Abraham Mateo is more than a promising, singer-songwriter and producer — he is the youngest male artist from Spain with the most prominent international acclaim.
“I am excited to bring my sound from the European, Spanish, and Latinx market to American listeners. Some of my biggest musical inspirations are from the U.S. As a Spanish artist — it is a dream to have already collaborated with acts like Jennifer Lopez, Austin Mahone, and 50 Cent,” the European star told The Knockturnal. And the soulful San Fernando, Cádiz crooner, Mateo, continues his danceable tunes with the penchant on his new single, “Me Vuelvo Loco,” featuring the globally-renowned boy band, CNCO.
The Sony Music Spain/Sony Music Latin triple-threat teamed up with CNCO to portray the darker side of passion. The audiovisual features honey-sweet vocals, and gorgeous medical aid. Also, the track’s guitar-driven rhythm creates a distinct balance of sultry poetics alongside a cinematic psychiatric storyboard. The artists showcase how love can send you over the deep end. Additionally, the “Me Vuelvo Loco” audiovisual takes a play on words by placing the boy band, and Mateo in straight jackets.
They even depict tall padded walls which are used contain them in the music video. “The video director, Mike Ho, came up with the idea. From there, together, we made the concept of the music video. My hope with the video direction of “Me Vuelvo Loco,” was to play on the lyrics,” Mateo said. In “Me Vuelvo Loco,” the singers craftily placed their cat scans on a wall, which show the women who are in mind, connecting their lyrics, quite literally. Still, Mateo’s new bop follows his recent single, “Contigo,” a romantic anthem which features Diana Ela, Leslie Shaw, and Katalina. The leading women on the hip-shaking tune helped amplify Mateo’s beautiful range, adding to his depth musically. And there has been no shortage of hits.
As a formidable collaborator, the Spanish musician first proved what he was capable of sonically, with the breakout hit, “Loco Enamorada.” The tantalizing record and its verses from Farruko and Christian Daniel describe being over-the-moon after finding the one, proving Mateo’s star potential in Latinx realms. Together, the trio bolstered the ballad-like introduction on “Loco Enamorada,” and Mateo propelled an upward of 176 million streams on Spotify alone. He soon caused waves among Spanish-speaking American listeners, and on U.S. Spanish-language radio stations.
This momentum is gearing Mateo up for even more U.S. breakthroughs. He hopes “Me Vuelvo Loco,” will do the same, uplifting his soundscapes like never before across continents. The Knockturnal caught up with the singer at the W New York – Times Square to discuss advice from Jennifer Lopez, collaborating with CNCO, and his American music influences. Get to know Abraham Mateo up close and personal.
The Knockturnal: Abraham Mateo, you are well-known for your massive talent in Spain — what do you want U.S.-based listeners to learn about you?
Abraham Mateo: Okay, I started music when I was seven years old. I really got into this when I was ten. I was inspired by a lot of American musicians like Michael Jackson and Chris Brown. I love American music, and it inspired me immensely within my own recordings.
The Knockturnal: How was your recent music video shoot with CNCO for the single, “Me Vuelvo Loco”?
Abraham Mateo: The song “Me Vuelvo Loco” (I Go Crazy) was a crazy experience, literally. The music video is filmed in an asylum. So, it was entertaining to be onset and roleplay in the scenes. CNCO and I are friends, so it was great to shoot together.
I met CNCO about three years ago. So, the video shoot came together organically. I first composed the song in Miami, and then I sent it to them for review. They loved it! So, we recorded the song together in Las Vegas. The song is fantastic, “Me Vuelvo Loca,” is now one of my favorites.
The Knockturnal: Did you help come up with the new “Me Vuelvo Loco” music video storyboard?
Abraham Mateo: The video director, Mike Ho, came up with the idea. From there, together, we made the concept of the video. My hope with the video direction of “Me Vuelvo Loco,” was to play on the lyrics. Since I work with him often — I love Mike Ho’s work. Yes, the “Me Vuelvo Loco” director is incredible.
The Knockturnal: You were the youngest artist ever to be signed to the major label, EMI Music Spain. What would you tell your younger self about the music business?
Abraham Mateo: Okay, that would be a difficult question to answer for me. I would say to my younger self that I need always to be true to myself, and I need to be patient, too. Everything happens when it is meant to.
The Knockturnal: “Loco Enamorado,” featuring Farruko and Christian Daniel, is your biggest hit to date. What was your studio session like for this record?
Abraham Mateo: So, I recorded my part in Spain in my home studio. Yes, I have a recording studio inside my house. So, after I cut my part there, Farruko recorded his part in Miami with Christian Daniel, too. We then met at the music video shoot. Farruko is a great person. It was pleasantly surprising… because I love his music. He was so humble.
The Knockturnal: What can you tell fans about the new music on the way?
Abraham Mateo: I can tell my fans that they will not be disappointed with the new music that is coming out. When it comes out, there will be a multitude of exciting features. Also, there will be a lot of good music, because I have been working around the clock. I have been composing and producing music for other artists, too. My fans will have new hits to listen to.
I am working with Ivy Queen, Gente de Zona, and more. I found an interest in production when I was about ten years old. So, I love it. And on my forthcoming project, there will be a lot of great music to enjoy. There is so much coming up!
The Knockturnal: How was your time working on “Se Acabó el Amor,” featuring Yandel and Jennifer Lopez?
Abraham Mateo: It was surreal working with Jennifer Lopez and Yandel. It was so emotional for me because I grew up listening to their music, too. J-Lo gave me top-notched advice. Yes, she was nothing short of amazing.
The Knockturnal: You are a singer, producer, and songwriter for a good portion of your songs. Why is creative control important to you?
Abraham Mateo: I think it is important, because that way, my music will have one hundred percent of me. My listeners get to know me up close and personal. The people get to hear me as my true self. For me, it is vital to have control of my sound.
The Knockturnal: How do you want to be remembered in music?
Abraham Mateo: Simply put, I want to be remembered as an artist who lived for and was dedicated to his music, that would be amazing for me.
