Premiere: Rising Latinx Artist Quelle Rox Premieres Sultry New Single "mas bonita"
QUELLE ROX INVITES US INTO HER WORLD with her latest single "mas bonita". This jazzy, sultry track marks a significant artistic evolution for Quelle Rox, blending live instrumentation with her signature dream pop sound.
"mas bonita" is an intimate reflection on self-worth and the futile attempts to change oneself for unrequited love. The song captures the frustration and eventual realization that true beauty comes from within, not from the approval of others. With a haunting saxophone outro evoking the steamy, late-night ambiance of New York City's jazz bars, the track provides a mature, sophisticated warmth that resonates deeply with listeners.
The release of "mas bonita" also coincides with the anniversary of her successful track "Cosmic Gloom," highlighting Quelle Rox's growth and consistency in delivering poignant, heartfelt music. As the second single from her upcoming EP, "swimming in blue," set to release this September, "mas bonita" continues to showcase her unique "Spanglish Dream Pop" style—a blend of Spanish and English lyrics that reflects her cultural heritage and artistic vision.
With over 7 million streams across digital platforms and features on influential playlists such as Spotify's New Music Friday Latin, Quelle Rox is carving out a distinct space in the music industry. Her new single "mas bonita" is a testament to her evolving sound and enduring appeal, making it a must-listen for fans old and new.
In our exclusive interview, Quelle Rox delves into the creative process behind "mas bonita," her inspirations, and what fans can expect from her upcoming EP. Here’s a glimpse into her journey and the making of this captivating track.
LUNA: "mas bonita" has a jazzy, sultry sound, a departure from your dream pop roots. What inspired this artistic evolution, and how does this track represent your growth as a musician?
QUELLE ROX: First off, love to Luna Mag! My faves <3 For this track, I aimed to blend live instrumentation with my classic dream pop sound. I drew inspo from the peace and relaxation that jazz brings me and wanted this project to reflect those soothing elements. This track represents growth for me in that I took a different approach and collaborated with more musicians. I wanted a live jam sesh feel. Sake by the Water produced the core, and my longtime producer good.will then added his magic. Tristan Cappel, who plays on my "i only want you when im fucked up" record, delivered an amazing sax performance. I’m obsessed with it. This collaborative process really brought everything together beautifully.
LUNA: The title "mas bonita" translates to "more beautiful." Is this a message to yourself or the person you're singing about? How does the title encapsulate the song's message?
QUELLE ROX: The title comes from "me puse más bonita," which means, "I got prettier." It's about feeling the need to change yourself for someone to see you and feeling like you're not good enough. Then, facing the reality that no matter what you do, those factors don’t change a situation that isn’t meant for you. The song is about realizing it was never about you, but a fundamental mismatch, and you’re being "misses delulu” haha, which is how the song ends lyrically and basically my life. Misses delulu.
LUNA: The saxophone outro is a striking feature, creating a smoky New York City atmosphere. Did you envision this specific soundscape while writing the song?
QUELLE ROX: Yeah! I imagined a smoky night time jazz bar in the Lower East Side, old fashioned and cigarette in hand. But I also imagined a cinematic moment, riding off into the sunset, slow motion, through a shimmering garden. That's actually how the video ends — I told my bestie of 20 years Daniela to shoot me on VHS floating around barefoot in the gardens of the Vizcaya Museum in Miami. I envisioned this mix of a dark jazz bar in New York and a fairy-like garden creature whimsically dancing to her freedom in Miami, both worlds and both homes to me.
Also, So Flo / Miami peeps, if you need a makeup artist and nail goddess, hit my girl up!
LUNA: “mas bonita" is a single from your upcoming EP, ‘swimming in blue.’. Can you tell us about the overall concept of the EP and how "mas bonita" fits into the narrative? What does "Spanglish Dream Pop" mean to you?
QUELLE ROX: Water is a central theme of this EP. I find the waves of the beach and the sparkly sun on the pool to share a similar vibe of the entire project. A sense of peace while swimming through the blues. The whole project is a reflection of relationships and heartbreak from a distant lens. Almost like a look back, from sort of an apathetic state. It’s melancholic but nostalgic, very much like my song “Cosmic Gloom” that is my biggest heartbreak song, using a dreamy airy tone to convey these sad points haha.
To me, "Spanglish Dream Pop" embodies my artistic vision—it’s who I am as an artist. It also represents a community of artists in this genre who are shaping the sound and proudly representing our culture. For example, I want to give a shout out to my dear friend and collaborator, Andria Rose, alongside other amazing artists Sophie Castillo, Csndra, Nev and more!
LUNA: "mas bonita" is released on the anniversary of your successful track "Cosmic Gloom." How do these two songs compare thematically and stylistically? Are they part of a larger creative journey?
QUELLE ROX: I think they are very closely connected. They tell a similar narrative over the years. Does she ever get over things? Only time will tell.
LUNA: What does the summer have in store for you?
QUELLE ROX: I am super excited to announce a few upcoming shows:
Aug 31st in San Antonio with Andria Rose (to be announced soon)
And an EP release show in September…. Also with Andria Rose ;) (to be announced soon)
And on a personal level, ice cream, pools, and hanging out with the most beautiful Puerto Rican princess in the world, Cosmos.
