Santi: Bold, Queer and Unapologetically Latin Pop
Venezuelan pop star on the rise Santi is releasing his newest project “Daddy” worldwide today so you know we had to get the scoop. Santi has been winning the hearts of fans everywhere with his Latin charms, heartthrob music and undeniable love for art and fashion. Keep reading to learn all about him and what you can expect from his newest release.
FEATURE INTERVIEW:
Talk to us about the inspiration behind your latest project “Daddy”.
“Daddy” is my first EP, in collaboration with my long-time friend and producer Sam J. Garfield, and it’s a deeply personal yet universal project. It all started with the first track, Daddy Issues, where I reflect on losing my father at a young age and how, as a queer kid, that absence influenced the way I’ve navigated relationships with men, often seeking father figures in them. These experiences, while challenging, became a part of my strength and growth, shaping who I am today.
The concept of Daddy is essentially a mirror to society. The things I’m singing about are conversations I’ve had with myself—raw, honest, and introspective. But at the same time, I want the music to feel fun, campy, and accessible, inviting listeners to reflect on their own experiences. My expectation is that people connect with it, whether through the themes, the stories, or simply the emotions. It’s about finding strength in vulnerability and turning self-reflection into something empowering and, hopefully, relatable. This album is so unserious, yet so serious.
Walk us through your creative process.
By living life. Most of my work is inspired by my experiences—the good and the bad, the pretty and the ugly. I have so much to say and give that it just comes naturally to me. I just wanna be myself and show myself to the world. I don’t wanna pretend I’m something I’m not.
Who are your biggest musical influences?
I’m inspired by performers like Michael Jackson, Beyoncé, Britney, Madonna, and Lady Gaga. At the end of the day, I’m a performer, and I wanna put on a show—even if it makes a few people uncomfortable along the way.
Who’s your dream collaboration?
Beyoncé or Rosalía.
Share with us the best advice your mother ever gave you.
My mom always taught me to lead with kindness and humbleness. We might have come from nothing, but love was never something we lacked in my household.
Who are you currently crushing on?
Julia Fox.
How does your culture impact your art?
I wanted to make something unapologetically gay. Being a queer man is a big part of my culture and my community. I hate being told I have to make art that’s relatable to everybody when everything is already being made to fit a hetero-normative narrative. I wanted to flip the narrative and create something made for us, by us. I’ve been fed straight propaganda my whole life; now it’s my time to make some gay sh*t.
What does your art represent to you?
My art is just a part of me and a reflection of my experiences as a queer Latino man. I wanna be a voice for all the queer kids that didn’t have a figure like me to represent them in the media. We need MORE gay pop stars! And I’m your favorite Venezuelan pop princess.
In your opinion, what are some of the biggest challenges of being an independent queer artist?
I’m so f****g independent, girl. I have no label, no team, no money! But I make it work. Me and my friends produce everything on our own. I feel like I have something to prove. I wanna show the world that we can have a gay Venezuelan pop star who came from nothing and became one of the biggest stars in the world. I’ve fought my way to where I am today, and I’ll keep fighting until I get to the top.
What is your ultimate goal in life?
I wanna win a Grammy. I never saw any openly queer men accepting awards or even existing out in the world when I was growing up. I wanna show queer kids that it’s possible to be yourself and be successful.
What’s your favorite Venezuelan food?
Cachapas all the way.
What was the first song you ever heard that made you fall in love with music?
I think listening to Canserbero, the late Venezuelan rapper, arguably one of the best rappers of all time. He’s from my hometown in Venezuela, and the way he created poetry and storytelling made me want to create and tell my own stories. His songs “Jeremías 17:5” and “Stupid Love Story” are some of my favorites.
What’s next for Santi?
I’m releasing “Daddy” on December 5th at 5:55 p.m. everywhere! What I’m most excited about is my upcoming music video for the lead single “Bukakke”, which I directed and edited myself. It’s my favorite video I’ve ever made, and I’m super excited for the world to see it.
TEAM CREDITS:
Editor-in-Chief: Prince Chenoa
Feature Editor: Taylor Winter Wilson (@taylorwinter)
Writer & Wardrobe Stylist: Leonardo Loreto (@leonardoloreto)
Photographer: Elys Berroteran (@elysmcm)
Grooming & Production Assistant: Kitty (@mykittynyc)
Brands: LUAR (@lunar)
