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styling by sam woolf
make-up by chantal marie
The ladies of Latin music are thriving, and Malú Trevejo is bringing it dwelling to Gen Z. Trevejo obtained her begin posting to Musical.ly as a younger teen and shortly earned worldwide acclaim on TikTok. Whereas she might have continued dominating the platform’s dance scene, she had greater plans forward. Trevejo started releasing music in 2017, constructed a loyal following and have become an unstoppable power within the music trade. Now, she’s all grown up and able to launch her debut album to the plenty. We sat down with Trevejo on the Inked headquarters in NYC to debate her inspirations, progress and her burgeoning assortment of placing tattoos.
What was your upbringing like in Spain?
Rising up in Spain was cool, I just like the meals over there. It’s only a complete completely different vibe. I like residing right here extra, however I just like the meals over there.
How did transferring to Miami impression your work as a musician?
It allowed me to attach extra with my Latin aspect and my Cuban heritage. It helped me to attach extra with who I used to be.
Did you aspire to turn into a singer once you had been youthful?
Since I used to be 6 or 7, I might stand in entrance of the mirror with a microphone and begin singing. I began writing songs after I was 14 and, on the time, they had been fairly unhappy.
Who had been a few of your inspirations once you first began making music?
My first inspiration was undoubtedly Rihanna. I additionally cherished J.Lo and Shakira, who I listened to rather a lot after I lived in Spain.
How do you assume your new music reveals the way you’ve grown artistically?
I began doing music after I was 14 and now I’m 19, so there’s an enormous distinction. Now I do know the place I wish to go and what I wish to do. I wish to proceed doing various kinds of music and preserve exploring. After which hopefully win a Grammy.
What was it like for you once you carried out stay for the primary time?
I used to be nervous, however that might go away each time I stepped on the stage. You’ve obtained an excessive amount of occurring to fret about the rest.
When did you begin sharing your music on social media?
I began, like, 4 years in the past, however I used to be a child. I suppose I nonetheless am a child, however I’m, like, a grownup child.
What was the primary track you launched professionally?
My first track was “Luna Llena.” It was only a enjoyable child track speaking concerning the full moon and going loopy. Nevertheless it did go double platinum.
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What’s been your favourite half about having a big presence on TikTok?
My favourite half has been speaking to followers after I didn’t have anybody else to speak to. And after they didn’t have anybody to speak to, I might discuss to them. I really feel like that’s been the most effective factor.
What are a few of the challenges of being a musician with a big TikTok following?
Simply lots of people telling me I’m a TikToker and I’m not a singer. Nevertheless it’s OK, as a result of all of us develop from one thing and I grew from making dance movies. Then I obtained the chance to place music out and that doesn’t imply I’m not a musician.
How has being a dancer on TikTok benefited you?
It’s helped me rather a lot as a result of I’m simply freestyling more often than not and having enjoyable. With dance, crucial factor is having enjoyable.
When did you first fall in love with dance?
I began stomach dancing after I was 7. I simply discovered from watching Shakira’s music movies, and I nonetheless love stomach dancing.
Inform us about your track “Complicado” and what went into making it.
I needed to drop this track first as a result of it’s extra of a chill vibe and it’s completely different from the opposite songs I’ve been engaged on. The track is about relationships being on and off and by no means going the place you need them to go. So it’s like, “Fuck it, let’s simply experience with no matter goes to occur.” I did the track with Luar La L and we recorded the video in Puerto Rico. It was actually enjoyable and dope to do.
How does this track differ from the brand new music you’ll be dropping quickly?
I’ve quite a lot of Brazilian funk songs and R&B. I don’t like sticking to only one factor. Truthfully, my staff has helped me rather a lot [as I] go on this path, as a result of typically I’m not very assured with myself. However I’m planning on doing an entire album and I’m simply figuring every part out.
How does it really feel introducing your followers to completely different types of music?
It feels actually good. My followers are, like, the cutest factor ever. They simply go together with no matter I do.
Will there be Spanish and English songs on the album?
It’s going to be a combination. Like me, it’s bilingual. You’re going to see English, you may even see an entire English track. You’ll see Spanish songs and also you may even see each.
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What’s a track you haven’t launched that you simply’re enthusiastic about?
I’ve this track arising with Myke Towers and it’s a remix of “My Neck, My Again.” I cherished the track earlier than and I just like the beat, however I needed to alter the lyrics and idea. I carry extra Latina vibes to the unique track.
What do you search for when working collaboratively with one other artist?
Simply optimistic vibes, you realize? I don’t wish to do a track with somebody who has unhealthy vibes. I’d reasonably meet them and in the event that they’re good individuals, we are able to work collectively.
Do you intend to go on tour to advertise this new album?
I wish to drop all of my songs after which do a tour, as a result of I’m not going to carry out only one track. I’ve already completed a few live shows—I’ve completed Lollapalooza and I carried out with Gente de Zona throughout Spain. So I’ve obtained somewhat little bit of expertise now.
What do you hope that your followers take away out of your new music?
For them to have the ability to see my progress and the way a lot I’ve modified with my music. Earlier than, I used to be somewhat misplaced and I wasn’t in a superb surroundings. However now I do know [where I’m going] and I’m round good individuals.
Is there something you had been in a position to discover musically?
I simply have extra freedom. Earlier than, lots of people had been actually judgy. Now, I’ve a staff of people who lets me be me.
How do you’re feeling being part of a rising group of feminine artists making waves in Latin music?
I really feel blissful and I’m actually grateful. I’m nonetheless nervous about it too, however I do know that’s simply a part of the method. I’d actually prefer to work with quite a lot of different feminine Latin artists sooner or later, particularly Cardi B.
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Inform us about your tattoos. Which one was your first?
My first tattoo was this treble clef on my wrist after I was 14. I did it myself at my home. Then I obtained these canine paws and this rose on my arm, these had been my first tattoos.
My first huge tattoo was my tiger with lotus flowers on my bicep. I appreciated these flowers as a result of they will develop within the dirtiest water and nonetheless be stunning. And tigers are simply one in all my favourite animals. After that, I obtained Medusa tattooed on my hand, however I gave her my face. That shit hurts like a bitch, particularly across the knuckles. At this level I’ve about 15 or 16 tattoos.
What impressed you to get tattoos?
My mother has some tattoos. I don’t wish to sound loopy, however I simply began getting tattoos as a result of I just like the ache. I wish to get my again tattooed subsequent, I need a huge dragon down my backbone in both black or crimson.
Which is your most significant tattoo?
This one on my sternum. It’s my eyes and my faith. In my faith, “mom” is represented by the ocean.
What impressed you to get tattoos of your self?
I don’t wish to have anybody else’s face on my physique. As a result of typically once you get a tattoo of your favourite artist and you then meet them, they transform an asshole.
pictures by jason goodrich
