Interviews

An interview with Sebastian Krys, Grammy Award winner from Rebeleon Entertainment

An interview with Sebastian Krys, Grammy Award winner from Rebeleon Entertainment on June 25, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.

Biography

Sebastian Krys, is a celebrated Latin Grammy Award winner. Born in Argentine, he is an American audio engineer, record producer and radio personality. Krys started in 1992 as a recording intern at the legendary Emilio Estefan’s Crescent Moon Studio in Miami, where he worked until the early 2000s. 

A six-time Grammy and 13-time Latin Grammy winner, Krys has worked with many Spanish language pop and rock artists such as Percance, Sergio Dalma, Eros Ramazzotti, Sandy & Junior, Gloria Estefan, Carlos Vives, Shakira, Alejandro Sanz, Luis Fonsi, Vega, Kinky, Los Rabanes, Obie Bermúdez, Ricky Martin, Marc Anthony, Lori Meyers, Fangoria, La Santa Cecilia and Will Smith.

In his 15-plus years in the industry, Sebastian’s work has made him well known and respected in both Latin and pop music markets, and beyond. Now a freelance producer/engineer based in Los Angeles, California, Sebastian is the President/CEO of Rebeleon Entertainment, developing music, audiovisual media, and technology in Latin music.

One album, Origen, was performed by Colombian singer-songwriter Juanes, a musician with whom Sebastian wanted to collaborate for years.  

To listen to some of his work see https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7jdfntMUhEXDB42bQFPiAc?si=4c6706a95d90431e&nd=1 

2009 Hall of Fame induction  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T41NP4SMDc 

Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.

 I was diagnosed in 2019. My mom was diagnosed a year and a half ago. My grandmother suffered from Parkinson’s. so, it was a no brainer.

Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?

I work in entertainment so have a lot of contacts in the media and use them to raise awareness and money.

What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?

I make music. I’m very fortunate and wanted to use that platform for good. and slightly selfish reasons. I would rather not have this disease given an option.

What events do you participate in?

We have an annual concert the night before the Latin Grammys. The past two we have donated the proceeds to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

In 2019, he hosted a Team Fox styled event prior to the Latin Grammys in Las Vegas to benefit The Michael J. Fox Foundation and raised over $135,000 for Parkinson’s research. Additionally, Sebastian helped fund the translation of The Michael J. Fox Foundation guide, “Parkinson 360: Testimonios Reales Para Pacientes y Familias” to provide insights and practical strategies for Spanish-speaking patients and families on navigating the Parkinson’s journey. He plans to use future fundraising events to directly benefit the Latin Parkinson’s Community and PD research priority areas. Sebastian’s brother, Alex Krys, serves on MJFF’s board of directors and is actively involved with supporting Parkinson’s research progress. Together, the Krys brothers have been in close communication around inclusive research and equitable care initiatives. Sebastian continues to use his social channels to promote the Foundation’s mission and raise awareness for Parkinson’s research with the Latin community. He looks forward to continuing his support and having the Parkinson’s community get to know him. (MJFF, 2023)

How can someone get in touch?  What is your website?

Through my IG. or Rebeleon.net

If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be? 

Keep up the fight. everyday. Parkinson’s doesn’t take breaks, so we can’t either.

Discography

References

Full Sail Videos (2009). Sebastian Krys – 2009 Hall of Fame Inductee. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3T41NP4SMDc 

IMDb (2023). Sebastian Krys Awards. Retrieved from https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2766484/awards/ 

Michael J. Fox Foundation (2021). After His 19th Grammy Win, Sebastian Krys Talks Adapting to Life with Parkinson’s. Retrieved from https://www.michaeljfox.org/news/after-his-19th-grammy-win-sebastian-krys-talks-adapting-life-parkinsons 

Michael J. Fox Foundation (2021). Patient Council- Sebastian Krys. Retrieved from https://www.michaeljfox.org/bio/sebastian-krys 

Stewart, I. (2022). Interview with Grammy-winning producer Sebastian Krys on ‘Spanish Model,’ the best sub sandwich & Elvis Costello. Retrieved from https://www.vpm.org/listen/2022-02-19/interview-with-grammy-winning-producer-sebastian-krys-on-spanish-model-the  

Wikipedia (2023). Selected discography- Sebastian Krys Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sebastian_Krys