Not many dentists can brag playing at Lollapalooza. But then again, Chilean-born musician and producer Blanco was never your typical dentist. With an origin story that reads like a novel, Blanco’s journey from a drum-playing toddler to a dentist-turned-artist is as compelling as it is inspiring. His story is proof that you can follow your dreams, no matter how unconventional the path.
Blanco’s love for music blossomed early, nurtured by a family that cherished the arts. “I’ve always been into music, ever since I was a kid,” Blanco reminisces. “I got my first drum kit when I was four.” Those drums, a gift from a father who harbored his own musical aspirations, combined with the steadfast support of his family, would set Blanco on a path that would culminate in his current dream realized: producing and creating music in LA. Yet, Blanco’s tale isn’t one of overnight success. It’s a story of duality, of balancing practicality with the unyielding call to a life making music—a siren song that Blanco couldn’t ignore.
Though Blanco always dreamt of a life in music, practicality initially steered him towards a different path. “I wanted to be a musician, but I chose to be a dentist. I come from a family of dentists, like my grandma and my sister. I was so afraid that I was going to end up a failed artist. I decided that being a dentist was the safe choice,” he says. However, music remained a constant companion. He found an outlet in his band, their performances captivating audiences at local gigs and even landing them coveted slots at Lollapalooza and SXSW. Even as he excelled in dental school, these experiences kept the flame of his musical aspirations alive.
Following a successful run at SXSW, Blanco faced a stark reality: the band, his musical lifeline, had broken up. Yet the fire in his belly refused to be extinguished. Determined to keep music a part of his life, Blanco embarked on a demanding double life. With his dental degree in hand, he balanced the long hours of a dentist with a renewed focus on music. He devoured every opportunity to learn, enrolling in formal music production studies while juggling his demanding schedule in dentistry. Late nights were spent hunched over a mixing console, meticulously crafting music. Slowly but surely, his dedication paid off, and others started noticing his talent. “Eventually, other artists started asking me if I could produce their music. They were listening to my stuff, and they liked what they were hearing, so I started producing more. I was studying at night while I was working as a dentist by day. I was so stressed out. I felt like I never slept,” says Blanco.
The turning point came with the COVID-19 pandemic, which cost Blanco his job as a dentist but gave him time to reflect on his aspirations. Amidst the chaos, Blanco had an epiphany. Music, a passion always simmering beneath the surface, began to bubble up with renewed intensity. “For the first time, I had a lot of time to think about my life. I realized that music was actually my calling. It’s almost like I had no choice in the end,” he reflects. With newfound clarity and a healthy dose of courage, he made the bold choice to pursue his musical dreams full-time. Leaving behind the familiar comfort of his life in Chile, he took a massive leap of faith and moved to Los Angeles to study electronic music production at the Musicians Institute in Hollywood. “It was a little crazy, to be honest. I had a very stable life in Chile, and everything was good. I had my car, my dog, my girlfriend, everything. But I had to jump into the unknown, you know?” says Blanco.
Now, Blanco is a rising star within the LA music scene, having produced over 45 artists in the last two years and currently preparing to release his own album. His studio in Hollywood has become a creative sanctuary where he handles many aspects of production—from songwriting and recording to editing and production. Stepping into the studio is like entering an alchemist’s workshop. Instruments—guitars, synthesizers, and a well-worn drum kit—stand poised for action. But the real magic happens within Blanco himself. He approaches music with a blend of meticulous crafting and intuitive improvisation. He blends layers of sound, weaving crisp electronic beats with warm textures and organic instrumentation to build a rich sonic environment. Blanco’s artistic fingerprint lies in the deeply personal touch he brings to his music, especially his own creations. Imagine a vibrant canvas splashed with the colors of love, family, and the entire spectrum of human emotions—that’s the essence of Blanco’s sound. He strives to evoke a range of feelings in his listeners, connecting them to the shared human experience. His upcoming album, Flotando, is a deeply personal project. It is an exploration of a challenging time in his life, particularly a year marked by personal struggles and the cathartic process of channeling pain into art. “I went through a really crazy year last year here in L.A. It was super, super tough. I decided to put those feelings into the music and make something good out of what was the worst year of my life. This music is the most raw and real version of me. I’m very excited for this album to come out.”
Despite the challenges, a smile crinkles the corners of Blanco’s eyes as he talks about his upcoming album. “That’s the vibe that I’m looking for and living right now in my life. After a lot of bad things, good things are coming in now, and I’m at a point in my life where I’m just enjoying all of the hard work and floating with good energy,” Blanco says, explaining Flotando. The album title, which translates to “floating” in Spanish, perfectly encapsulates the lightness and optimism Blanco has cultivated after overcoming adversity.
“Trust yourself. Believe your gut,” Blanco advises those looking to follow in his footsteps. With a thriving production career and his own album on the horizon, it’s clear this simple yet profound advice has served him well. As he prepares to release Flotando, his music reflects the rewards that come from following your heart and the unique beauty that can emerge from all of life’s experiences.
Photos by Kendra Marquez
Connect with Blanco:
Instagram: @blancolealmusic
Spotify: Blanco Leal
