“My music is a melting pot of sounds rooted in my Dominican heritage”
Now in its second year, the Gibson Artist Spotlight program showcases an evolving roster of musical talent across Gibson channels globally. Following recent additions AfroDiziac and Charli Adams, the latest artist to join the program is Yasser Tejeda. Yasser Tejeda is a New York-based Dominican singer-songwriter, guitarist, and producer who takes elements of traditional Afro-Dominican rhythms like merengue and bachata and infuses them with hints of rock, pop, jazz, and even metal. We recently caught up with him to find out more.
How would you describe your music?
“My music is a melting pot of sounds rooted in my Dominican heritage. These include merengue, bachata, and Dominican roots traditions fused with my main influences: jazz, rock, funk, Afrobeat, and Caribbean rhythms. I call it Dominican Roots Fusion.”
What is your favorite piece of Gibson gear?
“My favorite piece so far is my Gibson Les Paul Standard in Vintage Honey Burst. I got it around July 2023, and since then it has become my go-to for shaping my live performance sound. My band is built around drums, percussion, bass, and vocals, and this guitar really complements the overall sound, as it fills the mid frequencies beautifully and makes the overall tone fuller.
“I consider myself a versatile player who explores many different styles, and I love how easily I can switch settings on this guitar to find exactly the sound I’m looking for. The clean tones are crystal clear, while the grungier, heavier sounds come through with amazing power. It’s also incredibly sturdy, super reliable, and holds tuning exceptionally well.”
What has been the highlight of your musical career so far?
“Some of the biggest highlights of my career so far happened last year. Performing my own music at the NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2024, and performing onstage at the Kennedy Center Honors alongside legends like Chucho Valdés and Randy Brecker in a tribute to Arturo Sandoval, were incredibly special moments and additional motivation for what’s next.”
What would be your dream artist or producer collaboration, and why?
“My dream artist collaboration would be to co-write and record a song with the legendary Juan Luis Guerra. As a Dominican artist, he has been one of my biggest inspirations. I’ve been listening to his songs and albums since I was a kid. To create music together with him would truly be a dream come true.”
What does being part of the Gibson Artist Spotlight program mean to you?
“I first picked up the electric guitar after seeing Slash from Guns N’ Roses play the solo in ‘November Rain’ on MTV. From that moment, I wanted to be like him. But at the time, my family and I couldn’t afford a Gibson guitar. That 11-year-old kid watching MTV, inspired by the sound of a Gibson, could never have imagined being endorsed by the brand and be featured in the Gibson Artist Spotlight program. It’s truly incredible, and I feel super grateful to be part of it.”
What's next on the horizon for you?
“I’m currently in the process of creating new music with some incredible collaborators, including artists and producers I’ve admired for years. The plan is to release this new music in 2026, and I truly believe it will be my most ambitious and meaningful work yet. I can’t wait to share it with you all, so stay tuned.”
Visit Yasser Tejeda's Gibson Artist Spotlight profile for more information.
