JuanDa Lotero is a Colombian Reggaetón artist. He has officially released 20 singles as a solo artist; more if you include his work as a featured artist. His collaboration with Dani y Magneto (Ve y Dile) has received 1.4M views on YouTube. He is something of a local sensation with fans in the United States, Mexico, Chile, Paraguay, in his home country and further afield.
Words_Nick Stephenson. [First published in Hey Mag, September 2019]
Tell us something about Latin American music that we might not know
Where to start? Latin America is very diverse in its culture. I know that for many people, we are seen as if we’re from the same country. You know what I mean? The Mexican stereotype with a hat and moustache. In reality, there is ethnological diversity as well as its music. Personally, I love Afro-Antillean music, el son Cubano, la salsa and all the rhythms that merged to form Reggaetón.
How would you describe your music?
It is 100% Colombian Reggaetón which has a lot of differences from the Reggaetón made in Puerto Rico. Reggaetón was born in Puerto Rico but in Colombia we make it in our own distinctive way.
Which of your tracks best represents your sound?
La Invitacion. I remember that I had to make more than 30 recordings because it had to sound perfect. It was my commercial single for that year.
When did you first discover your love for music?
I think it was at a party with my family. I was quite small and I began to play with some congas as if I knew how to do it. After that my parents noticed my interest in music and enrolled me in percussion classes. That was the best decision. I am grateful to my parents for doing it.
When did you write your first song?
When I was at school, I used my notebooks exclusively to write my songs, so I came back to my house without any lesson notes.I used that talent in my favour. I remember doing shows in class and writing songs for my teachers to pass the subjects.
Tell us about your songwriting process
The truth is that I don’t have a step-by step that I always follow. It depends on what comes first. I have had songs that were born from a simple looped bit, or some that were born from dreams that I had. When I woke up, I’d write fragments of them. Once you have the idea of what you want to write, it is good to start by having a melodic base and keep working.
What motivates or inspires you?
I really get inspired by other people’s situations or by listening to someone talk about their problems. I don’t want to make music that only talks about me, music must identify us all. It’s nice to know that your music crosses borders. Receiving a message from someone saying that they heard your music; that motivates you to make more music.
Which is your favourite city to perform in?
Without any doubt, Medellín, my home town! If you sing Reggaetón, you will surely need the Paisa audience supporting you. It’s a very demanding audience, but they are always open to new artists. I will always enjoy performing in Medellín because it connects me with my beginnings. They saw my career from scratch.
What’s the best piece of musical advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t make music for musicians, make music for people. Who cares if a musician doesn’t like your music? If people like it, that’s what matters.