Two years after the Cuban-Catalan artist rose to prominence by winning the Benidorm Festival and later shone at Eurovision 2022 with a third-place finish—the best for Spain in nearly three decades—Chanel has released his first studio album. Titled Agua!, the collection contains twelve tracks that blend infectious Latin rhythms with bachata and reggaeton, alongside a heartfelt ballad that draws from the artist’s own experiences in a music industry that can feel unforgiving. The interview unfolds in a Barcelona hotel, captured just as the artist checks in with his growing social audience.
It is striking to see how the energy from Benidorm still follows him. This platform remains the conduit through which he connects with fans the most. Time has passed since then, and this maturity has shaped a new chapter. Like anyone who keeps the body fit, he tends to the mind as well. There was a period of personal purification, a time to reset, before the release of the new album. The journey was purposeful and deliberate.
Discussing the pace of creation, the release date for Agua! was not rushed. The anticipation built as audiences waited after Eurovision. The decision to take time allowed the artist to mature. He entered the music scene at a young age and has spent years refining his craft. The choice to avoid becoming a mere product led him to slow his process, to savor the craft, and to trust that art should breathe before it enters the world. Some artists spend three to five years on an album; he believes the pace matters and that patience preserves integrity.
The closing track, Agua!, stands out for its intimate storytelling. The song touches on stress, public attention, and the glare of fame, while acknowledging growth and earned validation. It became the most personal track on the album, crafted with a producer’s guidance and enhanced by a Gospel Factory choir that lifts the emotional weight of the performance. In just a few days, the recording captured a raw honesty and vulnerability that resonated with the artist’s intent.
Within Agua!, the artist reflects on relentless nights and the drive to persevere. The question arises about moments when giving up might have seemed tempting. The response is candid and encouraging: there is a persistent inner voice that recalls the early dreams and the battles fought along the way. The message is clear for aspiring musicians who face obstacles: keep moving forward. In the wake of past challenges, the artist emphasizes looking ahead rather than dwelling on what was left behind.
The album’s gratitude is a deliberate stance. He recognizes the people who placed obstacles in his path as well as those who helped reveal the best version of himself. Benidorm is mentioned as part of a broader narrative, but the focus remains on the ongoing journey and the lessons learned along the way. The act of thanking those who stood in the way signals a commitment to growth and resilience, rather than dwelling on the past.
One track, PM, weaves elements of a romance tied to Benidorm into its fiction. The artist explains that some lines are imagined while others mirror reality, a blend that adds a personal touch without tying every detail to a single moment or place. The album leans into themes of love, heartbreak, and sensuality. These subjects appear across many songs, reflecting a natural curiosity about relationships and human emotion. The artist notes that when a woman speaks frankly about sex in music, it invites conversation and challenges expectations about gender norms in popular song.
During a presentation of the album, a major influence emerged as a guiding beacon: Beyoncé. The artist credits Beyoncé with revealing possibilities beyond the boundaries of a racist past and showing a pathway toward empowerment. The reference to a black solo artist, who has starred in film and television, underscores the artist’s sense of belonging and a determination to chart a unique path in a world that can feel restrictive to outsiders.
People may be surprised to hear a ballad from this artist who has long favored rhythm and dance. Yet the singer is unapologetic about fronting a ballad and admits a greater comfort when performing at the piano. The ability to explore a broader range of vocal color and emotion signals a maturation that fans have come to welcome as part of a fuller artistic voice.
As for the analysis of lyrics, the artist treats it with curiosity rather than defensiveness. He notes that his own listening habits mirror what he does to other artists: study and reflection. The goal, he says, is honesty and clarity about his creative process rather than a polished, overproduced image. When asked for advice for young musicians, he downplays celebrity as the sole measure of success. Instead, he emphasizes discipline, steady work, and the importance of protecting one’s inner child—while acknowledging that luck plays a role beyond one’s control.
With Benidorm Festival on the horizon again, the artist remains excited but cautious. While he might root for certain candidates, he chooses to wait and see performances live on stage, reserving judgment until then. In his view, the scene will reveal its own stories, and the future holds new opportunities for discovery and achievement beyond the familiar spotlight.