A 19-year-old independent artist, Omar Banos, is making’ waves as Cuco, a self-produced multi-instrumentalist and singer. Omar Banos’ approach to music is simple. He just wants to make the music he would listen to himself. Most of the time, that idea shows in his fast hip-hop beats and jazzy electric guitar solos.
Banos, who has released two self-produced albums, has been aspiring to music. He always wanted to play the guitar, and picked it up in high school before expanding his talent to the trumpet and French horn. “I’m very committed to my instruments,” Banos said. “If an instrument is right in front of me, and nobody has time to teach me, I just teach myself.” The same is true for his dreamy production. At 16, Banos got his hands in his first music-editing software, and he has developed a range of techniques.
Banos switches between English and Spanish, singing with his pleasant and warm lilt. “When I’m writing, I just put myself in a place, in a certain time period in my life,” he said, “songs just come out very naturally.”
Though Banos’ soft sound might encourage daydreaming, the independent artist is keeping his feet firmly on the ground during his breakthrough. “I feel I’m watching myself take off, but my brain is still on the ground,” he said. “This all happened so quickly. I didn’t even have time to get ready!”
Banos adds that despite his success, he isn’t always recognized as Cuco. “I will wear Vans, and sometimes people will get confused. They will ask whether I’m sure I’m there to perform. I guess I don’t look like an artist,” he said.
4. Why did Banos make music in the beginning?
A.To entertain himself. | B.To kill his dull time. |
C.To make himself well-known. | D.To improve his skill in music. |
5. What is paragraph 2 mainly about?
A.Banos’ high school life. | B.Banos’ learning methods. |
C.Banos’ achievements in music. | D.Banos’ great interest in music. |
6. Which of the following can best describe Banos?
A.Honest and careful. | B.Efficient and faithful. |
C.Creative and low-key. | D.Devoted and warm-hearted. |
7. What may be the best title for the text?
A.Banos has made himself take off | B.Banos will continue daydreaming |
C.A genius learned music in high school | D.A famous singer keeps pursuing his dream |