Growing Up Between Rhythms and Dreams
Growing up, music shaped a listener’s world in quiet corners. Bachata found its way into a shy corner, alongside salsa, merengue, and hip hop. Those sounds didn’t just entertain; they pointed toward a broader field of possibility. In New York, a collaborative blend started to take form, a fusion shared with friends from Aventura that carried a distinct New York flavor.
Was rap ever on the table?
Rap was embraced as a genre to respect, but personally it never eclipsed bachata. There were attempts at hip hop influenced songs, yet bachata remained the strongest voice and the clearest signal of identity.
Being the child of immigrants in New York shaped the path forward in music. It brought a sense of responsibility and a hunger to prove what’s possible. It meant carrying the unfulfilled dreams of parents, pushing to surpass them while honoring where those dreams came from. For example, a mother who once wanted to sing, but lacked the means, became a quiet source of motivation.
His success hinges on thoughtful compositions and a distinctive voice. How did that breakthrough come about?
Rest and balance were the foundations. The approach isn’t about a single technique but about connecting with audiences through the songs. Strong vocal presence matters, but the real magic comes from crafting melodies that listen to the heart. In performance, the joy was in singing and in the warmth of how the voice landed with listeners.
Ambassadorship and the title of king of bachata bring a heavy sense of responsibility, yet the aim is continual reinvention. It’s about surprising listeners, whether within bachata or beyond. The music sometimes shocks, but that is part of the craft. A track like Suegra pushed boundaries—perceived as a joke by some, it sparked debate about sensitive topics and the line between humor and offense. The goal remains to provoke thought rather than to offend, while recognizing the power of words in shaping how families are seen.
Love, heartbreak, and relationships have long been subjects. How has the perspective on these themes evolved?
Life itself shapes the art. The way a person thinks can shift from year to year as experiences deepen and new people enter life. In a world where music thrives in many directions, this evolution is natural, and it often brings a clearer sense of what matters most in songs.
Many non-Dominican artists have embraced bachata recently. What does that say?
It signals warmth and curiosity. The cross-pollination shows how culture travels and inspires. When friends and collaborators in Aventura suggest that they are a source of inspiration, it fuels a sense of pride and motivation.
Why does the Dominican Republic maintain a strong presence in today’s music?
Dominican influence has always been there. In the digital era, networks expose trends quickly, and audiences everywhere respond. Touring Europe, for example, revealed that a large portion of participants were not Hispanic, underscoring how Dominican culture resonates beyond borders and continues to shape artists across genres.
Controversy and defense can accompany art, such as the attention around Tokischa’s candid content in Nirvana. What is the stance here?
Defense is not about shielding individual choices but about recognizing that artists should not bear the sole burden of public judgment. As a father, the priority is to guide children with discipline and respect, ensuring that music and media do not redefine values taught at home. The focus is broader: protecting the young while acknowledging the artist’s role within a larger cultural dialogue. Concerns about real-world dangers—such as access to weapons and the safety of schools—often weigh more heavily than what a song contains.
What does the term artist with a modern Latin orbit imply?
Being Latino is a core part of identity, carried with pride. Collaborations with Anglo-market artists have always been a path to broaden reach while keeping Latin roots intact. The aim has been to invite bachata into broader conversations, encouraging Spanish-language singing and the dance of bachata, as seen in global successes like Despacito and the Bad Bunny movement. The approach proved to be a good bet.
On Rosalia and her project Hand Handkerchief: how is the collaboration perceived from the outside and with the resources available?
Working with Rosalia was extraordinary. She embodies a rare blend of clarity and authenticity, knowing exactly what she wants and what to avoid. That careful artistry elevates her, and the collaboration felt like a privilege. Having a shared respect for flamenco and a sharp focus on craft made the experience meaningful and inspiring for both artists, with Rosalia standing as an emblem of a promising future for a young, growing career.
There is also the experience of performing with a Spanish artist like Julio Iglesias. Is there a shared thread that connects these artists?
The question invites a thoughtful look at nationality and legacy. Across eras, both figures represent excellence and influence. The common thread lies in a strong musical offering and a shared willingness to explore diverse sounds. It was an honor to work with them both.
How does the title king of Bachata sit alongside Juan Luis Guerra?
Juan Luis Guerra earns the crown of Latin music more broadly. He crosses genres with unmatched quality, delivering hits in merengue, salsa, and bachata. Bachata may be the heart of his work, but his versatility defines him as a master. The distinction lies in the breadth of impact; Guerra’s influence places him among the greats who teach through performance and innovation.