Music is like a Christmas tree: Santana

And that’s the only advice Carlos Santana gives his musician-son, Salvador Santana. Ahead of his Rock ’N India concert on October 26, the legendary guitarist talks in characteristic esoteric style about his music, his spiritual side and his forthcoming autobiography.

Grammys, top-selling albums, world tours...You’ve seen it all and done it all. Yet, you are out there, performing concerts around the world. So, what’s the fuel that keeps you going?
(Live music is) Virgin energy in a tangible way; it’s like the freshness of a first date, the first kiss.

You are one artist who’s the perfect example of how creative and enriching collaborating with other musicians can be. What is it about the experience that gets you to constantly work with other musicians?
It’s about complementing rather than competing or comparing. I have no fear, no agenda. I don’t need to prove anything. When you play with emotion, sincerity and spirituality, the sounds are memorable.

Talking about collaborations, are there any artistes from today’s generation that you are looking to work with?
I can work with anyone from Metallica to Lady Gaga or even Adele. It’s not impossible. You need to find the right song.

Reading anything that is available on you shows us that you resonate as a deeply spiritual person. Did music make you a spiritual person?
Both are mutually reinforcing. I had Sri Chinmoy as a guru from 1972 to 1981. I learnt spiritual discipline. I was exposed to the work of Swami Vivekananda, Swami Yogananda and Sri Aurobindo. They taught values to the West. We still need disciplining. I think spirituality takes you to your inner self. The mind is quietened. The music and creativity flows.

Today, when you watch your son, Salvador Santana performing, are you a doting father or a critic? What is the advice you constantly give him?
I don’t critique him anymore unless he asks me. I tell him to love the kindness, every song ... the spiritual values, to be positive. Music is like a Christmas tree. Decorate it with kindness, compassion, reliability, punctuality, self reliance and it becomes a temple of prosperity.

We hear you are launching your autobiography in 2014. What are we going to learn about ‘Carlos Santana’ from the book?
I am launching the book next year. It will not have stories or juicy gossip about sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s about what made Santana loved and welcomed by eight to 80-year-olds, from Africa to Japan to India. It’s about my spiritual victory. People need to know what is happening in an artiste’s life.