Santana Reaches Music Milestone Receives Diamond Award

Based on the sound and success of the Supernatural album, one can literally see, feel and hear why Carlos Santana still manages to be an important figure and outstanding force in music after more than 30 years.

On the afternoon of his most recent tour stop in Toronto, this legendary guitar player was awarded a diamond award, commemorating the sale of one million albums in Canada.

After the presentation, he stuck around and fielded questions from Toronto's music press. Here's some of the more insightful answers.

ChartAttack: Your music and character have always been highly spiritual. Do you sense a shifting in spirituality now?
Carlos Santana: Yes, there are a lot of distractions in our world right now and people aren't satisfied with what is out there, they have become desensitized to it. People are tired of explosions, lights, Jerry Springer and Howard, whatever. What I think they're looking for now is divine romance, which is most important of all. The only way into our world is through sex and this is why Marvin Gaye was so important because he had the balance to use sex and intelligence to establish this pattern.

Are you an insider or outsider in the music industry?
I'm an artist. Not a con artist. What I mean is this: Any one who does something or performs a service with only themselves in mind to the exclusion of others is not doing the world or themselves any good. Anyone who wants to compliment live people on the planet are artists. You don't have to be Miles (Davis), Hendrix, Charlie Parker or Picasso. As long as you do what you do with true heart and soul, you are an artist. The greatest artists are mothers. They love, teach and nurture.

How has travel affected you?
I love to travel. Everywhere I go to play, music reminds us that we came from the light and we will return to it. It's the music that will reunite this world, not government, not religion.

Santana graciously answered questions for close to 30 minutes before it was time to leave for soundcheck. There were obviously more questions and answers that occurred that afternoon but after hearing him speak, it was hard to distinguish who was speaking, whether it was a musician, guru, a higher being or just an incredibly enlightened man.