Contributing WriterFollowing their explosive debut collaboration ‘Zoom Zoom’, Venezuelan artist Emy Perez and Dutch producer Hidde Huijsman, who goes by the name DFRNS, strike once again with ‘Maria’ – out now on BB Music Group.
Demanding attention with a thumping bassline and Emy’s powerful vocals, ‘Maria’ is an enticing production from the very first beat. Fusing Latin sounds with Flamenco elements, ‘Maria’ reflects on the history of Emy’s homeland, Venezuela, at the time of the conquistadors and slavery. Merging aboriginal sounds, with a modern twist, ‘Maria’ leaves a lasting impact on the listener and was a result of a prolific studio session between the two artists. We sat down with Emy to find out more…
Hi Emy, how are you? Welcome to Music Is 4 Lovers.
Hola!!!! Thank you so much for having me!
You have a new single out on BB Music Group called ‘Maria’. Can you tell us a little bit about this release?
This release is when everything finally clicked into place. Remember when you were a kid and didn’t know who or what you wanted to be when you grew up? Well, let’s just say, now I know…
This is your second single working with Dutch producer DFRNS. Do you have more releases in the pipeline? If yes, what kind of sounds can we expect to hear.
Yes! My buddy Hidde (DFRNS) and I have been cooking for a while and can’t wait to share our music with all of you! It’s truly a blessing to work with such an easy going yet super talented producer like DFRNS.
You are from Venezuela, but currently live in The Netherlands. What aspects of each country do you feel play a role in your music?
Both cultures are beautiful and so incredibly different. Venezuela taught me how to feel music. I grew up listening to Mecano, Soledad Bravo, Prince, Michael Jackson, Queen, Madonna and many more insanely gifted artists, yet at the same time, folkloric music played a huge role in my upbringing and I built the beginning of my career on it. In The Netherlands I’ve learnt how to appreciate nuances, colours and different styles of music. I’ve grown to love electronic music, rave, repeat 😂My world tours and the fact I’ve lived in many many countries has been the greatest gift of all. I learn something new every day! It’s exhilarating!
Are there any genres you haven’t experimented with that you are keen to try?
I think at some point I’ll end up making a new genre. Matter of fact, I think we kind of did with Maria. It’s pretty out there!
Do you have any advice for up and coming musicians trying to make it in the music scene?
Don’t fall into the trap of wanting to piss off your parents or listening to others telling you that if you don’t play a specific genre, then you’re a sell-out. Roam the world, experiment, let the juices flow and listen to what other people love. It’s the only way you’ll understand the path others have walked to find your own voice.
Can you tell us a little bit about the imprint BB Music Group? What makes it stand out from other labels?
It’s a made by musicians for musicians, we’re a lot more lenient with the people we work with and treat them as partners. Plus, we support multiple charities and movements to make the world a better place. Amerildo (BB Music Group CEO) and I have been blessed to do what we love and still make a living.
If you could choose to tour with one artist, who would it be and why?
I’d love to tour with Ozuna. His vocals are out of this world. He’s had proper hits at our house!
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be and why?
I’d change the rules of the game. Stop major labels from tricking kids into signing deals they’ll never get out of. I would give songwriters and producers more power and proper creds. I’d stop artists from taking copyright percentages in songs they didn’t write. If I could change the music bizz… I’d rebuild it from scratch.
Do you have any last words for our readers?
Follow your dreams and never give up. However corny that may sound. Just take the leap of faith!