An Evening With: Alejandro Abad
An Evening With: Alejandro Abad
2 April 2024
“I’m a dreamer with my feet on the ground. Sometimes I float, but I always come back down to earth.”
That’s how Alejandro Abad defines himself — a singer-songwriter, composer and music producer who has represented Spain several times in international festivals and written enough songs to wallpaper the Gran Vía of any city. Yet he can’t pick a favourite, because, as he says, “they’re like your children — you could never choose between them.”
And speaking of children, Alejandro has two. And one, just one, lifelong love: Susana. His wife of over 30 years, Susana has been his greatest inspiration and guiding light — the reason why, despite reaching the top, he has remained a grounded dreamer.
For all this, Alejandro feels fortunate and fulfilled — something he expresses in the interview we had the pleasure of conducting at our ILUNION Atrium Hotel in Madrid, alongside his wife, Susana Saura, his partner in life and without a doubt, the most indispensable part of his success. It’s no surprise that the word “together” is the one that comes up most when he speaks of her. That might even be the title of your next song, Alejandro — just an idea. But in the meantime, tell us…
Who is Alejandro Abad really?
I’m a family man, a husband, a bit of a rebel, and, ultimately, a person who has been able to dedicate his entire life to what he loves most: music.
I’ve performed on every stage, participated in a ton of talent shows, including OT, attended Eurovision twice (in 1994 as a singer-songwriter, and in 2001 as a composer), and have worked extensively in television, where I’ve appeared on various sets.
Originally from Chile, now living in Madrid, I’ve produced songs and launched careers for artists like David Bisbal, Paulina Rubio, Diango, Armando Manzanero… and David Civera, for whom I composed an entire album. Life has been generous and has allowed me to fulfil incredible dreams — all of them filled with passion.
What do you most admire in an artist?
What I admire most in a recognised, authentic artist is their ability to develop their talent calmly, despite how turbulent the music world can be. Even when facing ups and downs, they’re able to stay grounded and approach their work with responsibility.
An artist is someone unique, blessed with a gift — and with that comes great responsibility. They must walk through life with a sense of humility, because that’s what keeps them grounded. It stops them from floating up too high — a place that’s not just unstable, but risky, not only for an artist, but for anyone.
And in a person — what do you admire most?
Everything I admire in a person I find in my wife. We’ve been together 33 years. We’ve grown and built a life project together. We’ve both contributed in different ways — with emotion and talent — so our “structure” stands strong. We steer the ship together. And when storms come, we face them side by side. The same goes for our children. We want them to look to us as an example — just as we’ve looked to those who inspired us.
Any upcoming projects you can share?
I’m a multidisciplinary artist. There was a time when I was singing and composing, then just composing and producing. Then I moved into TV commentary. Now, I write personalised songs — like the one I created for you, for ILUNION Hotels. So it’s hard to speak of just one project. But there is something that excites us in particular — our social commitment. Music is a powerful tool to lift people up. In 2013, we founded “Ahora más que nunca” (“Now More Than Ever”), through which we work alongside other foundations and organisations to bring happiness to those less fortunate or facing limitations.
We all need to be uplifted by our surroundings — no one is so strong that they don’t need joy. For instance, we travelled to Africa, where we recorded a song and a video with over 5,000 children from around the world. This part of our CSR work fills us up and will always be a part of what we do. Right now, I’m also serving as a judge on a live music talent show for regional TV in Castilla-La Mancha, focused on copla — a genre I hold dear because my mother was a professional copla singer. It’s in my blood.
You’ve had the chance to experience ILUNION Hotels up close — what stands out most to you about the company that’s welcomed you into a different kind of world?
You’re a company that is completely aligned with us — with our principles, our values, and even, I’d say, with every artistic expression. Even before I got to know you well, I was struck by something your CEO, José Ángel Preciados, said to me: “A company like this doesn’t exist anywhere else in the world.”
Later, you explained what you do and I remember thinking, “What must these people feel?” And I got my answer when we composed the song together during your leadership conference last December. It was a truly powerful experience — the energy in the room was amazing, and it came from people who were grateful, who truly valued the opportunity they’d been given. Society often takes opportunities for granted, but when you meet people who are thankful — for a job, for a gift, for anything — that has incredible value. As I said before, everything should be accompanied by gratitude and responsibility.
And finally, Alejandro, what did you like most about working with ILUNION Hotels on that beautiful anthem-like song you composed for us?
First of all, the theme. I love your work because it’s so powerful for a song. When you arrive at a hotel, it’s very exciting because everything is new, and you’re always eager to discover the room, the terrace, breakfast, the pool, the buffet…
Pero, además, sois un colectivo de personas tan diversas como motivadas. Se os nota felices, y felices en un entorno laboral. Eso sí que es un WoW…
But more than that, you are a collective of people as diverse as you are motivated. You radiate happiness — and in the workplace! Now that’s a WoW.
I’ve heard you say that “every day here is another day in paradise”. And that’s exactly what we felt during the day we spent making music together. We always manage to get people involved, but sometimes it takes longer… with you, it was instant.
Music Experience — that’s what you call it, right?
Exactly, that’s what we do. When you meet a team like ILUNION Hotels, you realise that all the ingredients for happiness are already there. All we did was help you see how incredible you already are — so that pride of belonging becomes even stronger… if that’s even possible.
