DARUMAS Reflect on DARUMAS+, the Latin GRAMMYs and Their Creative Direction

by Tayah Fox

 

A year after their lively breakthrough into the alt music scene, the fierce trio DARUMAS made a big return with an upgraded version of their debut album DARUMAS+ on May 22. With this expanded album, members Aldana, Ceci and Vedala showcase their musical evolution, demonstrating why they were so deserving of their Latin GRAMMY nomination early in their career.

The star of DARUMAS+ is the funky R&B heartbreak anthem, "Ex-Cusas." With this track, the triad employs a unique approach to coping with heartache, transforming sadness into empowerment by referring to past relationships as "ex-cuses" rather than exes. Alongside "Ex-Cusas," DARUMAS brings their global influences (Argentina, Miami/Cuba and Haiti/Chile, respectively) to their music, incorporating various sounds and languages throughout the album. Sweety High had the chance to catch up with the group about their rapid rise to stardom, DARUMAS+ and more. Read our full interview below.

Sweety High: Could you describe DARUMAS+ and what this album means to you?

Ceci: In our first album, I don't think we were nearly as close as we are now. Over time, we've worked together a lot and learned about each other's individual styles, strengths and weaknesses, as well as my own. I believe this new album truly reflects what we have learned about ourselves, each other, and our collaboration.

 

SH: This album is labeled as an "upgraded" version of your debut album. What makes this album live up to the "upgraded" title?

Vedala: I think the connection we have now helps us, because in the beginning, we were very shy and were hesitant to show off our ideas, but now  we'll show off our songs!

(Image credit: Lacrymoso)

SH: When songwriting, where do you usually draw inspiration from?

Ceci: I feel like all the songs are drawn from different sources, nothing super specific. They're either about us or about other people, and sometimes they're totally made up.  It's just what we're feeling in the moment, and then we get together and we expand on whatever idea and it's fun.

 

SH: When you found out you were nominated for a GRAMMY, what went through your mind?

Ceci: That we were dreaming. It wasn't real. We were all recording the screen and as soon as D-A-R popped up on the screen, we dropped the phone and just started screaming.

 

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SH: As a global group, how do your individual backgrounds and cultural influences shape your collective sound?

Aldana: I'm from Argentina, so I'm inspired by Luis Alberto Pineta and Nathy Peluso, but also old school artists like Michael Jackson and Steely Dan.

Ceci: I think we all have a bit of the old school touch with Argentina, Haiti, Chile and a little bit of Cuba and Miami. I think that having similar interests, along with some diverging ones that don't necessarily relate to each other, is important for us. While we aren't actively trying to incorporate these interests into the band, they naturally surface because they are a part of who we are. It's very natural.

(Photo credit: Lacrymoso)

 

SH: Which song from this album do you recommend listeners listen to first and why?

Aldana: "Hollywood"

Vedala: "Hollywood," Absolutely.

Ceci: "Hollywood" is representative of what DARUMAS is. Some songs are a little to the left and to the right, but this one is right in the middle.

Aldana: It's like a nice and smooth entrance!

 

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SH: Your brand-new single takes a witty and empowering approach to failed relationships—how much of it was drawn from personal experience?

Vedala: It's not about any of us. You know, it's the name "Ex-Cusas." It's about a story where you have a crush on someone who tells you a lot of things, like, "I'm going to give you this and that, and everything else." But he never actually followed through with any actions. He just talked the talk but never walked the walk. So it's like, you know what? He's not even an ex; he's nothing. I think the track is a powerful backup for the lyrics, and this is the only song where we have a rock sound.

SH: You're still a fairly new group. What are some things you're still learning in your rise to stardom?

Vedala: I don't feel like we're famous. I feel like I'm just a girl who can sing and play with her friends!

Ceci: It's kinda weird because everyone once in a while, we get recognized and we get more excited than the people that recognize us.

 

For even more on DARUMAS, click HERE to read our interview with the group from when they first dropped their self-titled debut album.