Two years after the Cuban-Catalan won the Benidorm Festival (including controversy over voting) and dazzled at Eurovision 2022 (where they finished third, Spain’s best place in 27 years). chanelAt 32 years old, he has just released his first studio album. ‘This!’. Its 12 songs suggest surprises with very danceable Latin rhythms, bachata, reggaeton and a ballad that reflects some of its history in an industry, the music industry, and it doesn’t make it easy. He meets us at a hotel in Barcelona, just as he is following his social networks.
It’s surprising how you carry your nets with you after the Benidorm Festival.
It is the medium where I connect with people the most. That was two years ago and it gave me time to do a lot of things. Just like I go to the gym of my body, I also go to the gym of my mind. There was a period of purification for a while, but I’m already busy with other things, I’m releasing an album.
Speaking of time… It took two years for ‘Water!’ to be released. Many people were waiting for him right after Eurovision. Why wait so long?
All this made me mature a lot, I was 30 years old and had been working since I was 16. So I made it clear that I didn’t want to be a product, an empty artist who was given something to benefit from the shoot. burn the last cartridges. I had to give myself oxygen, cook on low heat… There are artists who take 3-5 years to release an album, and this should not be underestimated.
The last song of the album is ‘Agua!’ It seems to be telling its own story. For example, he says, “Sometimes I get overwhelmed by the stress, attention, and fame” or “I got better, little by little, and I deserved it.”
Yes, it is the most personal song of the album. I wrote this with one of my producers and it was really cool to do that introspection. I had a great choir called Gospel Factory that helped lift the song. I recorded it in three days and I was very sensitive because the song is full of emotion.
He also sings in that song: “The sleepless nights were worth it because I never stopped fighting.” Have you never thought of throwing in the towel even in your most difficult moments?
If this question is addressed to all artists who are just starting out and are having a hard time, I will answer you with all my love: there was always a girl inside me who dreamed of when you started, fighting, because if you have it in your hands, of course it will come one way or another. But if we remember what happened two years ago… It’s already over. You must look forward.
But his gratitude for the album is a statement of intent. He says: “To those who put stones in my way. Thank you.” Many people will think of Benidorm Fest.
I don’t know. They haven’t made my job any easier since I started this job. So it covers everything. Those who paved my way were also the people who helped me reveal the best, strongest version of myself.
One of the songs, ‘PM’, talks about a romance in Benidorm. TRUE?
There are letters that are fiction and there are others that are real. This is perfect for me, but with a twist. Benidorm was mentioned to make this more personal, but I didn’t connect with anyone there.
Most of the songs on ‘Água!’ talk about love, heartbreak… And sex.
We’re used to men’s songs talking about sex, but nothing happens. And when a woman does this, the question arises. Because?
At the presentation of the album ‘La Marató’ attended by TV3, you said that Beyoncé was your reference because she helped you see that “there is a way out of racism”. Did you have that bad life as a child?
After all, Beyoncé was a black woman, a solo artist who starred in many films on television, and she was a reference for me to follow because I was the one who was different in the classroom.
Don’t you think people would be a little surprised to hear Chanel sing a ballad? Because you’ve always preferred danceable rhythms.
Yes, but I am a singer and I have never been afraid to face the piano. In fact, I feel more comfortable there than anywhere else.
Are you surprised that the lyrics of your songs have been analyzed so much lately?
This doesn’t surprise me because I do the same thing to other artists.
What advice would you give to young people who dream of succeeding in music?
I don’t see myself as someone who can give advice. What I can do is explain my story: I’ve always been very clear that I come from ballet. Discipline, working, focusing and not losing hope for your inner child are very important to me. Also remember that there is a percentage that happens by chance and that we cannot control.
In a few days, Benidorm Festival will be celebrated again. Would you root for any candidate?
I could get wet but I won’t because I think we have to wait to see the stage and see them sing live. But I have a favorite and a favorite.
Source: Informacion
Brandon Hall is an author at “Social Bites”. He is a cultural aficionado who writes about the latest news and developments in the world of art, literature, music, and more. With a passion for the arts and a deep understanding of cultural trends, Brandon provides engaging and thought-provoking articles that keep his readers informed and up-to-date on the latest happenings in the cultural world.