Maria Isabel is on the Rise
From heartbreak to celebration, Maria Isabel pivots with fearless flair, blending Merengue, Mobb Deep, Alicia Keys, and even the ice cream truck into a vibrant, dembow-infused sound. Miss Me Much is a sunlit diary of growth, crafted in collaboration with El Guincho and rooted in Spanish-language storytelling that lets every lyric ride the rhythm of her evolving identity. In Galore’s cover story, she leans into joy, resilience, and unapologetic love—a sonic collage that feels like coming home to herself.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Your move from “Sad Girl R&B” to a more Spanish-language and dembow-infused sound marks a bold shift. What sparked this evolution, and how did it shape the textures you’re exploring on “Miss Me Much”?
I didn’t think about it quite so literally when I started this project. I think the shift in my sound reflected what was happening in my real life, coming out of a break up, dating again…I was having fun in and out of the studio and the music reflects that.
You describe Queens as a mix of Merengue, Mobb Deep, Alicia Keys, Aventura, and even the ice cream truck. How does that sonic collage influence your vocal delivery and production choices on the new project?
That was Queens but that’s also my music library still, so all of those influences are there. Whether it’s in a drum, lyric or bass line, there are pieces of it throughout.
Working with El Guincho is a notable departure and a powerful pairing. What did you learn from him in the studio, and how did his approach help you carve the album’s confident, IDGAF attitude?
I learned a lot from him but more than anything he just made it really easy to yap and express myself in the studio and I am eternally grateful for that.
You mentioned leaning into the way you grew up while writing this project. How did embracing the full Spanish language change your approach to melody, rhyme, and rhythm?
It’s definitely a shift from writing in English but it was fun to use more Spanish in the studio. It just opens up another lane for expression. I just tried to let all the words and sounds come directly from the feelings.
You filmed the “Suiza” video in the Dominican Republic. How did location shape the narrative and energy of the video, and what does the imagery convey about your personal identity?
I don’t think we could’ve made that anywhere else and I’m eternally grateful to Olivia de Camps for helping me bring it to life. That video is a deep reflection of the way I grew up, specifically all the time spent with my family in the campo in RD. It feels like a visual representation of my heart. We made a movie <3.
You’ve described the music as sexy, unapologetic, and romantic. Which track from the EP sums this up and why?
Wait, that’s so hard because the whole thing! But if I HAVE to pick, probably “Bien Bien“. It has a little bit of everything, me feeling myself, reminding him he fucked up and meeting someone new and exciting. I wanna hear her at the club.
If fans could only take away one idea from this EP what do you want them to feel?
That you can fall in love again & again & again forever.
How is your creativity disrupting the soft girl reggaeton/Latina music scene?
I guess we’ll find out! I just know there’s only one me & I’m here to share that <3.
Why did you decide to name the project “Miss Me Much”?
It just occurred to me towards the end of the writing process for this project. I was staring at all the track titles one night after the studio and that question felt like it summed the music up perfectly. Like the bow tied around the songs. ( And I know he does 😉 ).
Who are your musical SHEROES?
Alicia Keys. Mariah Carey. Lauryn Hill. Amy Winehouse. Aaliyah. Selena.
You are such a trendsetter, what do you feel is a trend right now that you wish would end?
Being loud about things you don’t like. Who cares? Tell me about what you love!
What is your philosophy on love?
It makes the world go round. That’s what we’re here to do. Lover girls 4ever!
You are every cool girls crush, what is your beauty routine and what products are you obsessed with for sexy summer skin?
I’m honored. It’s ever changing but without fail my favorite routine is coming out of the ocean with salty curls and a sun-kissed face. That’s when I feel hottest. But sexy summer skin starts with skincare so everything Sofie Pavitt, Westman Atelier Bronzer, Pat Mcgrath blush and Saie cityset setting spray and I’m done!
You’ve spoken about your mental health journey in previous projects. How does your current music reflect where you are emotionally, and what practices keep you grounded amid touring and studio time?
My music is always true to what’s going on in my life at the time and I feel happy, grateful and grounded. Moving my body is #1 practice. That and time with people I love keeps me full.
You cited Aventura as a dream collaboration. If you could team up with any artist (past or present) to tell a story that’s unique to you, who would it be and why?
Alicia Keys. “The Diary of Alicia Keys” was formative for me. I ran that CD till the artwork peeled off the top. She just gets it!
Leave our readers with a quote.
I was born to do this. xoxo
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Photographer: Ruben Chamorro (@rubcha)
Cover Art Design: Carlos Graciano (@sadpapi666)
Wardrobe Stylist: Gabriel Held Vintage (@gabriel_held_vintage)
Makeup Artist: Aya Tariq (@ayatariqmua)
Hair Stylist: Davey Matthew (@daveydidmyhair)
