ROSALÍA
Biography
Rosalía Vila Tobella, known professionally as Rosalía, is a Spanish singer and songwriter who has gained international acclaim for her innovative fusion of traditional flamenco music with contemporary pop and urban sounds. Born on September 25, 1992, in Sant Esteve Sesrovires, a town near Barcelona, she developed an interest in music at a young age. At 13, she discovered flamenco and dedicated herself to studying the art form, eventually graduating with honors from the Catalonia College of Music.
Career Beginnings and "Los Ángeles"
Rosalía began her career performing at bars and weddings. She gained wider recognition in 2017 with her debut album, "Los Ángeles," a collaboration with producer Raül Refree. The album, which featured a modern take on traditional flamenco songs with a central theme of death, earned her a Latin Grammy nomination for Best New Artist.
Breakthrough with "El Mal Querer"
Her second studio album, "El Mal Querer" (2018), was her baccalaureate project and propelled her to international fame. Conceived as a concept album based on the 13th-century Occitan novel "Flamenca," it tells the story of a toxic love affair. The album, co-produced with El Guincho, blended flamenco with pop and R&B, and was praised for its experimental production and Rosalía's powerful vocals. Lead singles like "Malamente" and "Pienso en tu mirá" became major hits. "El Mal Querer" won the Latin Grammy Award for Album of the Year and a Grammy Award for Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album.
International Success and Collaborations
Following the success of "El Mal Querer," Rosalía's global profile grew significantly. She collaborated with prominent artists like J Balvin on the hit "Con Altura," which became the most-viewed YouTube video by a female artist in 2019. She also worked with artists such as Travis Scott and Bad Bunny.
"Motomami" and Artistic Evolution
In 2022, Rosalía released her third studio album, "Motomami." This album marked a departure from the new flamenco sound of its predecessor, exploring a more experimental and avant-garde style that incorporated reggaeton, bachata, and electronic music. Described as her "most personal and confessional album," it featured tracks like "Saoko," "La Fama" featuring The Weeknd, and "Despechá." "Motomami" received critical acclaim and won the Latin Grammy for Album of the Year, making Rosalía the first woman to win the award twice. It also won a Grammy for Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album.
Musical Style and Influences
Rosalía's music is known for its genre-bending nature, challenging traditional classifications. While her roots are in flamenco, she draws from a wide range of influences including pop, hip-hop, R&B, and electronic music. She has cited artists like Camarón de la Isla, James Blake, and Björk as major inspirations.
Awards and Recognition
Throughout her career, Rosalía has received numerous awards. She has won two Grammy Awards and twelve Latin Grammy Awards. In 2019, she made history as the first Spanish-singing artist to be nominated for the Best New Artist award at the Grammys.