Gusi – Vallenato Social Club

By starrymag | April 22, 2025

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) My sound is rooted in Colombian Caribbean music, blending various rhythms and genres, including vallenato, cumbia and tropical sounds. I also incorporate elements of Brazilian music, which adds depth to my musical style.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) My musical influences include John Mayer, Dave Matthews Band, Luis Miguel, Alejandro Sanz, Diomedes Díaz, Joe Arroyo and Richard Bona. These artists inspire my creativity and help shape my unique sound.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Acabaste Conmigo.”

A) “Acabaste Conmigo” is a song from my latest project, Vallenato Social Club. It’s a dream project where I collaborated with twelve vallenato artists, and it features the artist Élder Dayan.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) This song was the first single and topped the radio charts in Colombia for a month. The story revolves around heartbreak and the difficult moments we experience when someone breaks our heart. It’s a catchy song that resonates deeply with the audience because it connects them through such a complex story.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) Fans connect to this song because of the theme of heartbreak, as it’s something we’ve all experienced. It’s relatable and evokes emotions that many can identify with. All the videos for the Vallenato Social Club album are studio videos. In this one, I’m singing with Élder Dayan. It doesn’t tell a specific story; it’s more of a studio performance we’ve created for the documentary about the Vallenato Social Club.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) For this album, I focused on studying the song structures of these artists and what resonates with their audiences. This way, I could craft something tailored to what fans would love. While writing the songs, I built the melody based on those influences and the music they have developed over the years.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I have complete control over the production. I work with a great talent named Yera Ospino, but I decide the direction I want each song to take.

 

Q) Your album Vallenato Social Club is out now. What are some themes you’ll be exploring on it?

A) The Vallenato Social Club album will be released at the end of April, and as I mentioned before, we will be launching 12 songs, of which two are already in the market and have performed very well.

 

Q) Talk about working with Elder Dayán on the album.

A) It has been a privilege to work with Élder Dayán from the Díaz dynasty, son of the famous Diomedes Díaz. Connecting with his audience and his legacy has been very special, especially since people have loved the song.

 

Q) What do you hope lingers – as a message or emotion – with fans who will be enjoying this new album?

A) What I hope lasts is the music, the good lyrics and the respect for vallenato. I want the fans of all the artists we’ve invited to this album to feel identified and enjoy the songs.

 

Q) You are headed out on your first ever US tour – the Solo Tuyo Tour. What are some of your favorite songs to perform live?

A) I am currently on my first tour in the United States. Recently, I have performed in Boston, Philadelphia, Hackensack, New Jersey, New York, Orlando, Washington, Atlanta, Miami and now we are heading to Chicago, Seattle and more cities. It’s a privilege to embark on this journey and reach such wonderful places. I perform songs from the beginning of my career with the duo GUSI and Beto, like “La Mandarina,” as well as songs like “Sólo Tuyo,” “Tengo Tu Amor,” “Ganas,” “Por Qué Razón,” “Cómo Me Duele,” “Acabaste Conmigo,” “24/7,” “Mi Amor Bonito,” “Me Voy Contigo,” “Locos Dementes,” “Indira,” “Alfredo Gutiérrez/Yuquita,” “Te Quiero Tanto” and “Tú Tienes Razón.”

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) All the places we’ve performed so far have been amazing because they are theaters that allow me to deeply connect with the audience and live experiences that I had never had in so many cities across the United States. Every place has its own magic, and these theaters are also favorites of my audience, like Sony Hall in New York, Hudson in Orlando and the City Winery venues in Boston and Philadelphia. Each city has been special.

 

Q) You have collaborated with incredible artists like Greeicy, Gian Marco and Carlos Vives. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I would love to collaborate with Juan Luis Guerra, John Mayer and Dave Matthews Band.

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I am always listening to new artists, especially Brazilian ones. What captivates me the most are the unique sounds and production methods they use.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) To all my fans and supporters: you are the most important thing to me. I work hard and commit every day to bring you the best.