NoWhat inspired the color theme
for the new album? / I was look-
ing for a fresh new concept, and
when I thought about what col-
ors would sound like, I said,
“Wow!” It really pushed me cre-
atively. Plus, colors are universal.
It’s a theme that everyone can
have fun and connect with.Which songs are you particu-
larly proud of? / “Rojo” is special,
I really love that one. “Verde” is
also a favorite; it has a party
theme that really gets me going.
“Arcoiris,” which means rainbow,
is also a favorite. I got to work
with my good friend Mr Eazi,
and he brings this beautiful Afri-
can flavor to it that gives the
song a unique vibe. If we could
listen to a rainbow, it would
sound like this.Aside from guest appearances
from Mr Eazi and your producer
Sky, you have no featured art-
ists. Why? / I think it’s the perfect
time in my career to reconnect
with my fans, both new and exist-
ing. Collaborations are so much
fun and I won’t quit doing them,
but Colores is a much more inti-
mate experience.It’s been more than a decade
since you released the first
album. How have you grown as
an artist and a person? / There’s
been so much growth for me as J
Balvin, the artist, and José, the
human being. Thinking back on
my life, I’ve gone through many
highs and lows, like anyone.
There have been times that have
been like the color gray, other
times that were more black.
Luckily, I always found myself
back to vibrating high, sur-
rounded by the color white.
Growth is tough but necessary.
I treasure being able to share
my life experiences with my
fans. If I’m able to inspire
anyone with my words, or if any-
one ever feels seen because of
something I’ve shared, then I
have succeeded. —TRANSLATED FROM
SPANISH BY ROSY CORDEROJ B A LV IN7MUSICURBAN LATINO SUPERSTAR J Balvin, born José Álvaro Osorio
Balvín, has a new album, Colores (dropping March 20), that
features songs named for various colors. Here, the
Colombian-born artist—who uses his new Spotify podcast
Made in Medellín to discuss his struggles with depression
and anxiety, as well as those of others within the Latino
community—describes his audible box of crayons, which
he hopes will inspire creativity on and off the dance floor.12 APRIL 2020 EW ● COMADRIÁN MONROY/MEDIOS Y MEDIA/GETTY IMAGESAPRIL2020.MUSTLIST4.LO A.indd 12 FINAL 3/3/20 9:00 AM