Diego Cadavid
Interviews
GALE – Problemas
By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) Pop-Rock-Urban. Not to compare myself to anyone, but to give an idea I always say it’s as if Bad Bunny, Dua Lipa and Avril Lavigne had a baby. That’s my sound in a nutshell.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Shakira, Avril Lavigne, Daddy Yankee & Gwen Stefani.
Q) You practiced classical music, guitar and singing at Escuela Libre de Música. What lessons did you learn there that have lingered with you as an artist?
A) A lot, but basically all my singing warm-ups, vocal training and body stretches before singing or performing. I always practice in the classical singing way, and I incorporate it into pop. My teachers Hilda Ramos and Diana Alvarado helped me with that in all my years of training. My guitar professor Ivan Rijos always taught me to submerge myself in my passion, dedicate myself to the craft and create as much as possible without judging my ideas.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Problemas.”
A) “Problemas” is a song about makeup sex. I wanted to write a song inspired by being in a physical, toxic relationship where most problems are solved in the bedroom. It’s like a vicious cycle: you know it’s not good for you, but you keep coming back for the high and excitement of it.
Musically, the song has elements of rock, pop and urban. Those are the three genres I identify with the most right now. It dances between pop melodies, rock guitars and a rap on the bridge of the song.
Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?
A) The story and the rhythm. I think the story is relatable. I think, somehow, we’ve all been in a similar relationship where even though you know it’s not gonna work, you stay trying to make this person “the one.” And, in this case, solving all your problems in bed to not face the problems in depth. It’s staying in the comfort zone for the fun of it.
Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?
A) The music video is a perfect representation of it. It’s very stimulating. I’m engaging with different situations and things such as food, renaissance figures, dancing, lights and rock n’ roll. It’s fun, sexy and there’s a lot of tension.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) It’s different every time, but I like starting with some chords first, then I start creating a melody and sometimes this melody comes with words and the song kinda writes itself. Then, I edit and build the parts of the song.
There are other times that I already know what I want to write about and I go into the studio with an idea and we start building around it. This happened with my first single “Inmadura.”
In the case of “Problemas,” for example, I knew I wanted to write a song about that subject because I was going through it. As soon as I heard Dallas K, the producer, play those chords on the guitar I started humming the melody of the chorus and he said, “That’s SICK!” And then I started incorporating and singing the lyrics “Yo tengo problemas, tú los tienes también.” I stopped and told him, “Ok, so this song is gonna be about make-up sex…” And that’s how it was born.
I love writing songs and the creative process is like magic. I never take it for granted.
Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?
A) I’m currently working on my project alongside Dallas K. He’s an extraordinary producer and DJ. We’re very compatible creatively and we’ve been working on my project together.
In the case of “Problemas,” for example, he worked on the production, and I created the melodies and lyrics, but it took us a while to figure out the drums of the song. We tried different rhythms and temp and I finally decided I wanted it to be “four on the floor” and that’s why it feels pop and dancey, which is what I wanted for this song, to make it more urgent and fun.
Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?
A) Yes, yes, yes. We’re working on it and I can’t wait to share more chapters of my story with you.
Q) You’ve co-written for incredible artists such as Christina Aguilera, Shakira and Cardi B. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I would love to collaborate with Bad Bunny, Jhayco and Shakira.
Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I’m a “repeat” kinda listener. Whenever I find a song I love, I listen to it on ‘repeat’ until I find another song and I start a new repeat cycle. Right now, I’m listening to “Easy” by Troy Sivan, Kacey Musgraves and Mark Ronson. It makes me feel good and happy, even though it’s a bittersweet song.
Also, Elsa y Elmar’s new album. It’s beautiful and delicate.
Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?
A) Social media is so accessible, and it makes it so easy to connect with people that are interested in what I do and the things I share. The beautiful thing about it is that, even when it gets noisy sometimes, it also allows you to push yourself and be authentic and vulnerable and it’s a good challenge. So, for me, it’s a great channel and tool for my audience to know me; but also, for me to know who they are, how they are feeling and how they are connecting with not only my work but the world.
I started putting myself out there through social media, sharing my love for music and connecting with other people – so I know how important it is to feel like you have a safe place to enjoy music and that it’s okay to like the things you like and be who you are.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) THANK YOU for supporting me and being here. I can’t wait to share more of my story and songs with you, perform them for you and get to know each other better. This is only the beginning and I’m very excited for what’s happening now and what’s to come.
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