Jimena Amarillo brings her self-made sound to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Jimena Amarillo, born in Valencia in 2001, arrived in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria this past weekend to perform live at the Alboroto venue. An indie artist who writes and produces her music from home, she has already released two albums, How to tell you my love and La pena no es confortable, and has hosted her own podcast on Radio 3. Her music spans multiple genres, blending pop with rap, rock, and occasional fado influences.
What is the state of the Gran Canaria tour? The artist explains that summer is packed with performances, likening the energy to a peak period where audiences are relaxed and festival-going, vacationing, or simply enjoying great weather fuel the mood. The touring vibe feels expansive and buoyant, with a dash of celebrity swagger amid the festival season.
On the topic of the latest album title grief is not comfortable, Amarillo reveals it emerged from a lyric in a track that sparked the idea. While she initial thought of naming the record How can I explain my love, she decided that grief is not comfortable best captured the mood of the project: a mood that wants to stop sadness from taking over, a phrase meant to be both a warning and a relief.
The biggest creative hurdle in producing the album lay in mastering technology and navigating the digital workflow. Crafting tracks required long nights and careful problem solving, but the process remained enjoyable and true to her artistic vision. There were moments of stress when the sheer amount of information on the computer felt overwhelming, yet the result aligned with her intentions.
Although the album was created largely at home, Amarillo did step into a studio for real drums and a more organic feel when needed. She emphasizes that the work remains rooted in a home-based workflow, because that approach best preserves the authentic sound she wants. She fears an over-polished, hyper-electronic macropop sound would dilute her music’s essence.
Neighbors have not posed complaints yet since she has recently relocated and keeps the volume at a high level. The practical side of living in a new space is part of the experience as she navigates the balance between art and daily life.
Incorporating styles like rap, rock, and fado into the latest album came about because Amarillo is open to musical cross-pollination. She had previously recognized a connection to songs by Las Migas and other artists, and decided to include a version of a beloved track to reflect her evolving influences and interests. The aim was to broaden her palette while staying true to her core sound.
When asked about her main inspirations beyond this line, Amarillo points to a wide spectrum of listening habits. She draws inspiration from a diverse array of female artists and genres, from contemporary rap to singer-songwriters, and from intimate acoustic traditions to electronic textures. The takeaway is that influence comes from everywhere, and it feeds her habit of writing sad songs on guitar with a personal touch.
Other artistic disciplines that inspire her are not limited to music alone. She mentions walking as a form of artistic expression and notes that movement itself can spark new ideas for melody and rhythm.
Regarding the future, Amarillo says the year ahead will bring collaboration and experimentation. She plans to say yes more often, embracing opportunities to work with other creators while continuing to release independent material. In addition to new singles, she anticipates more collaborative songs produced at home, signaling a shift toward new kinds of production and collaboration with fellow artists.
The next creative step includes a forthcoming duo project produced with Irenegarry, featuring two songs that reflect the anticipated shift in her production approach. These works are described as charming and indicative of a new era in which collaboration plays a central role in her music journey.
Amarillo began composing during a formative period in Alicante, where a hobby turned into a vocation after she picked up a guitar and recorded videos that showcased her evolving style. A childhood love of singer-songwriters helped spark her early ambitions, and the experience of performing gave her the confidence to pursue a professional path as a singer-songwriter.
From a broader perspective on Spain’s music industry, Amarillo notes a growing distance from the core, more traditional routes of mainstream production. Her view is that the music landscape is increasingly shaped by short-form social media trends, and she prefers a more autonomous, intimate approach to creation. Los Angeles and Madrid are often cited as reference points in discussions about the music scene, but she emphasizes the value of staying close to personal artistry and local community. Her stance is that authentic, heartfelt music can thrive outside the most commercial channels while maintaining artistic integrity.
On stage, Amarillo cherishes the dynamic interaction with the audience and has a playful ritual: a pre-show routine that centers on grounding herself and enjoying the moment. What she loves most about performing live is the energy exchange with listeners, a shared experience where the crowd becomes part of the show, guiding the pace and mood of each song. That conversation between performer and audience is what makes live performance special for her.
Overall, the artist continues to navigate a path that blends self-produced independence with selective collaboration. The aim is to preserve a distinct voice while exploring new sounds and partnerships that enrich her musical universe. This pragmatic, creative approach positions Amarillo as a compelling figure in contemporary Spanish music, ready to expand her reach while staying true to her roots. [Citation: Interview coverage and artist profiles]