DND: A New Era of Boy Bands
Get ready to be captivated by DND, the next generation of Latin boy bands! This dynamic quintet is redefining the music scene with their infectious beats, captivating performances, and undeniable chemistry. Hailing from diverse backgrounds across Latin America, DND blends reggaeton, pop, and R&B to create a unique sound. In this exclusive interview, they discuss their journey, inspirations, and future plans.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Let’s talk Rebeca, Pharrell. Can you tell us about how the band started and what was the inspiration behind starting DND? How did this vision come together? And how did you all meet?
It all came together with a vision to create a new kind of boy band that represents today’s Latin youth—authentic, bi-cultural, and fearless. Our team saw the potential for something different, something that could bridge cultures and genres. We met during the audition process, coming from places like Chile, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Miami, and the Bronx. We clicked immediately, not just because we were passionate about music, but because we shared the same drive to create something impactful.
With the release of your new singles “Piña Colada” and “Deja Vu,” what themes or messages do you hope to convey to your audience?
“Piña Colada” is all about enjoying the moment and living life on your own terms. It’s a vibe that’s carefree and fun. “Deja Vu” dives deeper—it’s about the emotional roller coaster of being stuck in a loop with someone you can’t let go of. We wanted to capture both the highs and the lows of love and relationships.
Fashion plays a significant role in the identity of a boy band. How would you describe each of your style influences and the aesthetic of DND?
Our style is definitely a mix of influences—Street wear meets high fashion with a Latin twist while also highlighting our individual personalities. Some of us draw inspiration from urban culture and street style, while others love the classic, laid-back beach vibes. It’s all about being versatile and not afraid to blend cultures and trends, just like our music.
Are there any particular influences that shaped the band?
Definitely. Reggaeton legends like Daddy Yankee and Rauw Alejandro paved the way, but we’re also influenced by classic boy bands like *NSYNC and Backstreet Boys for their charisma and choreography. Pharrell’s vision and production style have also played a huge role in shaping our sound, making sure it feels fresh and true to us.
Brotherhood is a key element in bands. What does brotherhood mean to you, and how do you foster that sense of camaraderie within DND?
Brotherhood for us means having each other’s backs no matter what. We come from different places and backgrounds, but we’re all here for the same purpose. We’ve built that bond through late-night studio sessions, intense dance rehearsals, and just living together for more than a year. It’s about being there for each other through the highs and lows.
In terms of musical collaboration, how do you balance the creative input from all members of the band while maintaining a cohesive sound?
We each bring our own flavor and experiences to the table, but we’re always focused on what serves the song best. There’s a lot of open communication and trust in the process. We make sure everyone’s voice is heard, then blend those ideas to create something that feels like DND—a fusion of our individual styles into a unified sound.
Looking back at your experiences in the music industry, are there any memorable moments from your past that inspire how you approach DND Music today?
There are so many moments that shaped us, like performing for the first time or struggling to find our footing in the industry. It’s those moments of doubt and triumph that remind us why we’re doing this. Also, having Pharrell as a mentor—his stories about persistence and innovation always inspire us to push the boundaries.
If you guys could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one! We’d love to work with Rauw Alejandro for his different sounds and performance, or someone like Bruno Mars, who’s just a master of blending genres and putting on an incredible show. And of course, writing and singing with Pharrell on a track would be a dream.
What’s been the most fun or unexpected experience you’ve had as a band so far? Any funny stories you can share?
The first day we met, we learned and performed a choreography for our team as part of the audition process. While performing outside of our house, on top of a dock, one of us fell straight into the ocean while dancing. The best part is we caught it all on camera. We laughed so much, it was the perfect ice breaker. Moments like that keep things fun and remind us not to take ourselves too seriously.
In the spirit of classic boy band interviews, what are some quirky pre-show rituals or traditions that you all share?
We always harmonize to make sure everyone feels confident. We share the journey we’ve taken to fully embrace the moment and enjoy being on stage. And before we step out, we give each other a supportive pat on the back and say “DND” in unison.
What are your favorite skincare products?
We’re all about keeping it fresh. A good moisturizer and face wash are essential for all of us. Human Race skincare products just take care of everything we need.
What is your go-to fragrance?
Emiliano: Tom Ford Costa Azzurra
Lacayo: Creed Silver Mountain Water
Javi: Byredo
Emilio: Bleu de Chanel, es un clasico
Isaac: Creed Aventus
What’s DND’s Ultimate Guide to Miami?
For restaurants, We like eating healthy, sometimes sushi or acai bowls, but Skinny Louie burgers is our weakness! For bars, Bodega is our go to. It has a chill vibe, but then we can go to the back and get our dance on. For the club, LIV is a must for the party scene. Working out, Paradise and LA Fitness. Paradise is a great gym. And LA Fitness is always there. And lastly for shopping, we love thrifting at Lost-N-Found, for sure.
You are all from different cultures of Latin America. How does that influence your sound?
It’s everything. Our cultures bring unique rhythms, flavors, and stories into our music. Whether it’s the reggaeton beats from Puerto Rico, the dance moves influenced by salsa or cumbia, or the diverse slang, it’s all blended into who we are as a band.
How is DND disrupting the landscape of pop reggaeton?
We’re taking reggaeton to a new place by mixing in our bi-cultural experiences and adding elements of pop, R&B, and even rock. Our goal is to push the genre beyond the traditional boundaries and keep it evolving with fresh sounds and perspectives.
Can each band member leave us with a quote that sums him up?
Emilio: “There is no innovation and creativity without failure.”
Isaac: “Always keep the heart of a child.”
Lacayo: “I’m here for a good time, not a long time.”
Javi: “Don’t wait for the perfect moment, create it.”
Emiliano: “Keep trying. One of those shots it’s gonna be the one.”
If DND Music could soundtrack any movie or TV show, which one would it be and which song would you want to feature?
“Piña Colada” would be perfect for a fun, beachy movie like Spring Breakers or Baywatch. “Deja Vu” would definitely fit a show like Euphoria, capturing those intense emotions and relationships. And “La Primera Vez” would be great for a series like Love Island, which captures the essence of the song and tropical theme.
TEAM CREDITS:
Interview By Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Gato Rivero (@gatoriveroph)
Photography Lighting: Alvaro Caviedes (@alcaviedes) , Kearny Rivero (@kearnyrivero)
Wardrobe Stylist: Luís Blanco (@hbogopro)
