Aldrine Guerrero is an ukulele player from the island of Kauai. Originally from the Philippines; Aldrine takes styles of old and new, and mixes in his own formula of playful yet mature sounds. Aldrine’s vocals are quite unique and his play style of the ukulele is described as “Hawaiian jam style meets 8-bit video games” He is also a multi-instrumentalist that ranges from clarinets and saxophones to guitar and bass. Guerrero also composes original music.
Aldrine Guerrero has released 2 full-length albums (‘Suite 409’ and ‘I’m a dreamer) and two EPs (‘Space suits’ and ‘The four strings of Christmas’) Guerrero has played for national and international audiences including US, Canada, Thailand, Japan, and Korea. His ukulele work has been featured on radio, television, and in a major animated film (Hotel Transylvania).
Now that we know some cool details about Aldrine Guerrero’s life, let’s welcome him to this writing space!
Aldrine Guerrero, tell us about your Ukulele story!
I was a part of the church music ministry, playing guitar. At one practice, a lady walks in with her ukulele and I asked her if I could try it. Got hooked completely. Was not very good at first so I didn’t have a lot of people to jam with or learn from. All I had were my ukulele albums and the radio. As I grew older, I learned classical and jazz music from the high school band through my clarinet and saxophone. I then took the music that I was enjoying through the band and transposed them onto my ukulele. That’s why I play and teach the ukulele. It’s brought me joy from the moment I strummed my first chord. I teach so that everyone can experience the same joy of CREATING music through their own fingers.
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How did you get started with music and what lead you to the ukulele?
I was constantly surrounded by music. Being Filipino, a karaoke session was pretty much guaranteed nightly. My dad and uncles all played guitar so trying out the ukulele was perfect for someone like me who wanted something smaller and easier.
Who are your role models in the Ukulele world?
Jake Shimabukuro. Hands down the best human on the planet. He has not only taught me the ukulele but he is also taught me how we should treat others. He taught me to make real connections with people on and off stage. This also applies to Loren Bouchard. He has one of the most brilliant minds in music while being super down to Earth and treating everyone with kindness.
Where do you get your creative inspiration from?
Video games, TV, and movies. Every movement or action from a video game has a sound to it. Every show/movie sets the mood through the background music. You can use these to tell your story through music. I love creating with this in mind. Without a story or purpose, it’s all just notes and/or words. The audience’s mind is the canvas, the music is the paintbrush, and the performance is the frame through which they view the art.
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What 3 tips can you give to people that are starting to learn and improve on the ukulele?
- Work on your form. Everything else becomes better if you work on your form.
- Learn to play the same chord (not inversions or anything like that, same exact chord) at least 3 different ways. To make the chords you’re coming from and going to a lot smoother.
- Play what you like. Be true to yourself and play what you like. Don’t just learn a tune because it’s what everyone else is playing. Play what sparks joy and you’ll enjoy the uke a lot more.
What lessons have you learned from being a performer/influencer/musician?
I learned how to truly express myself. We all can listen to music but to create music is a whole other experience. Through music, I also got to travel and see different cultures. I learned how small this world is but also how huge and different the cultures are within it.
ABOUT THE UKE-CON FESTIVAL 2022:
What are you excited about for the UKE-CON Summer Ukulele Festival?
Getting to see fellow ukulele players again. I haven’t left my house since 2020 so it’ll be nice to interact with actual humans again.
What are you most looking forward to at UKE-CON?
All the different people and ukuleles. The best part is seeing people who are attending to an ukulele festival for the first time. It’s really an amazing and super chill vibe when you’re at an ukulele event. It’s like chill vibes and ukes go hand in hand.
Tickets are almost sold out! Do you have any words to the attendees (both in person and virtual)?
If you have the chance to attend in person, you should. The difference in energy of the venue, the performances, the people in attendance, and LIVE are really indescribable. To the virtual attendees, watch it with others. Make a viewing party out of it. In-person or virtual. Ukulele events should be shared and experienced with others. That’s when you really feel the magic of the uke.
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UKE-CON is a great opportunity for people to connect with their ukulele teachers/artists/mentors. What do you like the most about being part of this one-of-a-kind ukulele community?
The personal connections. I’ve met some of my best friends through the ukulele community. I even met my wife at an ukulele meet-up. So this community will always be special to me.
ABOUT YOU:
What are you currently working on (professionally and personally) that you are excited about?
I’m planning on hopping back into the studio to record another album soon. Ukulele Underground is also continuing to evolve. Being an online ukulele learning platform, we want to continue giving the best content we possibly can. Now waving the flag of Kanile’a, we will be better than ever. Look forward to major changes in 2023.
What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom can you share with us?
“Ichigo Ichie” One time, one meeting. Each moment is unique. We only have a finite time in this world, make sure you’re making each moment/meeting count.
Share one funny story about yourself that most people don’t know.
I was once serenaded in an airport bathroom. On a flight home, I was recognized by a local little league team. I just got off the plane and had to use the restroom. Three boys with ukuleles followed me and started jamming a song I wrote while I was in the bathroom. After playing THE ENTIRE SONG, I clapped, and they left. They waited for me outside the bathroom and I got to awkwardly meet them and say hello.
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How can people learn more about you and reach out to you? Do you have a website/store/channel where people can find your content?
You can visit ukuleleunderground.com, we’ve been here for over 15 years helping grow the next generation of ukulele players.
Awesome!!! We’re really excited to see you at the UKE-CON Festival 2022 in San Diego, California, on August 27th.
Preparing the engines in 3……… 2……… 1……!
