It's never easy to see our hometown South Florida heroes venture off in search of greater glories.
Of course, we're happy for them -- just look at the successes achieved by the Mavericks, Marilyn Manson, and Johnny Depp after they took their talents to a national stage.
Still, it was particularly tough saying goodbye to Fernando Perdomo when he opted to leave Miami and move to L.A. in June 2012. Not that we blame him; as a musician, producer, and all-round entrepreneur, it's little wonder that the bright lights of the Left Coast beckoned.
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And clearly, with a forthcoming album, several noteworthy new productions, constant gigging, and a full studio schedule -- the choice to relocate has paid off.
"L.A. has been a blessing," Perdomo insists. "I've been working with some amazing musicians and gotten some great opportunities."
Among his recent achievements is second solo release, Warm.
"The new album is a continuation of the sound I have been creating since the retirement of Dreaming in Stereo," Perdomo says, referring to his longtime band. "It's more singer-songwriter music with emphasis on beauty and melody.
"I got back in the producer chair for this one and played most of the instruments," he adds. "My Dreaming in Stereo bandmates Eddie Zyne and Vincent Cuevas are on two songs that were started before I moved. I wrote many of the songs in Europe while on tour. I even recorded 'On Sunday Morning' in Sweden at Tambourine Studios, which is where most of the Cardigans' albums were made. Cardigans producer Per Sunding actually co-produced the track."
When asked, Perdomo admits that his Forward Motion record label is on hiatus -- for the moment, anyway -- because his focus has now turned toward production and running a California studio called Reseda Ranch.
He's also been busy making records for other artists, including ex-Menudo member Robert Avellanet, South Florida's Jim Camacho and Ex Norwegian, and two nearly forgotten singer-songwriters of an older vintage, '70s cult favorite Andy Pratt and former folkie Linda Perhacs, whose return after a 40-year lull has garnered a slew of national and international press.
Perdomo says that his future plans call for him to resume touring with Perhacs in Europe in late May, including a string of high-profile dates in Barcelona, London, Leeds, Liverpool, as well as the Lunar Festival in Wickfordshire, where they will share a bill with Donovan.
As for his pair of homecoming shows, he's looking forward to spending time with his son and brother who still reside here, and making music with friends.
"Miami," Perdomo maintains, "will always be the city in my heart."
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Fernando Perdomo. With Karen Feldner. Thursday, May 1. Luna Star Cafe, 775 NE 125 St., Miami. TIckets cost $10. Call 305-799-7123 or visit lunastarcafe.com.
Fernando Perdomo. With Jim Camacho and Beethouse. Sunday, May 4. The Stage, 179 NE 38th St., Miami. Doors open at 2 p.m., and tickets cost $5 for 21 & over, and admission for those under 21 free. Also, the first 20 paid entrants receive a free copy of Perdomo's new album. Call 305-576-9577 or visit thestagemiami.com.
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