Álvaro “Conejo” Arce’s musical journey is a living testament to how art can transcend temporal and cultural barriers. Recognized in the Bolivian and South American music scene for his versatility and innovation, his most successful project, RaBeat, has revolutionized local music with a fresh and original approach.
Since his professional debut almost 30 years ago, Arce has left a significant mark on the national and international music scene, fusing electronic sounds with influences from genres such as rock, hip hop, and experimental music. Now he’s preparing to inspire a new generation of disruptive young people at TDEx Unifranz 2024, organized by Franz Tamayo University, which will take place in La Paz on Thursday, November 28.
“Before becoming a musician, I’ve always considered myself a music lover. I listen to a lot of music and am influenced by a variety of genres, from jazz and black music to rock. Over time, I’ve also dabbled in electronic music and have recently moved closer to folklore. My collection reflects this diversity, and I believe that having a wide range of sonic possibilities is key to composing,” he says.
RaBeat is characterized by his ability to experiment with different styles and techniques, creating a rich and diverse discography that has evolved over the years. His work has been acclaimed for its creativity and professionalism, and he has collaborated with numerous national and international artists.
With over 15 years of experience, RaBeat has been a key driver of the electronic music genre in Bolivia, promoting electronic music and helping to establish a vibrant and active community. His latest album, “Panacea,” recorded and produced remotely during the pandemic, is a testament to his commitment to innovation and musical excellence.
Álvaro “Conejo” Arce is undoubtedly a benchmark in Bolivian electronic music, whose passion and dedication continue to inspire new generations of musicians and fans.
Fusion of styles
The influence of Andean sounds and indigenous Bolivian music is deeply rooted in Álvaro Arce’s musical identity. His creative approach seeks to give voice to ancestral melodies and instruments. These sounds, when combined with electronic textures and cutting-edge synthesizers, give rise to music steeped in history yet innovative.
“This is the essence of Radio Cutipa, my newest project, in which we explore the integration of Bolivian sounds and rhythms with electronic elements,” he reveals.
In January 2024, Radio Cutipa released a vinyl album, presented in various cultural venues in Bolivia and in the NOA music market in Argentina.
The musician says this fusion of traditional and modern elements reflects his constant pursuit of innovation and his ability to adapt to new musical trends.
“It’s crucial to do cutting-edge things, always think about the future, and not cling to a past hit or style. The key is to always renew and adapt to changing times.”
Reinvent yourself to stay relevant
“Talking about my achievements myself would be self-validation, and I wouldn’t want to do that. I could say, in any case, that my greatest satisfaction is living professionally for almost 30 years through music. That my passion has been my life’s path. What have I learned from all these years? That music makes you better, it makes you more sensitive,” the musician says.
Arce has dabbled in various styles, but has always remained on the move, moving from one style to another, demonstrating his versatility as a musician and producer.
“My professional musical career began in 1995 in Llegas, alongside Rodrigo “Grillo” Villegas, recording three albums and touring several times until 2001, and sharing the stage with great national and international musicians, including Luis Alberto Spinetta at the Sucre Culture Festival.”
In 1998, he joined the hip-hop band Escama Do Fish, with which he recorded a cult album for Bolivian rap, released by Discolandia in 1999.
In 2014 and 2019, Ra Beat collaborated with the National Symphony Orchestra, presenting symphonic versions of his songs, which represented one of the highlights of his career.
Álvaro has also developed a successful career as a DJ, mixing electronic music with organic rhythms. His sets are characterized by a sonic architecture that explores the avant-garde and groove-filled beats using analog synthesizers and a pure electronic style. He has played in Bolivia’s leading electronic clubs and festivals and has worked with numerous nationally and internationally recognized labels.
From 2009 to 2014, he was a founding member of the band Krauss, alongside Christian Krauss and Alex Zapata. With this group, he toured nationally and internationally and opened for Fito Páez at the Teatro al Aire Libre in La Paz. This experience allowed him to expand his musical horizons and consolidate his career both nationally and internationally.
Keep creating
Arce’s career is also a reflection of constant reinvention. “The key is not to repeat yourself, to grow, evolve, and always seek the cutting edge,” says Álvaro, who has made this philosophy a daily practice. In an environment where trends evolve rapidly, his dedication to experimentation and learning has kept him relevant.
For Álvaro Arce, music is more than a profession; it’s a way of life that requires commitment and passion. His message to young artists is clear: “Dare to do what you love. It’s important to believe in it, to believe in your dreams, because it’s what you’ll do your whole life.” Arce’s art is based on perseverance, a love of learning, and an openness to accepting new challenges. This mindset has not only been key to his success but is also an encouraging message for those seeking to build a career in the art world.
With nearly three decades in the music business, Arce remains an artist in constant growth. His vision for the future is to continue exploring the vast field of possibilities offered by the fusion of the ancestral and the digital. His recent vinyl release (Radio Cutipa’s first album) reaffirms his commitment to music as an art form that, while evolving, maintains a connection to the past.
In a world where the ephemeral seems to predominate, Álvaro Arce proves that authenticity and profoundness always find a way to endure. His life and work are an example of how dedication and passion can transform art into a living legacy, one that resonates in the collective memory and continues to inspire future generations.
Along with photographer Tony Suárez, designer and cultural manager Susana Machicao, robotics expert Grecia Bello, and war correspondent Milan MA González, Álvaro Arce will be a speaker at TDEx 2024, which will take place this Thursday, November 29. The event has been described by the Vice-Rector of Unifranz La Paz, Pedro Sáenz, as an opportunity to explore new ways of thinking and creating.
“It’s not just a space to listen, it’s an invitation to pause, reflect, connect, and act. It’s a space for all those who want to discover new ways of thinking, new ways of doing things, and for those who want to put their ideas and thoughts into practice,” says the university leader.