@ www.theotherpress.ca Feature hands of others. The show was more than a success for Cuevas. It gave him the opportunity to connect with his fans and legitimized him as an artist. Since signing with Aedon, Cuevas, has released three studio albums and performed in two national tours across Mexico. Cuevas’s first single “From the Start,” off his upcoming album, Lava (February 2013), reached No. 9 on Reverb Nation for Latin artists across Canada and No. 3 in Vancouver. Aside from being a hit across the country and in Mexico, Cuevas says, “The song talks about starting over and taking what you learn from the past and becoming a better version of yourself” —something Cuevas knows all too well. Cuevas looks back on difficult times in his first years in Canada, before he acquired his landed immigrant status. After finishing his film program, his student visa had run out and he couldn’t apply for a work visa without company sponsorship. The Art Institute, which typically finds employment for its graduates, couldn’t help students without certain legal status. Cuevas had to take jobs babysitting and cleaning houses to earn an income and to stave off boredom. “It was really depressing,” Cuevas recalls less than fondly. Despite his troubles, Cuevas attributes much of his success to his life in Vancouver. While living in the city, Cuevas completed the Basic Musicianship program at Douglas College, which changed the way he listened to and appreciated music. He describes himself pre- program as an animal, playing his way by feel. “Now,” says Cuevas, “I’m more eloquent.” Cuevas also began to take his career more seriously. He didn’t want to be just another pop singer who looks pretty onstage, and he constantly looked for ways to improve his craft. “When people say, ‘you're just doing music for fun,’ I say, ‘No. It’s my job’—because it is.” Cuevas’ life in Canada has also influenced his audience’s perceptions of him. Radio shows and newspapers in Mexico label Cuevas as an international Canadian artist from Vancouver. Cuevas says, “They see me as an artist that left Mexico, became successful, and came back.” During one interview, the radio station even hired a translator because they didn’t know Cuevas spoke Spanish. The irony isn’t lost on Cuevas, who laughs, “I’m more Mexican than beans.” For Cuevas, the experience at the Black Room became a bout between artist and audience. It came at a time in his career when all he wanted was for people to like him and his music. The scene forced him to present himself in front of people who hated him, but rather than dissuade him, he left the show more confident than ever. After what many would consider a traumatic experience, Cuevas says, “T don’t feel like I need to prove anything to anyone. | just feel like I’m doing what is right for me.” Manual Cuevas | Photo courtesy of Joel McCarthy degree. Bachelor of Performing Arts program Do" College now offers students the opportunity to complete the last 33 credits of a 120-credit Bachelors of Arts Focusing on both theory- and skills-based learning, students enrolled in the full-time program will have the chance to improve their proficiency in one or more performing arts disciplines. Classes will also require students to investigate, critique, and challenge the socio-political and culture dynamics of the industry and provides training for business skills such as grant writing, founding an arts organization, and individual career development. Each year, students enrolled in the program form a cohort- run production company to host their own interdisciplinary performing arts event. The project allows students to put their knowledge and skills to practical use. The program has been developed as a partnership of Douglas College, Capilano University, Langara College, and Vancouver Community College. The deadline to apply for 2013/2014 is set for February 8, 2013. For more information, visit the Douglas College website, contact Stuart Atkins at saikins@capilanou.ca, or call 604-984-4913. 13