Marcos Fernández Fermoselle, a 62-year-old man from Guantánamo, Cuba, has been practicing Buddhism since he was young and believes in reincarnation. He has worked in various multinational companies in the United States, served as president of Real Valladolid, and found success as a construction entrepreneur before selling his development company, Parquesol, before the 2008 crisis. Despite his age, his restless spirit has led him to venture into music as the frontman of the band Red Moon Yard. Their debut album, Pureland, which will be released on May 17th by Warner Music, combines a sound rooted in North American influences ranging from Tom Petty to Wilco to The War on Drugs, with lyrics that promote the values and teachings of Buddhist philosophy in modern times.
The idea to take the stage at this point in his life came from a suggestion from his Buddhist master and lama. He was encouraged to invest more energy in promoting the dharma, or Buddhist philosophy, leading to the creation of a musical project to spread its values. Red Moon Yard’s music has a Buddhist and spiritual connotation both in its lyrics and sound. Their songs, such as “Samsara,” aim to evoke Buddhist concepts and ideas. The album’s title, Pureland, refers to an idyllic place where ideal conditions for spiritual transcendence exist.
Red Moon Yard’s musical influences include American classics like Pink Floyd, King Crimson, Lou Reed, and Van Morrison, whose music they admire for its intricate and sophisticated sound. Fernández Fermoselle also mentions his appreciation for contemporary artists like Bon Iver. The band’s music, which is crafted with care, requires attentive listening. In a world marked by haste, where time for listening to music is scarce, they aim to reach those with intellectual curiosity and a love for sophisticated music.
In today’s fast-paced world, where time for introspection is often overshadowed by distractions, Buddhist teachings offer valuable insights. The practice of meditation and cultivating inner dialogue could greatly benefit society. While many people may not prioritize patience and deep listening, there is still a significant audience for carefully crafted music like that of Red Moon Yard. The band’s music encourages a more thoughtful and profound listening experience in a world dominated by rush and noise.
Throughout his career, Fernández Fermoselle has experienced two distinct phases, one as a businessman and the other as president of Real Valladolid, which may seem at odds with the spirituality he now embraces. He credits karma for guiding him through different projects and experiences. Despite his various roles, he emphasizes the importance of detachment and letting go. As he looks towards the future, he remains open to new opportunities shaped by the principles of Buddhism that he follows.
Fernández Fermoselle believes that attachment to oneself is a common pitfall, leading to ego, dependency, and suffering. By practicing detachment and letting go, individuals can free themselves from the burdens of attachment to concepts like time and the “self.” In the context of modern football, which has become increasingly commercialized, he sees the importance of applying business principles to the sport, while acknowledging the game’s emotional significance in shaping people’s identities. Despite his past involvement in football, he has since distanced himself from the sport and no longer follows it closely.
