By: Mariah Thomas
Q) “Electric Bloom” is a new Disney show. How would you describe your character Jade?
A) My character, Jade Castillo, is a fierce, rebellious and bold Latina. She is very tough on the outside but has such a soft spot for her best friends Posey (Lumi Pollack) and Tulip (Ruby Martino). She was obsessed with writing poetry on the lowkey, but eventually, with the help of her friends, that poetry turns into lyrics of the top songs on the charts!
Q) Some of the most iconic Disney movies and shows have centered around music, and now “Electric Bloom” joins that group. What were some of your favorite musical Disney movies or shows growing up?
A) I was raised and truly a fan of the “Cheetah Girls!” From their music to their fashion, everything about them as a girl group truly inspired me.
Q) “Electric Bloom” follows best friends Posey, Jade and Tulip as they are on a journey to become the biggest band in the world while also dealing with the chaos of high school. What can be expected for this best friend trio as they navigate building this band while also navigating high school?
A) You will see the girls go through teenage challenges and even obstacles not just as a band, but as friends. You will truly see maturity and development over the episodes, but I can’t get specific because NO SPOILERS.
Q) The first episode has a fun flashback element showing the girls currently as an established band while looking back on the past of how they met. Will this flashback format be consistent with the entire show?
A) Yep! The eighteen year old versions of ourselves will be telling the story and then you will see our younger selves portray what our older selves are storytelling.
Q) The fashion in this show is so fun, especially Jade’s colorful, “rebel” style. What is the process like piecing together outfits with the wardrobe department?
A) The wardrobe department girls are my best friends! We have truly created a bond, and when I am not on set or doing school, I am in their office talking and chilling! They are truly so open to let me have my opinion and even decide on what I want to wear for an episode.
Q) Your love for music seems to mirror Jade’s. In what ways are you two most alike?
I feel like Jade’s fashion has somehow impacted my closet. I go shopping and will see something and be like “Oh. This is so Jade!” Also, Jade is super proud of her culture and heritage. You can see she bursts into Spanish in most episodes, but in episode 6, you see her wearing her Cuban flag necklace more and, at the end, she opens up about her grandfather. I try to talk and make it be known that I am proud to be a Latina and love my culture everywhere I go.
Q) Is there a song from the show you are most looking forward to fans hearing, or is a favorite for you already?
There is a version of our theme song, “Wherever We Go,” that is played later in the season that is truly incredible. I cannot say much, but it is a beautiful moment between “Electric Bloom.”
Q) What do you think it is about “Electric Bloom” that has made it a fast fan favorite show?
A) I think the fact that it represents girlhood and girl power. Disney hasn’t had a show like this in a long time. I see the comments on social media and people are comparing us to “Hannah Montana,” “Julie and The Phantoms,” “Lemonade Mouth” and more and, truly, that is one of the best compliments we love to hear.
Q) As a songwriter, who are some of your musical inspirations?
A) I am such a big fan of the 2000s Pop Stars – Britney Spears, JLO, Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, Pharrell and more! But I am very open to music and I love all genres! But my current list is Sade, Beyoncé, Doja Cat, Tyla, Ariana Grande, MJ and The Weeknd.
Q) You have often performed alongside The Havana Band. What is that experience like for you performing live?
A) I have been performing since I was a little girl. The memories of performing for my family at parties, with my dad taking out his bass guitar, my uncle getting the piano and more family members finding objects to make music out of, is still there…But knowing that now that is evolved to me performing on stage in front of thousands of people, still with my dad and more family on stage with me, is truly an incredible and comforting feeling.
Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) This is such a hard question for me. I have so many genres that I want to try, so I would love to collaborate with the top artists of each country or genre. For example, Puerto Rico: Bad Bunny, Colombia: Karol G, South Africa: Tyla and the list goes on!
Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you as an actress, singer and dancer?
A) To everyone who’s ever believed in me, I thank you. Being a triple threat isn’t just about talent; it’s about passion, patience and purpose. I chase my dreams not just for me, but for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to dim their light. I am a testimony that if I can do it, so can you brilliantly and unapologetically. Keep shining, keep believing, keep being you.