HENAO WANTS TO BRING PEOPLE TOGETHER WITH HER MUSIC
Houston born Colombian artist Henao is seamlessly blending her Latin roots and love for R & B into her own unique sound. Her new single “Jaque” gives listeners a peak inside her world and what to expect from her upcoming project “Tu Femme” and much more! Keep reading below to learn all about Henao!
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
What’s been your major inspiration lately? Is there a specific moment or trend that sparked your musical inspiration?
Lately, my inspiration has been heavily influenced by films and anime. It helps me visually create my
music. “The Fifth Element” and the “Wangan Midnight” anime series inspired some of my songs on my
upcoming EP, “Tu Fatale.” The aesthetics and storytelling helps ignite that world for me. The evolution
of technology and AI has also inspired me to explore more futuristic vibes in my music.
Which one of your songs should be on our playlist for this demure fall season?
Haha, I love this! I’d definitely say “IDGAF” — the title of the song speaks for itself! However, when you
hear the song, it has a very demure way of expressing that I don’t really care about you and that karma is
out to get you. “Very demure, very mindful!”
How do you think platforms like Instagram or TikTok have changed the way artists connect with their fans? Are they a blessing or a curse?
I think us artists can relate to socials both being a blessing and a curse. On the positive side, it allows
independent artists like us to enhance our visibility, promote our work, and easily connect with fans. I
can’t tell you how many people I have connected through socials, and the blessings that have come from
it. The negatives however, competing with this crazy algorithm and the pressures to become content
creators overnight can be overwhelming, especially when all we really want to do is focus on making
music!
If you could create music with any other artist (alive or not), who would it be and why?
There’s an endless list of artists I want to collaborate with, and I might just have a long list in case they
ever read this — just kidding! But I have to say Stromae. I’ve been a huge fan of his since college. His
music has this incredible way of transporting me, and I absolutely admire his eclectic production style
and creative vision. It’s truly on another level. GOALS!
The music world can be intense. How do you balance your creative grind with taking care of your mental health?
This one really hits home! Being in this world is not easy. Period. We face so many obstacles, challenges,
and sacrifices along the way. It’s so easy to get caught up in the grind and let everything become a blur. But over the past three years, I’ve really focused on being kinder to myself and easing up on that
pressure. I’ve also been working out more, which feels great! Sleep is still my biggest struggle, but I’m
taking it one day at a time.
What’s the wildest dream you have for your music career? Like, where do you see yourself in five years?
My wildest dream for my career is to become a successful global artist whose music brings people
together and inspires them. In five years, I see myself headlining major festivals, winning awards,
collaborating with artists I admire, and making an impact through my music. Changing the way we are
valued in this industry and helping future artists make a living from their art. I’d love to build a strong
connection with my fans and create a legacy that inspires the next generation of artists.
What is your songwriting philosophy?
Being authentic, I believe that the best songs come from genuine experiences and emotions. I write
about my ups and downs in life, situations that my friends go through. I love making my fans feel seen
and understood. Experimenting with different sounds and styles is always key. I embrace collaborating
with other songwriters as well, two brains are always better than one to inspire new ideas and
perspectives.
Talk to us about your EP “Tu Femme.” Where did the name derive and what song should we dive into first?
Tu Femme is my baby! This EP was so dope to create and truly embodies the essence of femme fatale
energy. It captures the alter ego that I love to channel. The name “Tu” means “you” in Spanish, and
“femme” means “woman” in French, symbolizing “Your Woman” a woman who’s unapologetic with
fearless energy, shaped by her experiences and pain. The first track to listen for sure is “C’est La Vie.”
While there are so many great songs, this one was inspired by the Colombian story of “Rosario Tijeras.”
Talk to us about your EP “Tu Fatale.” What can we expect?
“Tu Fatale” is such an exciting EP! It mixes genres like Club Dance, Future Bass, Soul Funk, and Trap
R&B in a really fun way. Growing up with two different cultures has inspired me to bring a fresh
perspective to Latin music, showcasing the diverse sounds that make it so special. This project has a
cool futuristic cyberpunk vibe and it’s part 2 of “Tu Femme,” bringing an edgier, more playful energy
and lots of power.
What lyric from your last single IDGAF hits the hardest for you?
“Eso que me hiciste tu! No se lo deseo a nadie. Tu tranqui el karma te llegará y caro te cobrará ” means
“I’d never wish that messed up thing you did to me on nobody. But don’t worry, karma is out to get you
and it will be an expensive price to pay.” I can still remember that feeling! I dedicated this song to a guy
who betrayed my trust so deeply, someone I believed in for many years. Writing it was therapeutic for
me, but life moves on… he’s dead to me. Gemini energy at its finest!
Tell us about your upcoming single Jaque. What inspired the song and how does it reflect your own experiences with love and desire?
I really wanted to break free and let my creativity flow. Making music in Medellín, where reggaetón has
become a home for this genre, has been pure magic. My producer, Derbeat—who’s worked with legends
like Maluma, Ozuna, and more— gets the vibe. While we were working on the EP, I said, “Why don’t we
try some reggaetón, but a little more edgy?” and then Jaque came to life.
We’ve all felt that intense pull towards someone special, you know? The kind of chemistry that leaves your mind always reminiscing. Even when they fade into memory, the heat lingers, and it’s hard not to play with that fire again. Writing about it took me back to a place I knew so well, where every emotion dances in the light and the shadows.
How did you balance sensuality and vulnerability in both the lyrics and the production
of Jaque?
Sensuality and vulnerability definitely intertwine, To be sensual is to unfold a piece of your soul. Writing
about it reflects my personal life. You can feel the sensuality through the rhythmic beats and melodies
and the vulnerability is expressed through the lyrics so you sense the emotional conflict.
What is next for you on this journey?
Live performances are a big part of my plans. Connecting with fans in person is irreplaceable! I want to
share the stories behind my songs and create amazing experiences on stage. I’m already working on a
new album in Mexico, which I am so excited for next year. The journey is just beginning, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview By Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Salomon Cardenas
