By: Jamie Steinberg
Q) How would you describe your sound?
A) My sound is pop at its core, but mixed with elements of the music I grew up listening to like vallenato and merengue.
Q) Who are some of your musical influences?
A) Christina Aguilera was my idol growing up. I looked up to her as a vocalist and pop icon. Right now, some artists that inspire me are Camilo, Joaquina and Chappell Roan.
Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Amiga.”
A) When I was going through a hard time, I discovered a very good friend of more than ten years betrayed me. She hooked up with my most recent ex for three months. She knew that would hurt me because we had spoken about it and promised she would never do something like that because she loved me. I felt devastated and my way of healing was writing this song.
Q) This song is deeply personal for you. What do you think it is about the song though that fans connect to?
A) Being betrayed by a friend is an experience many people go through at least once in their lives, so I believe the feeling and the story behind the song are very relatable.
Q) Kath D. directed the video in your hometown of Santa Marta, Colombia. Was it because the story behind “Amiga” took place there?
A) The story behind “Amiga” took place in Bogota, but Santa Marta was a very important place for our friendship. We grew up going on vacation together there. Santa Marta is also my home town and reflects part of my essence. With the music I’m writing, I have been inspired by my roots, that’s why I chose to record the music video in Santa Marta.
Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?
A) I need a story before I put lyrics or music to a song. I have to have a clear idea of what I want to talk about because the story sets the mood for me. That’s how I choose if it is going to be a ballad, a happy song or a mid tempo song, for example. Then, the lyrics and music come simultaneously in the writing process.
Q) Producers Pablo Dazan, Anibal De Los Reyes, Ricardo Campillo and Daniel Jaller worked on the single, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?
A) Before I approached them, I already had a clear idea of how I wanted this song to sound. I actually was inspired by Billie Eilish’s sound in her album Hit Me Hard And Soft. They helped me create the final vision.
Q) “Amiga” is your third solo single. Is this a prelude to a full album or EP?
A) Yes, there’s an album coming next year with very personal songs. Each song is a letter I wrote in my diary, but didn’t send.
Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?
A) México and Peru are my favorite places to perform at. The fans are very respectful and they also have such good energy. Pop is well received in those countries, which is not always the case but Latin Americans love reggaeton. I love reggaeton, but love pop even more.
Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?
A) I would love to collaborate with Camilo. I think he is one of the best Latin songwriters of all time.
Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?
A) I am currently listening to Ela Taubert’s latest album Preguntas a las 11:11. I love her sound. She is definitely becoming a pop icon in Latin America. Her music is raw and honest, and her voice is beautiful.
Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?
A) To my fans, they know how much I love and appreciate them. They motivate me to do better every day. There’s no better feeling than knowing people connect with you and your art. Thank you.