LOCAL SOUNDTRACK 35: CARLO STEFANO and the Frequency of the Soul in San Miguel
By Fernanda Morales
Welcome to our September edition! We’re back with Local Soundtrack, our space dedicated to honoring the artists who define the sonic pulse of San Miguel de Allende. This time, we sat down with Carlo Stefano, a versatile musician, sound therapist, and free spirit who has chosen this UNESCO World Heritage city as his new home.
For Carlo, music goes far beyond performing songs. He sees it as a tool for healing and deep connection. His project, “Rescuing Music with Meaning and Values,” seeks to reconnect both younger generations and adults with nostalgia, family, and the essence behind the lyrics of another era.
For Carlo, every note carries a purpose and a vibration.
“You listen to the standard frequency of 440 Hz, but I differ; I prefer to work with and promote 432 Hz, or even lower variations. These subtle differences affect the brain and our mental state in different ways”
When Carlo performs at restaurants, his repertoire is not simply intended to accompany dinner and encourage consumption. His goal is to create a deeper connection between the audience and their own spirit—to help release stress, emotional burdens, and tension through a carefully curated selection of tones and vocal ranges.
Carlo’s arrival in San Miguel de Allende seems almost like a story of faith. Months before Hurricane Otis devastated Acapulco, a spiritual vision warned him of what was to come. Despite the disbelief of some around him, he and his family decided to leave, guided solely by instinct and music.
He began singing on buses with nothing more than a simple speaker, discovering that when a purpose is genuine, life has a way of opening the right doors. Following a family recommendation, they eventually made their way to San Miguel de Allende—a city that, in his own words, “embraces those who come from elsewhere in an incredible way and adopts them as family.” Today, in addition to performing on local stages, he shares his passion for music by teaching at British Christian School.
If you want to experience this immersive atmosphere for yourself, Carlo’s performances have become something of a traveling musical experience in the heart of San Miguel. You can find him at Los Milagros or Tío Lucas. He often performs alongside his wife, Lucero, as well as artist Palmira Brizuela and talented tenors, bringing together duet vocals, cello, flute, and guitar to transform each evening into a one-of-a-kind acoustic journey.
Far from the spotlights and crowded stages, Carlo leaves us with a thoughtful reflection—one he also shares with his students:
“The hardest thing for us as human beings is learning to be silent so that we can listen. We want to give, give, and give, but very rarely do we quiet our minds enough to truly connect.”
We thank Carlo Stefano for opening his heart to us and reminding us that when music is played with the soul, it has the power to heal.
You can follow Carlo Stefano’s work by searching for his name online or across his digital platforms to discover his upcoming projects, including his next musical tribute inspired by the heart of Mexico.
Let’s continue supporting the talent that makes San Miguel the best city in the world!
See you in the next edition.
