With a career that has transcended borders and genres, Minelli has established herself as one of the most versatile and magnetic voices in European pop and electronic music. Born in Romania and raised among influences ranging from dance to soul, the artist has built her own sound that combines melodic sensitivity, forceful rhythms and a creative curiosity that knows no limits.
His great international leap came with Rampampama global success that opened doors, stages and collaborations, and that confirmed what many sensed: it was not a promise, but an unstoppable force, a reality. Now presents Mixed Feelingsan album that he defines as “a beautiful journey” and that reflects exactly that: an emotional and musical journey in which he is allowed to experiment without fear.
In this conversation with WECB Dance, the artist explains that the album was born from a vital moment full of contrasts, and that this mix of sensations led her to explore genres as diverse as reggaeton, urban Latin, dance and soul. Far from fearing losing his identity, he assures that creative freedom was the key to making the project sound authentic.
WECB Dance
WECB Dance
The interview also reveals his deep connection to Spanish, a language he has enthusiastically incorporated—and many Google searches—into his music. This cultural openness has led her to collaborate with artists such as Guaynaa, R. City, Inna or Busta Rhymeswho not only agreed to participate in Sugarbut instead he started singing in Spanish.
Minelli, in a promotional photo courtesy of Global Records / Artist Publicist
Minelli, in a promotional photo courtesy of Global Records / Artist Publicist
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WECB Dance: How did this journey called Mixed feelings begin?
Minelli: You are absolutely right that it has been a journey. A beautiful trip. When I started writing this album I actually had mixed feelings and that's the reason why this album is called that. I wanted to try various musical genres and that's what I did. I made many very varied songs from reggaeton, urban Latin, dance, with soul touches…
When I have a ballad or an exciting lyric I like to surround it with a powerful beat
— Minelli
L40D: Were you afraid of losing your sound when delving into new genres?
M: It was very important for me to write this album the way I did. It was very natural. I didn't try to maintain a balance even thinking that if I did something different I could lose my musical identity. It was very natural to write all those songs in different genres and when it comes like that it's very authentic.
L40D: It is an album with a lot of Hispanic flavor…
M: It is very important for me and whenever I start creating I take into account what I want to write about. If I feel like I want to make a song in Spanish, I try and there are a lot of Google searches to get the lyrics right. I love the way Spanish sounds from my lips and I love making that mix of songs with a mix of Spanglish but also with some touch of German, Japanese… I love exploring.
L40D: How did a collaboration as brutal as that with Busta Rhymes come about?
M: I had the song and I felt like in the second verse I needed someone native. The song is very urban so I told my team that maybe we should try a collaboration so we tried it with Busta Rhymes. And I'm so delighted that she agreed to be on the song and that she liked the song. It was amazing. We recorded the video together and I am delighted to have flown to New York to film the video together.
L40D: And he starts singing in Spanish…
M: It wasn't something totally new for him. The song Azúcar was like something refreshing for him. It was a great experience being with him in the studio in New York and we had as much fun as you can see in the video.
I love the way Spanish sounds on my lips
— Minelli
L40D: A way to extend Latin culture and mix it with others
M: It's a great experience to have the opportunity to explore all those cultures. I don't know if that's what sparked Mixed Feelings. I love meeting people, new cultures… Sometimes these things inspire me to write songs because I use those experiences as inspiration for my music.
L40D: The album has a great variety of proposals
M: I can describe this album as a beautiful journey that puts you in different moods. If you want to listen to a sad song you have In love with Inna; If you are happy and want to dance you have Rititi with Guaynaa or Disturbia with R. City; If you feel strong or resourceful you have Azúcar with Busta Rhymes. I think you have everything on this album.
L40D: And you work with Inna again although I thought you were going to do it in Romanian
M: Maybe we'll do a song in Romanian with Inna. We both love singing in English and Spanish and we work a lot together. I love working with her and that's why we have so many songs together. Maybe we'll make a new one in Romanian later.
L40D: What is the most rewarding part of all this work?
M: I am very grateful to have met so many people and that those people listen to my songs. When I travel and see many people singing my songs, it is probably the most rewarding part of my job.
L40D: Did you imagine something like this when you published the song Rampampam that catapulted you to fame?
M: Rampampam opened many doors internationally for me and I was able to do many concerts thanks to that song. I feel like that song generated a lot of interest in me and that allowed me to let people know that I make music and that I love music.
L40D: EDM and house are based on rhythm but you have also made your lyrics shine. How is that balance achieved?
M: I love combining sensitive messages with powerful beats. I love doing it and I don't see myself singing ballads without being able to do it. When I have a ballad or exciting lyrics I like to surround it with a powerful beat. It's what I like the most.
L40D: And what can we expect in 2026?
M: In 2026 I hope to be performing in Spain too. I expect a lot of music and promo. I hope to see you soon when I perform here in Spain. We'll cross our fingers. Thank you. Thanks for inviting me.
