Check your favorite music platform because Chilean-American singer Paloma Mami has arrived to take over your playlist. The New York-born rising star is inviting you to dream with her first album ‘Sueños de Dalí.’
Paloma has been working non-stop to put together this project. And after releasing multiple singles (’Religiosa’, ‘Mami,’ ‘Goteo’ and ‘For Ya.’) and collaborations with prominent artists, she knew it was time to give her fans what they have been waiting for since her debut in 2018. In addition, the Chilean is making her television debut on the ‘Ellen Degeneres Show’ with a performance of ‘Traumada,’ off her debut album.
In an exclusive interview with HOLA! USA, the star shared the creative process of ‘Sueños de Dalí’, how her family keeps her grounded, and the immeasurable love she has for her fanatics.
“ I’m overwhelmed with excitement to say the least. This is my first album, and I can’t wait to share it with the world. Every song takes you on a different journey and I know so many will identify with each of these moments and feelings that I’ve expressed through each song,” Paloma.
“Dalí is an artist that I’ve always related to; since I was younger. And now even more because I’m in the public eye like, like he was,” Paloma. Photo: Daniel Toledo
We are going through challenging times, and more than ever, it is imperative to start asking how you are and how your family is doing?
I’m good. I’m in a good place right now. During quarantine, I definitely had to like focus a lot on my mental health and to be able to have time for myself. I was able to read and exercise. The entire world is going through a dark place right now, and I hope that everybody’s doing better, okay, and stay safe out there.
During quarantine, you used your time to be productive and finish your first album Sueños de Dalí. What is the inspiration behind the name?
Dalí is an artist that I’ve always related to; since I was younger. And now even more because I’m in the public eye like, like he was. He received many critiques for his art, so I feel like I’ve definitely can relate to that on this music level. Since the beginning of my career, I kind of let [critiques] affect me. I always thought it was important what the public thought and their standards and expectations. I took that feeling into my process of making music, which I then realized was wrong. Dalí was somebody who always stays true to himself in his work, and he always knew he was very. He always knew what he was doing wasn’t going to be understood like that, but the people who will understand it will blow their minds. This album has that message. If you understand, I hope you love it as much as I do. If you don’t, eventually, you will understand it, and you’re going to learn maybe to love it as well and see it differently.
How long did it take to finish the album?
The songs were recorded right before the quarantine, and then we locked down in Puerto Rico. There I got to finish mixing, mastering, and doing the final touches of the music. I recorded some videos out there.
The album has 11 songs, each one of them you considerer them your babies, but can you tell us, as of right now, which one is your favorite?
I don’t have favorites, but “I Love Her” is the one that I love to sing in the shower and just have fun with it because I think it‘s such a fun song, and that’s the one that I spend my time envisioning how it’s going to be in a live show, and seeing like how it be with my fans.
“My fans are so amazing. I try to always reach out to them whenever we can. They’re the best fans in the world,” Paloma. Photos: Daniel Toledo
Speaking of songs, one, in particular, included a sample of Ivy Queen’s iconic 2003 hit, “Yo Quiero Bailar.” Are you planning on releasing a remix of that song with La Diva del Reggaeton?
Well, I always had that in mind, but it all depends on my fans and what they like to see. After the album gets released, I‘m going to see what songs I will be remixing.
Is there a difference between the Paloma Mami from “Not Steady” and the Paloma Mami who just released her first album?
I’m so different. I feel like I’ve matured so much on a personal level and musically. I feel like the Paloma of “Not Steady” was like a good test run. It was like practice, and I got to show a little glimpse of myself and not myself 100%, And now my fans really get a piece of my mind with this album. I feel like they’re going to understand me a lot more. I’m so excited.
You talk a lot about your fans. Can you please tell us about the connection with them?
Oh, man! My fans are so amazing. I try to always reach out to them whenever we can. They’re the best fans in the world. I seriously can’t. They are literally always trying to work for me. They’re always paying attention to which songs are in the charts, what’s going on, why hasn’t she done this, when is she going to do this. They are literally like part of my team. My family also keeps in contact with my fans.
Fans are important, but your family is your support system. When you told your parents that you wanted to become an artist, what was their reaction? Did they support you right away?
I actually didn’t tell them until I did everything myself and just showed them after. And when I did that, they loved it. I was still in high school at the time, so I feel like maybe they didn’t think I was going to take this as a career.
I remember my dad saying, “that’s a hobby; you have to have jobs.” He’s lived in New York for so long, and he has an American mindset and so much more traditional with it. And I was like, “Dad, you know I’m going to do this.” And then it happened so quickly that they never really had the chance to be like, “No, you can’t,” or “do something else.” I’ve been lucky in that sense.
My family believes in me. They loved my music from the beginning, and they were so happy for me because I was happy.
“I got my style from New York and also being a tomboy growing up in New York. I got influenced by many hip hop singers that whole era of the 90s,” Paloma. Photos: Daniel Toledo
Let’s talk about your roots. Can you please tell us what do you love the most about being Chilena?
There are so many things that I love about Chile in general. I think the most fantastic thing is that my whole family is from Chile, so I think that is my favorite part for me. The culture is so beautiful, and we‘re also so close, and we have fantastic food, and we have an amazing landscape. No matter where I go, Chile is my favorite place always to be because it’s so breathtaking, and I love it so much.
Your sense of fashion also has to do with the place where you grew up. Tell us about your style.
I got my style from New York and also being a tomboy growing up in New York. I got influenced by many hip-hop singers that whole era of the 90s; I would just grow up listening to so much hip-hop, and seeing them always inspired me. I remember from 50 Cent to Chris Brown; I would always try to dress like him.
Do you think you would launch a fashion line in the future?
Of course. Businesswoman, that’s what we try to strive for. It’s not just about music; I’ve been blessed; I definitely have to explore those sides of me, whether it’s art or fashion or theater.
We wish you nothing but the best, and now it is time to enjoy your first album. Please send a message to your beloved fans and those who will appreciate your music for the first time.
I hope you all love my album Sueños de Dalí when it comes out; Midnight Chilean time. Today, March 19th, will be officially out, so everybody, please go check it out, and I hope you guys love it.
Photos: Daniel Toledo
Here’s Paloma Mami’s first album playlist: ‘Sueños de Dalí’
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