As a multifaceted artist connecting more with her Puerto Rican roots, Natalis is spicing things up with her Latin music exploration. In this interview, she spills the beans on her latest single, a refreshing cover of the timeless Salsa classic “Aguanile.” Stream the track here and scroll down to read all about it.
1. What was it about “Aguanile” that caught your attention and made you want to do a cover song?
Ooof… those congas in the beginning, played originally by Milton Cardona, gives me CHILLS every time. They move me to tears and set me up to experience what feels like a spiritual cleansing. As I am transitioning into a different genre than what I usually create in, I felt like I needed to start it off right and with God’s permission to cleanse my path and show me the way.
2. How did you blend tradition with modernity while revisiting this classic gem?
When diving into “Aguanile,” I wanted to pay homage to its traditional essence while also bringing in a modern touch. So, I asked my producer to keep the classic percussion, energy, and tempo, but then when I received the production, I was inspired to spice things up a bit more. So, I tossed in some modern elements like those soft background vocals heard in one of the breakdowns, just to add a new dimension. It was fun to play around with it.
3. I’ve noticed this song has predominantly been covered by male artists in the past, originally by Willie Colon & Hector Lavoe, then Marc Anthony. How do you feel your interpretation may help expand perceptions of who can engage with this musical tradition?
As a woman taking on an iconic Salsa tune like “Aguanile,” I believe my interpretation offers a fresh perspective that contributes to the diversity of voices within the genre. Overall, Salsa music has been known to be a male-dominated genre. By showcasing my unique approach and musical expression, I hope to inspire fellow and future salseras.
4. Non-Spanish speakers will want to connect with your cover emotionally as well. How would you summarize the overall narrative conveyed by the lyrics?
I have a series on my social media channels called “The Story Behind the Lyrics” in which I break down what some of my favorite songs are about, and why I think the writer or performer created the song the way they did. I highly encourage lyric lovers to check it out.
In simple terms, Aguanile means spiritual cleansing. “Aguan” means to cleanse in Yoruba, and “Ilé” means your house or temple. I have always been fascinated by someone’s “why” though. Why did they write this song? What was happening in their lives at the time? The song also intentionally feels very tribal. I dig into all those questions on my social channels @NatalisRuby, everywhere.
5. How did your father’s passion for Salsa music in the 70s influence your approach to music?
Growing up, my father was a DJ so there were always lots of sounds flowing from our home. I noticed Salsa music mostly brought my family together to dance and celebrate, regardless of whatever challenges they were facing. When the Salsa music came on, I knew the adults were done with being stressed about anything. So very young, my dad taught me that music can be cathartic and can help you shift and heal yourself and those around you. As I’ve matured as an artist and songwriter, I understand deeply how important music can be for collective healing and transformation.
6. What unique contributions does Puerto Rican culture make to Latin music overall in your view?
Billboard reported in April of 2023 that Latin music was responsible for 1 billion dollars in sales. At that time, the number-one-selling artist was Puerto Rican artist, Bad Bunny. Paving the way for him was Daddy Yankee in 2004 with his hit “Gasolina”
Both these artists and others from La Isla Del Encanto, have set a standard and greatly influenced the talents that came after them. So much so, that now Puerto Rican slang is being spoken in many places all over the world, with words like “Bichote” “Dura” and “Acicala’o.”
7. What story are you aiming to tell through your upcoming ‘VIVA’ album?
Life is short and should be lived with intention and on purpose. I’d seen a meme that said the average lifespan in the United States is 27,375 days. When I looked at that number, it really helped put things in perspective for me.
Am I truly LIVING, am I making the most of each day? For context, I’d also been diagnosed with Lupus. This caused me to fall into a depression. I mourned the previous versions of myself that were healthy, instead of being grateful for what I have now, and for still having an opportunity to leave my mark and fulfill my purpose, while I’m here.
The title ‘VIVA’ was inspired by that “AHA” moment I had in which I made a promise to myself, that regardless of my health, or anything else, I’m going to do my best, put my best foot forward and really enjoy life.
‘VIVA’ is also an acronym for a community project I’ve been pitching to get off the ground titled Voces Inspirando Vibras Alegres, which proposed to bring Salsa music into schools in NYC Latino communities with the focus to inspire a future generation of salseros. Stay tuned on that!
8. Can you share details about how many songs will be included in this material? Do you have a launch date planned yet?
The album is set to drop Summer of 2024 and as of right now, I’m considering a tracklist of 7 songs including an Intro and Outro.
9. When considering producers to collaborate with, what are the criteria you take into account to ensure a fruitful partnership?
I think it is important to make sure the producer I am working with can handle feedback and process critique without internalizing it or taking it personally. My experience in this business has been one in which, mostly men have tried to suppress my opinion and creative expression. I’ve been berated and condescended for the simplest requests like “I need more reverb.” I enjoy when I can express myself freely, and keep the music as the focal point while maintaining mutual respect and professionalism.
When you create music, you are not in a traditional working environment, so people tend to be more relaxed and I believe this encourages them to test boundaries they normally wouldn’t in a 9-5 setting. Professionalism is key.
10. Looking ahead, what directions or styles most spark your curiosity to explore through future studio work?
I really want to continue to work on that fusion between Salsa and the urban music landscape. I feel like I am only scratching the surface, and I’m excited about expanding my team of creatives and connecting with people who see what I see, hear what I hear, can execute, and stand behind me 100%.
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Hi, I’m Erick Ycaza — a music blogger with a BA in Advertising & Graphic Design. I created this blog to keep you updated with daily music news. Surprisingly, I’ve been writing about music since 2007. If you’re an artist and would like to be featured, feel free to reach out: info@electrowow.net
