Monsieur Job's Toby Holguin on America De Cali, his "Bass Pa$$i" albums & more

Formed by Toby Holguin from Cali, Colombia, Monsieur Job is a band that aims to make you move your feet. And joining Holguin in Monsieur Job are Stan Kolev from Sofia, Bulgaria, Charlie Illera from Barranquilla, Colombia, and Leo Jaramillo from Bogota, Colombia.

Monsieur Job's debut release of Chow Chow Eyyy Pow Pow reportedly hit the #1 spot of the Euro Indie Music Chart or 9 consecutive weeks. Monsieur Job has also had the distinction of charting within the Digital Radio Tracker Top 10, the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard Top 100 Songs charts thanks to its album Bass Passi, as recorded in Bogota, Miami, Belgrade and New York.

I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Toby Holguin about his history with sports, especially football, and what he has coming up musically. More on Holguin and Monsieur Job can be found online at www.monsieurjobofficial.com.

When did you first get into football?

Toby Holguin: When I was around 7 years old. I started out as a goalie and became a #2 and a #6 later in my career. 1, 2, 3, 6, 10. 5 different positions...

What was the first team that really grabbed you?

Toby Holguin: America De Cali. They are the local team near the town I grew up in. They were good when I was growing up in the 80's. I am a loyal fan.

I have read that you are also a fan of Barcelona FC, Boca Juniors, Corinthians and Liverpool. How many hours of football a week do you watch on average?

Toby Holguin: Not nearly as much as I used to but it is still a passion. I have been focusing more on making and putting out the music and videos.

So you did grow up playing football...

Toby Holguin: Yes, as a boy I became very good in fact, and may have become a pro player if I hadn't decided to pursue music and other interests.

Are there any sports which you follow as passionately as you do football?

Toby Holguin: I love the NBA and I also watch tennis and extreme sports.

Sports aside, what is coming up for you music-wise?

Toby Holguin: Releasing more music and videos and recording new songs to be put out in the coming year. The Zona De Dropeo new album, Music For My Mother -- musical dance theater -- a short film from the video clip of “Gidi Gidi Gi," signing a deal with majors in less than a month for my 3 labels, filming a documentary about the famine experienced by our Indians in La Guajira, Colombia...

Well how long did you spend making Bass Pa$$i 2?

Toby Holguin: I don’t remember, but somewhere around 2 years.

Do you have a favorite song on Bass Pa$$i 2?

Toby Holguin: That's a hard question, I love them all. I would have to say 2 of my personal favorites would be "Chilliando Hangueando" and "La Melancolic Happy."

Will the next album from you be called Bass Pa$$i?

Toby Holguin: No, Zona De Dropeo.

Finally, Toby, any last words for the kids?

Toby Holguin: Whether you are doing sports or music or any sort of art or discipline, you have to believe in yourself first. Stay away from bad influences and always stay true to yourself. That's the most important. Take advantage of the wide range of opportunities of modern civilization.