Meet Chipelo

We recently connected with Chipelo and have shared our conversation below.

Chipelo, thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with us today. We’re excited to dive into your story and your work, but first let’s start with a broader topic that might be stopping many of our readers from pursuing their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. How have you managed to persist despite haters and nay-sayers that inevitably follow folks who are doing something unique, special or off the beaten path?

I remember when I first started and hearing people’s reactions at school—the laughter and surprise when I said I made music. I was determined to prove I wasn’t just another “SoundCloud” rapper, so I put effort into my brand and marketing to make it look as professional as possible. Over time, my music got better, and I grew, but so did the haters. It’s almost like people hate seeing others do well.

I always see things this way: you can work five years on an album, put your blood, sweat, and tears into your work, and someone will always hate it. You can record something on your iPhone voice memos, not even have coherent lyrics, and some throwaway melody or line, and someone will hear it and think it’s the best thing they’ve ever heard.

Someone will not like you no matter what you do, so there’s no point in trying to please everyone. All you can do is find the audience who does appreciate your artistry. This revelation helped me not be afraid to be who I really am and to fully delve deep into who I am as an artist and explore music, instead of keeping it bland and average for fear of what people would think. Every piece of criticism I get is just another opportunity to prove them wrong and to push myself to new heights. I love what I do, and no matter how many times I can get rejected and knocked back, I’ll just get right back up and come back harder.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I’m Chipelo, a rising Latin artist from Maryland. My music reflects my experiences growing up here and the myriad of young adult emotions that come with it—heartbreak, ambition, lust, self-doubt, a desire to have fun, and the challenges of being a first-generation university student. Each track I release is a piece of my journey, capturing the highs and lows that have shaped who I am today.

What sets my music apart is its authenticity and relatability. I write from personal experiences or from stories my friends have shared, and I don’t hold back my feelings because music is like therapy for me. The best way to work through your emotions is to talk about them, and I do that through my songs.

I also take pride in being a dynamic performer. I started learning hip-hop, Latin dance, piano, guitar, and theatre in high school, which helped me become the performer I am today. It’s rare to see mainstream male reggaetoneros dancing, so that’s what differentiates me from other DMV Latin artists.

Currently, I’m working on new music, experimenting with different sounds and styles to keep things fresh and engaging. My goal is to keep pushing the boundaries of Latin music and to bring my unique perspective and sound to as many people as possible.

My next single, “¿QUÉ T PARECE?,” is a dark, club reggaeton song designed to make you perrear and dance at the club. It’s set to release on July 25th on all streaming platforms, along with a music visualizer filmed at my UltraBar DC performance.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking at my artist career so far, the three most impactful qualities have been confidence, authenticity, and my performance skills.

Being confident and resilient has been crucial to navigating the music industry. Having confidence on stage helps draw the crowd’s attention, and being bold and a risk-taker is sometimes necessary to connect and network with people who can provide valuable opportunities. As an independent artist managing my own career, I need to put myself in those uncomfortable situations to make the connections that can push my career forward. Every setback is a learning opportunity, and I let them fuel me to come back better.

Versatility has also played a significant role. Growing up as a music lover, I listened to many different genres, including country and K-Pop. Inspiration can come from anywhere, and learning to play instruments and busking helped expand my musical knowledge and the vault of ideas I draw from.

My background in hip-hop, Latin dance, piano, guitar, and theatre has significantly enhanced my stage presence and performance. Captivating an audience goes beyond just singing or rapping; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. To develop this, practice regularly and practice how you perform. You need to practice fullout each time so when it comes time to actually perform, you’re not out of breath, or if you get nervous, your muscle memory takes over and you won’t mess up. Watch performances by artists you admire to learn from them. Even now, I still take dance/ip-hop classes to train and get better, and I still do vocal warm-ups on my piano to make my voice sound better. I do this a lot with Rauw Alejandro, a latin artist who I look up to a lot.

Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?

The number one obstacle I am currently facing is breaking into the DMV scene and making a significant impact in the local Latin music community. While I’ve gained some traction, fully establishing myself in this competitive market is a continuous challenge.

Getting my music played in local Latin clubs and on radio stations has been a major focus. I’ve been working to network with DJs, club promoters, and radio hosts, introducing them to my music and convincing them to give it airtime. This often involves going clubbing on the weekends and staying out late to talk to them, handing out my stickers, and leveraging any connections I can make. The goal is to create a strong presence within the local Latin music scene and to get my tracks played regularly in popular venues.

Performing at local clubs and events is another key strategy. Live performances are essential for building a fanbase and showcasing my energy and talent. Each performance is an opportunity to connect with new listeners and to turn casual listeners into dedicated fans. I’m always looking for opportunities to perform, whether it’s at small clubs or larger festivals, and I strive to leave a lasting impression with every show.

Marketing is another crucial component of this effort. I use social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to reach a broader audience and to keep my followers engaged. This includes posting clips from performances, behind-the-scenes content, and engaging with fans directly. Creating a consistent and compelling online presence helps to build momentum and keep my music in the spotlight, but as many content creators know, it is difficult to constantly come up with new ideas and actually record/edit them to post.

Overall, breaking into the DMV scene requires persistence, creativity, and strategic networking. By focusing on these areas and continuing to push my boundaries, I’m confident that I can overcome this challenge and establish myself as a prominent figure in the local Latin music community in the future.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Alejandro Cartagena
Evan Kim
Elsa Marks
Ethan Terhune

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