He was born in Girona but grew up in Granada. From a very young age, it was clear to her that she wanted to be an actress, but music crossed her path and she was immediately captivated. Thus, since 2015, Albany showcased his talent to the world within the (sad) trap scene.
His voice and his music have taken him to the stages of festivals such as Primavera Sound, Riverland, Holika and Cala Mijas, among others. Also on the big screen, part of the soundtrack of A thief’s daughter (who took a Goya) and through my window.
He has collaborated with great performing artists, such as C. Tangana, Yung Beef and La Zowi, among others. Now he presented his new mixtape Tears of a G, which brings us to a more hesitant Albany ready to punctuate the dance floors. At LOS40 Urban we chatted with our protagonist, who took to the stage at Sala Cool in Madrid on February 26 to delight us with a unique show from Amazon Music and Antídoto.
Question (Q): Albany, you have been in the industry since 2015. How would you say your evolution has been?
Answer (A): I think that was pretty cool. Yes, it’s true that I notice a lot that I have grown a lot since I started. Many years have also passed. In terms of sound, in terms of already having your audience, your own people who listen to you and who also like what you do, your image, the things you want to convey with your music, the sound where you want to shoot. .. that I already have it pretty solid.
Q: You’re in an industry that hasn’t made it easy for you, especially since you’re a woman. How did you experience it?
A: I think in general women have struggled, but not just in the music industry, but in general the world is not very made for us. But really in music, I feel like it’s maybe more difficult in the sense of what they demand of you when you go to a concert or when you make a music video. There are a lot more men making music and we don’t expect that much. It’s just them singing and that’s it and if you’re cool then people love it and if not, no. But a woman has to have her choreography, always well-groomed hair, a super neat image because otherwise… so in that sense we have twice as much trouble but really in terms of gaining a foothold in the industry I don’t I didn’t notice the difference, but because I’m not into genres and since I’ve always been the same, I did it going through everything and focusing on the work.
Q: Do you think there are things that have changed or that there is still a lot to do?
A: I think that is changing but logically there is still a lot to do. But it is true that in the countryside, sometimes, they are only looking for girls and the movement is gaining more and more momentum. There are many girls who make music, who have great opportunities.
Albany: ‘There is a lot of rivalry, especially in Spain’ / philippelongoni
Q: What do you think of the straps?
A: I think it depends on everyone’s ego regardless of gender. Yes, it’s true that there is a lot of rivalry, especially in Spain. We are the country with perhaps the most rivalries and the most individualistic when it comes to work. But for example, Karol G’s album came out not long ago, I listened to it and I like it a lot, and it includes a lot of women and she reinforces that message all the time. And bigger references that do that and do their part, I think that’s really helpful for us because it helps a lot. I think yes, there is a lot more support now and as long as we support each other, it will make a difference for the world and for men. I think a lot of things have changed, there are still a lot but at least in my surroundings and myself there is a change.
There are a lot more men making music and we don’t expect that much.
Q: Who was Albany inspired by?
A: really nobody. I think that’s why I feel like my music is quite unique and not influenced by anyone. I believe that what I do is really mine.
Q: What makes Albany authentic?
A: Sincerity. My songs and all that I try to show the public is naturalness, simplicity and that. Simply me. So I think people notice that because in the music industry there are always people who… half is a lie, they exaggerate everything. The typical posture of my songs does not exist, or generally does not exist. It makes a small difference.
Q: You are going to be at several festivals this summer. Do you like this type of format more or concerts more one-on-one with your fans?
A: Both as well. I’m really enjoying the one from you to you and I love it, but doing festivals right now makes me very excited. The stages are very big and you have more freedom, more movement and you feel very satisfied. So both, the truth. I’m very excited about all the festivals I have this year.
Q: We recently spoke with Ptazeta about the industry. In general, and not just focusing on the role of women, how do you see the industry? Do you like it or not?
A: I think I don’t like it. Since the scene here in Spain is so individualistic and so on, it’s true that it makes you think alike and be selfish in that sense. And don’t look at what others are doing and create your own path, because really the goal of the Spaniards and the whole world is to leave your country and make yourself known internationally. And maybe if you want to achieve it you have to work alone and work very hard and maybe you will get it and if you do it some other way maybe not. I think it’s a mistake to think like that.
Q: You have collaborated with artists of the stature of C. Tangana, Yung Beef, La Zowi… which of these collaborations has marked you the most?
A: So far I don’t think so. I think not. Because yes, these people are great and very good musicians, but it’s true that we did everything as very intimate, very close friends, and it was a fairly bearable and very normal experience. And it’s not like I learned something that I said “wow”. I don’t think that has happened to me yet. Obviously, I’m super proud because these are people who… well, C. Tangana listened to him as a child and to have made a song with him and getting to know him and so on is very rewarding for me. But I still have a long way to go and that moment has not yet arrived.
Q: Do you have an artist on your wishlist that you would like to collaborate with?
A: I would love to work with Rosalía, with Paloma Mami, with Ne-Yo…
Q: We also heard Albany on Netflix with your participation in through your window and in the movie A thief’s daughter. Did you ever think you were going to jump into the movies?
A: The truth is that I never would have imagined it but it’s true that it’s something that, since the films are so sentimental, it’s really practical and I like it even more than giving a concert at best . Participating in movies and all those things makes me very excited.
Q: Would you like to act in a film?
A: I would love it because it’s a dream I have, which I didn’t pursue because I ended up being a singer (I wasn’t looking for it either). But the actress that I loved when I was little.
Q: After Tears of a Gwhat did you prepare?
A: I’m going to release an album that is the drafts of this original album, by Lágrimas De Un G. Those that haven’t been released, the ideas, and, in fact, it’s going to be called like this: doodlers. It will be out in these months and I’m still working on it and doing the final little details.
Q: How do you want to end 2023?
A: Ugh, well give concerts ultra mega beautiful and having a team behind me that would give me things to be able to do it too because, to this day, I’m still an independent artist and like it or not it’s quite difficult.