Malex: Breaking Boundaries In Music And Gender Identity
MALEX is a rising star who’s captivating the music world with their unique blend of Llanera and urban music. By seamlessly fusing traditional rhythms with contemporary beats, they’re creating a sound that’s both familiar and groundbreaking.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into their creative process, explore the inspirations behind their music, and discuss their aspirations for the future. From their early influences to their latest projects, MALEX shares their journey, their passions, and their vision for the future of music.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Your style blends Llanera and urban music. How do you balance these two distinct genres to create your unique sound?
As an artist, I have always liked to experiment and the idea of merging these two very different and distinctive genres has always been in my head. In my case, llanera music is the reflection of my family and cultural heritage and Urban music is my passion for innovation and new. The connection with my roots is one of the most important things, as are the rhythms and instruments. The melodies fused with innovative lyrics from both genres create a unique sound that reflects my identity and passion.
What is your creative process like? Do you have any specific rituals or inspirations that fuel your songwriting and production?
My creative process is very spontaneous, it is actually a combination of inspiration, experimentation and dedication. I am inspired by what I experience, by what I feel, I don’t have a fixed ritual, but I always try to be connected with my emotions and experiment with that. In production I like to get very involved in every detail, always in everything, always looking for a balance between the traditional and the modern, so that my intention and aesthetics are very present, since the important thing for me is to be authentic and not force the process; when I let myself be carried away by the emotions and inspiration of the moment, that is when my best creations emerge.
What message do you hope to convey through your music, and how do you see your music impacting your audience?
Through my music, I hope to convey a message of love, acceptance, freedom, and pride to both the LGTBIQ+ community and to all those who feel rejected or misunderstood. As a Venezuelan and a llanero, my music fuses our traditions with a modern and open vision, seeking to make each person, regardless of their orientation or identity, feel good and heard. My goal is for my music to inspire people to be authentic, to break barriers, and to embrace their true essence, without fear of what others will say. I believe that my music can generate a positive impact, creating spaces for inclusion and visibility.
You’ve worked with numerous renowned artists. What have you learned from these collaborations, and are there any dream collaborations you’d like to pursue?
I have been lucky enough to learn a lot, the importance of authenticity and how each artist brings their own unique style and energy, which makes teamwork so enriching, I have also learned that perseverance makes us great. It has also taught me that teamwork and respect for each other’s ideas are essential to create authentic and quality music!
I have also understood how valuable it is to be open to new ideas and sounds, as music is about experimentation and constant growth. A dream collaboration for me would be with Rosalía. I love how she has managed to fuse flamenco with urban and how she has managed to break barriers in music. I think that together we could create something incredible, combining my llanera influence with her innovative style, creating a fusion of sounds that impacts a global audience.
What are your future plans for your music career? Are you working on any new projects or albums?
My future plans focus on continuing to grow as an artist and reach more people with my music. I am currently working on my EP called “143” (Iloveyou-Ihateyou), which tells a love story that moves between love and hate, creating a very intense emotional loop. This project is very personal to me, as it reflects my experiences and emotions, and I want my audience to identify with each song. In addition, I have several pending collaborations with other artists, which has me very excited because it will allow me to explore new sounds and styles. My goal is to continue fusing my llanera roots with urban music, and to continue evolving as an artist, bringing my music to a wider audience and always with a message of inclusion and authenticity.
As an LGBTQ+ artist, how important is it for you to represent the community and break down stereotypes? How do you represent this?
For me, representing the LGTBIQ+ community is fundamental, not only because it is part of who I am, but because I believe that visibility, support, and representation are key to generating real change. The idea is to break stereotypes, especially in a genre like urban, which often has certain preconceived ideas about masculinity and identity.
Through my music, my lyrics, and my image, I seek to show that there is not just one way to be, that love and identity are diverse and that all expressions are valid, being authentic, showing my true self, without fear of criticism, and telling stories that reflect my experience and that of many others within the community. My goal is for my music to be a space of inclusion, where anyone, regardless of their orientation or identity, feels represented.
How has your experience as a model and actor shaped your musical career and personal growth?
Thanks to my experience as a model and actor, this has helped me develop greater self-confidence and learn how to communicate effectively with my audience, whether in front of the camera or on stage. The world of modeling and acting has taught me how to work with different types of expressions, emotions and situations, which has allowed me to be more versatile in my music, in how I present myself, and in how I tell my stories.
Furthermore, having participated in all these projects made me understand the importance of image and visual narrative, which has helped me when conceptualizing my projects. This experience has also allowed me to connect with different audiences and explore new forms of artistic expression, which has helped me grow both professionally and personally. All of this contributes to me feeling more confident, authentic and ready to share my music with the world today.
How has living in Colombia influenced your music and your perspective on life?
Medellin, in particular, has a very cool energy and a rich music scene that has greatly influenced my style and how I experience music. I have tried new genres, met other artists, and the diversity of sounds and cultures that I find here has enriched me musically, allowing me to fuse my Venezuelan plains roots with Colombian urban influences and other styles. Moving to Colombia made me see life from a new perspective.
I have learned to adapt, to be more resilient, and to value the little things. The experience of being part of anew culture has also strengthened my identity as an artist and has motivated me to continue fighting for visibility and inclusion. Colombia has given me new opportunities, and that has driven me to continue growing as an artist and as a person.
How do you represent your style through fashion? Who are your biggest influences?
My fashion style is an extension of who I am as a person and as an artist. I like to mix urban with modern and experiment with elements that break the traditional boundaries of menswear. My style is sexy, masculine, but with a queer twist, seeking to challenge stereotypes and embrace my identity. I love wearing pieces that make me feel empowered, my biggest fashion influences are definitely brands like Balenciaga, who combine futuristic with classic, and artists who also play with aesthetics, like Kanye West and Rick Owens, who aren’t afraid to challenge the norms. I also get inspired by models and artists who have a very authentic attitude, not afraid to express their true self, which is reflected in my music and image.
What has been the best advice that someone has given you and what message would you like to give your fans?
The best advice I’ve ever been given is to never stop being true to myself, to never change for someone
else, no matter the difficulties or outside opinions. I was taught that authenticity is the most valuable thingyou can have, and that by being yourself, you attract the right opportunities and people who truly support you.
That lesson has been fundamental in my life and career, because I’ve had to fight against many obstacles, from being part of the LGTBIQ+ community to leaving my country and adapting to new realities. To my fans, I want to tell you to always keep fighting to be who you are. No matter what others say or how difficult the circumstances seem, resilience and self-love are the keys to moving forward. Each one of you is unique and has something incredible to offer the world. Never let anyone turn off your light.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer: Frida Garcia D’Adda (@fridadda_)
Photographer: Jose Vallejo (@2ccaria)
Production: Miguel Hernandez (@picturestomadas)
Hair Stylist & Makeup Artist: Kamilo Muñoz (@kmilo212)
Wardrobe Stylist: Andres Hincapie (@hincapie.1)
Wardrobe Styling Assistant: (@babyfaceitsdead)
BTS: Calu (@cricaluga)
