Draft:Sebastian Alonso

Sebastian Alonso Rodriguez Quiñones (known professionally as Sebastian Alonso) is a Puerto Rican-American singer-songwriter, activist, and student currently based in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Alonso has Puerto Rican roots through his parents, Denisse Quiñones and Jose Rodriguez. His maternal grandfather, Cuco Quiñones, was a prominent music manager and promoter who worked with legendary Latin artists such as the Fania All-Stars and Hector Lavoe. Though Alonso never met his grandfather—who passed away from heart failure shortly before Alonso’s birth—he believes his musical talent is a gift inherited from Cuco, who left a lasting legacy in the Latin music world. Inspired by the stories shared by his grandmother and the artists who knew Cuco, Alonso has carried this family tradition forward, feeling that music is in his blood.

Currently, Alonso is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Entertainment and Arts Business, balancing his studies with an active music and advocacy career focused on mental health, disability rights, and Puerto Rican social issues.

Personal Life

Sebastian Alonso has openly shared his experiences living with autism, which has influenced both his music and his advocacy work. Diagnosed with autism from a young age, Alonso has embraced his diagnosis as an important part of his identity. His experiences with autism have shaped his outlook on life, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his music and to his activism. He is particularly vocal about issues affecting people with disabilities, advocating for greater understanding, inclusion, and support for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Alonso has also faced challenges with mental health, beginning therapy at age eight to address anxiety and depression. At the age of 10, he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. Throughout his life, he has struggled with periods of anxiety and depression, as well as instances of suicidal ideation. Despite these struggles, Alonso has used his journey as motivation to speak out about mental health, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional help and the value of family and community support. He frequently advocates for mental health resources, particularly for youth in Puerto Rico, and he uses his platform to normalize conversations around mental health and disability.

To manage stress and maintain balance, Alonso practices meditation and incorporates mindfulness into his routine, though he has expressed wanting to engage in these practices more regularly. His openness about his mental health challenges has inspired others, and he views his advocacy as a way to help those facing similar struggles find hope and support.

Activism and Philanthropy

Sebastian Alonso is the founder of Fundación RB, a nonprofit organization focused on supporting individuals with disabilities and mental health challenges in Puerto Rico. The foundation is dedicated to promoting accessible services, advocating for improved resources and inclusion, and raising public awareness about mental health and disability rights. Through Fundación RB, Alonso aims to make a lasting impact on communities in Puerto Rico by addressing these critical areas through various initiatives, educational programs, and partnerships.

Work with Political Figures

Alonso has collaborated closely with Puerto Rican political figures, including Eva Prados, Manuel Natal, and Mariana Nogales, to advocate for legislative changes and community support for marginalized groups. • Eva Prados: Alonso has held meetings with Prados, a candidate for Representative for precinct 3 of San Juan, to discuss potential initiatives for people with disabilities and how they could collaborate in the legislative process to create better support systems for these communities. Together, they have explored strategies for improving accessibility and inclusion within San Juan. • Manuel Natal: Alonso has been involved in creating a public order and community action plan for San Juan as part of Natal’s mayoral campaign. The plan includes strategies to address issues affecting residents, promote safety, and build a more inclusive environment for individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions. Additionally, Alonso intends to invite Natal to be interviewed on his show, La Descarga, to discuss these issues in depth and provide insights into his proposed policies. • Mariana Nogales: A close friend of Alonso, Nogales is a Puerto Rican representative and activist known for her advocacy for social justice and disability rights. Despite her recent removal from the ballot, Alonso has endorsed her as a write-in candidate for re-election, continuing to support her efforts for equality and systemic reform. Their collaboration reflects a shared commitment to advancing civil rights and addressing social inequities in Puerto Rico.

Discography

Studio Albums

1. Etapas Released: March 29, 2024 Label: RB Recordings LLC Etapas is Sebastian Alonso’s debut album, created during his teenage years (ages 14–17). The album explores the emotional complexity of adolescence, including themes related to self-discovery, growth, and the challenges of navigating puberty. It captures Alonso’s early musical style and raw expression, setting the foundation for his evolving artistry. 2. 0224 Released: January 10, 2025 Label: 0224 Records and RB Recordings LLC Description: Named after Alonso’s birthdate, 0224 is a personal and introspective album that marks a new phase in his life. This project delves into themes of friendship, family relationships, heartbreak, happiness, and self-love. Produced primarily by Luis Ahmed, Gallito, and Alonso himself, the album showcases his maturation as an artist. Recorded over six months at AHMED STUDIOS in Río Piedras and Gallito Records in Santurce, 0224 includes collaborations and incorporates Puerto Rican influences. Tracks like “BQN LIBRE” highlight Alonso’s pride in his Puerto Rican heritage, while songs like “TÓXICO” and “LUZ DIVINA” explore more personal themes of resilience and spirituality.

Notable Singles and Collaborations

• “BQN LIBRE” (featuring HBK) Description: A powerful track that serves as an homage to Puerto Rico, with “BQN” standing for Borinquen, the Indigenous Taíno name for the island. This collaboration with HBK showcases Alonso’s pride in his roots and reflects his commitment to social and cultural advocacy through music. • “Luz Divina” Description: A spiritually reflective single that delves into themes of faith, peace, and gratitude. This track offers listeners a glimpse into Alonso’s more introspective side and is a notable departure from his typical genre, adding depth to his discography.

Future Releases

Sebastian Alonso continues to work on new material, blending his passions for music and advocacy. His evolving discography reflects a commitment to exploring both personal and societal themes, with future projects expected to include elements of his activism and advocacy for Puerto Rican culture and social issues.