Extroverted music and activism.
In a musical panorama where authenticity becomes increasingly essential, Jimena Yellow emerges as one of the most unique voices of his generation. Its recent inclusion in the list of Forbes Spain of the 30 most influential artists under 30 not only confirms the impact of his project, but also the organic, and almost accidental, way in which he has built his career. Between intuition, honesty and a discourse that embraces both vulnerability and vindication, his music becomes a space where the personal is inevitably political.
Prior to its presentation at the Indie Rocks Forum! Next April 30, we will talk with the artist about her music, the big heads and painting.
Indie Rocks!: The selection of the 30 most influential artists under 30 years of age was recently published. Forbes Spain and you are part of this list, what has it been like for you to be there?
Jimena Amarillo: Well, the truth is that I didn't expect that list at all. In fact, the person from the magazine called me directly and told me, Jimenawe have selected you for this. And I said, okay. But I don't know, I feel that my project was something that, I always say, I was very lucky and I was at the exact moment in which Spain, because of course, I was successful in Spain, I think I needed a lesbian girl who would make music and it was my turn.
So the first year I released that album, it was a little more strange because I didn't know how to produce or anything, nor did I have references from the industry or anything. It was like a change that I think people liked. Then I suddenly started to find a lot of places that I didn't expect and it was all a bit like suddenly and here we are, because I never made music thinking about devoting myself to it. So it was quite fun, actually.
GO!: What you say resonates with us because we also believe that there is a lot of activism within music and no wonder, music is still an artistic expression and art also reflects what we are. So what can you tell us about your activism when creating?
JA: I always say it, I love music, but above all I listen to artists that I can see interviews about or I can hear them talk. Because for me music has always been more than just songs.
I, for example, have always paid a lot of attention to the lyrics and even more so if they say things that touch you and that are a change. That is, music is like any other type of thing in culture that has changed from one era to another, which has had a lot to do with a change. I mean, for example, people who say that music is always outside of politics or music is only sounds, well I don't share that opinion.
Because I, for example, know that the music I make has served many people who perhaps needed to hear things that they had never heard in more banal music, so to speak. And I know that, for example, it cuts a lot in the industry and when it comes to wanting to collaborate. In other words, the flatter and fewer concrete and, above all, problematic things you say, the better things will go for you. But that's my thing.
I think that the people who listen to me and who come to concerts know that it is always a claim within a diversion, which is a bit of the basis. The basis is to have fun, but always with a message behind it.
Because it seems to me that once a person notices you so clearly, you take advantage and say what you want to say. So I love that music is something more.
GO!: We also love that music is more than music. And speaking of that, we've noticed that your music also carries beautiful graphic design that dresses up the sounds. We can talk about your covers later, but first we would like to talk about this alter ego of the giant doll. Tell us about how it came about.
JA: I think it's also part of my project, because, for example, I also started uploading crazier photos on social networks, my aesthetic has always stood out a little, although I haven't realized it.
I always like to relate music a lot with the image and especially the image that I want to give, that I really don't have to do anything because it is what it is, it's not forcing anything or anything. For example, this year I invented the alter ego thing because I said, well, I need to make a rebrandingbecause I don't know, I'm getting bored of being me all the time, because I know I'm very funny, but hey, I'm going to do something else, and I made a giant doll, because big-headed people are very famous in Valencia.
And since I also like to show the culture of the city where I live, I said, come on, I'm going to plant a giant doll. And above all I like to do meaningless things. I like that you listen to a song, it provokes something in you and suddenly it contrasts with the video and you say, it doesn't stick at all.
I love that uncertainty and contrast, because that's who I am. So I say, I have to be me 100%, I have to make a crying ballad, but I have to accompany it with a video or a doll that you say, but where does it go? and that's my moodthe truth.
GO!: Very authentic! Now, getting into the topic of the covers, tell us what artistic processes are behind them, for example on the album ANGELIKA.
JA: Well, look, I had an outbreak last year. I had a lot of anxiety, I was very nervous. And when I was little I painted, I really liked art and that, and I started painting. And since I have always wanted to make covers that were dolls or drawings, because I am a doll maker, as everyone knows, at first a friend who also made dolls and such started making them for me, and then I got the taste for them.
And they are paintings that I made when I was very nervous and I said one day, wow, they could be covers. And in fact I made some dolls and everything afterwards. The thing is, yes, I don't stop doing things because if I don't get overwhelmed, I'm a pain in the ass.
GO!: And something important is this about losing shame. That's incredible because they say that in order to reach your most authentic form, one of the steps you must do is break with the cringe.
JA: Yes, totally, for me the cringe I love it. In fact, making music helped me a lot. I was a girl who was very ashamed.
I didn't ask for a waiter or water. I mean, I was very ashamed. And the moment I went to my first concert, all the shame was gone, but because literally if it wasn't gone, I couldn't sing.
Then it was like a sharp blow of reality that helped me lose my shame. And above all in the music industry you have to have a face, my goodness, if there are a ton of people doing the same thing as you.
I don't know, you have to lose all your shame to be able to be as authentic as possible, which is the thing that I think is most valued when it comes to admiring an artist or something like that, beyond their music.
GO!: Of course, at this time it is no longer enough for the artist to make good music, but the public is asking to know more about his life. More now with social networks…
JA: Of course, a few years ago the networks were carried, but not in the massive way in which they are carried out now. Singers are literally emerging from a viral TikTok, and to me that already seems like something I'm not going to get into.
I really like the networks and I am grateful because now they are serving a lot. I am a person who has used them a lot. But it seems to me that the point has come to say, my goodness, everyone is the same climbing the same TikTok.
I feel like that's not going to age well, honestly. Well, people, I just don't know. Life goes very fast, so… But hey, that's not my way.
GO!: To close the interview, with what message do you want to invite all the people to your show on Indie Rocks Forum!
JA: In short, I really want to… Everyone around me knows that I really want to go to Mexico because I feel like you're all crazy and I love it. And I need someone to share my madness, the truth is.
I feel like the concert is going to be a lot of fun. And I would like… I hope it's not the only time I go. But if it's the only time I go, I don't know if people can enjoy it.
Because of course, traveling there costs a lot. But I don't know, I feel like you're going to have a great time, don't miss it.
Dale play to “Flow deskiciada” of Jimena Yellowpart of their most recent release ANGELIKA.
