Venezuelan pop-rocker Jeremias knows all about el boom, and we’re not talking about Tito’s booty shaking perreo hit. The self-professed literary buff refers to the Latin American literature explosion led by such brilliant authors as Julio Cortazar, Gabriel García Márquez and Jorge Luis Borges. “Borges was erudite. He had a profound comprehension of literature … he was the most intellectual writer of the boom in the ’70s,” he says during some down time from performing in Paulina Rubio’s Amor, Luz y Sonido tour.  Batanga Latin Music sat down with Mr. Genius to find out what else makes him tick.

Side A (You could be the one, and so could you and you…)

You would think that a brainiac like Jeremias would have no problem scoring with the ladies, but he’s not looking for wham-bam-thank-you-mam kind of lovin’. His latest album, Un Dia Mas En El Gran Circo, was a personal journey and represents his search for the real thing. “Tu” is dedicated to his soul mate––wherever the heck she is. “The worst thing is that she’s looking for me, and she can’t find me,” he says with a heavy sigh. Cry me a river, buddy.

Side B (I have Barnes & Noble on speed dial)

Having studied literature, psychology and philosophy back in Caracas, Jeremias naturally gravitates towards the kind of deep thinking that would make the average Joe’s brain hurt. “Yo solo se que solo no se nada,” from his second album Ese Que Va Por Ahi is based on Socratic truths. His favorite book?  La Llama Doble by Mexican author Octavio Paz. “It’s a collection of essays, dissertations … it’s an analysis of the relationship between love, eroticism and sexuality.”

Side C (Move over Madre Teresa)