Interview

Khea is back. His latest album ‘Serotonina’ has marked a turning point in his career after reflecting some of the darkest episodes of his life. After being away from the stage for a year, his comeback has been a reason for celebration for his fans. He talks with LOS40 during his visit to Spain about his latest work studio, mental health and his relationship with Duki and Milo J.

Question (Q): ‘Serotonina’ is here. At what point did you decide to open up personally?

Answer (A): I think there wasn’t a specific moment when I said I wanted to open up in some way. I believe that life and the experiences I went through led me to that. But I did decide to come back with something much deeper and personal because I felt I couldn’t return with the same old after such a long break and after going through so many personal and evolutionary processes. It was difficult for me to accept the idea of coming back with trap or reggaeton. I decided to show them my most sincere side with an album that is different, more versatile, and with a strong concept. I feel like I showed my vulnerability, which is something that many artists, especially male artists, don’t show.

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Q: Are there songs that didn’t make it onto the album?

A: Yes, of course.

Q: Will they be released?

A: (Laughs) I don’t know. I don’t know. We don’t know at the moment. But there are about five or six that didn’t make it. I wanted it to be 13 songs because it’s my number and it’s special, and it turned out that way.

Q: Which song from the album is stuck in your mind or has had the biggest impact on you?

A: Very difficult. I can give you a top 3: ‘Sin Corazón,’ ‘RCP,’ and ‘Para Amarte A Ti.’ I think they are the best lyrics on the album or my favorites. They are the ones that fulfill me the most. And ‘Eclipse’ too.

Q: It’s difficult for people to choose one. They have turned your stories into their own.

A: Yes, and that had never happened to me before. With this album, it’s the first time in my career that I feel like I connect with people on a different level. I truly feel that I managed to tap into people’s emotions, all kinds of emotions. Emotions that lead people to a state of deep thought and reevaluation of many things. I think that was the goal with this album. I see it in the comments, and it makes me very satisfied.

Q: You talk about mental health in your album. Has music helped you overcome tough times?

A: No, honestly, it hasn’t. The truth is, during the worst moment of my life, I felt like I couldn’t connect with my music. But it was also a personal issue and a lack of self-awareness. I wasn’t connecting with myself, so I couldn’t connect with my artistic self, and consequently, I couldn’t connect with many things. But that hunger was always there. I recovered, and ‘Serotonina’ emerged. But really, when I was in a very bad place, there were more people by my side, encouraging and uplifting me, than me actively seeking tools, at least initially. As I started to recover, I began to listen to music again and reconnect. But at the beginning, I didn’t.

Q: It’s crucial to seek help from others…

A: Lately, when asked for advice, I say that in this case, they should open up, choose two or three trusted people from their inner circle to whom they can open up and who can provide a different perspective, and they should consider therapy. I think that’s essential.

Q: You released the music video for ‘Nunca Voy Solo’ with Milo J. What was it like shooting it in your neighborhood?

A: Yes, it was incredible. The truth is, I hadn’t been to my neighborhood in a long time. Milo came in a minibus with all the people from his neighborhood, and the connection was immediate. Going back to your roots always brings a beautiful nostalgia. I loved it. We also helped out the sports club in my neighborhood with all the people there. It was amazing, and the video is epic.

Q: What experience do you take away from working with him?

A: The truth is, he’s very mature for his age. Very aware of everything. He reflects a lot of myself because I went through something very similar to what he’s going through. I started at his age, with songs that reached 200 or 300 million plays. I’m very proud and happy that someone so young, Argentine, who writes and composes so well, and says meaningful things, contributes a lot to the collective. I really like him. Lately, we’ve been seeing each other a lot, playing soccer and connecting on a more human level, beyond the artistic side. I truly care for and appreciate him.

Q: You also have a good relationship with Duki. What’s the secret to maintaining your friendship?

A: I think one of the things Duko and I have is that we met before all of this happened, and together, we made it happen. Many people played a role, but I feel that when we connected, there was an energy… It’s as if the world wanted us to connect so that something like what happened in Argentina’s music scene could unfold. So, sometimes we go a long time without talking, but we have that mutual respect and admiration. We understand that when we connected, something incredible happened. Yesterday, I went to play soccer with him, and we were laughing our heads off. We have that friendship, and sometimes he comes to my place, and other times I go to his. Apart from my friendship with Duko, there’s a sense of unity among us in Argentina. Even if we don’t see each other often, there are groups forming, and there’s that respect and admiration, and we all understand that we’re pushing in the same direction.

Q: Many people are asking for a new song from Khea and Duki. Will it happen soon?

A: We have many songs. I don’t know, it could happen at any time. We could get together and say, «Let’s release an album or something.» We’ve talked about releasing the HITBOY album. There’s a lot of stuff in the works, but with him, you know that one day I can go to him and ask to record, and we do it. We have that relationship. Something happens when we get together. It’s always like that.

Q: You’ve met up in Madrid, so…

A: Something might happen.

Q: Are you going to collaborate with any Spanish artists while you’re here?

A: I haven’t specifically discussed working together. The truth is, I’ll be here for a few days. But I’ve been talking to Recycled J, whom I admire and know as an artist. We’ve talked about getting together, but I haven’t spoken to many people. Also, all my Argentine colleagues are here, so I’m taking advantage of being here and meeting up with them.

Q: ‘La Velada del Año’ is coming up and two artists are yet to be confirmed for the big event. Who do you think they are?

A: Could there be an Argentine? Who else could it be? I think Milo could be there, and if he’s there, maybe Duko or… And there’s also Nicki… There are two, right? My bets are on Milo and Duki. They’re here, so I’m thinking they could be.

Q: How would you define Khea’s style?

A: I think I always sought versatility in my career. I never hesitated to say, «Hey, I want to compete with myself and see what genre I can explore, where I can leave my essence and make it clear that it’s Khea doing it, even if it’s not what I started with, like trap or reggaeton, so that people can tell it’s me, even if I’m doing salsa or bachata… And that’s always what I wanted to emphasize. With this album, I opened infinite doors to be able to talk about whatever I want and really do whatever I want. It’s like a whole package. I don’t feel like I’m stopping doing trap or reggaeton. I would change the lyrics, though. I won’t make trap songs about having the biggest chain because I don’t connect with that anymore. I love trap, the flow of trap, and well-placed autotune. I’ll continue to have that, but with versatility.