends), and started his own Vagabundo empire of rum, clothing, and even coffee.
See also: Draco Rosa on Vida, Cancer, Success: "I'm Doing the Best With What's Been Given to Me"
But even after two decades as a pop star and businessman, the most challenging experience of the multifaceted artist's life wasn't professional, it was a two-year battle with cancer.
"I think, initially, it was two things," he says, explaining how he persevered. "Number one, your faith and spirituality, and that goes with your attitude. Number two, nutrition. It's essential to look at your diet. I've been aggressive in that area. I think all those things helped out."
And like any musician who's passionate about his craft, the music gave him the strength that he needed to keep on fighting.
"For me, personally, working on this record was definitely helpful, parte de la sanación [part of the healing process], that helped me move forward."
Recorded shortly after his diagnosis, Vida, or Life, is Rosa's latest album which he says is "a celebration of life."
Although, the singer admits, "It was suggested we would consider doing this album, because there was so much uncertainty as to where I would be right now, either dead or alive."
Now cancer free, Rosa is back on the road, rockin' the Americas with his fusion of dark rock and ballads, and sharing the gift of Vida.
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"I love music. I love what people do. I love so much of it. I think architecture, food, sex, clothing, fashion -- it defines the music. It's all one giant ball of fire," he proclaims.
"[There's] nothing more beautiful than spending a night with fans at the gigs. I just love it. We've just only started, but... I'm very excited to be back on stage."
Draco Rosa. Saturday, October 26. Fillmore Miami Beach, 1700 Washington Ave., Miami Beach. The show starts at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $43.50 to $93.50 plus fees via livenation.com. All ages. Call 305-673-7300 or visit fillmoremb.com.
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