HIGHXTAR. had the pleasure to meet first hand the most promising artist of the moment, Quevedo. Two years in the industry have served to position him in the top one of the most listened lists. The Canary Islander has become one of the figures with the most potential on the international urban scene.

From the HIGHXTAR. and Zalando team we wanted to celebrate the success of the artist of the moment with an editorial in which Quevedo shines with total looks of the leading online fashion platform in Europe. In addition, the promising young artist sat down with the team to talk about his sudden success, social pressure, fashion and Scrapworld.

Highxtar (H) – Where would you say you are right now both professionally and personally?

Quevedo (Q) – I’m doing very well and I think I’m starting to have a balance after a long time. I feel good about myself and what I’m doing, which is the most important thing.

H – It’s been two years since you started uploading tracks on YouTube… how did you get started in the music scene?

Q – In my beginnings the songs were very well received in Las Palmas and in the islands, so that’s good. I had a great time with the kids from Los Brezos making music and with lots of laughs and parties. Every day was different there, which on the other hand was a crazy routine that I couldn’t do now. I enjoyed it a lot.

H – Cayó la Noche Remix was one of your first hits together with Canarian artists Bejo, Cruz Cafuné, El Ima, La Pantera, Juseph and Abhir Hathi. How do you see the music scene on the islands?

Q – Right now it’s growing a lot and very fast, and I see how a lot of people are getting are encouraging people to release music and to work harder. There is more healthy competition and I think it’s good for more quality talent to come out of the islands. Besides, there is already a strong base with some “teachers” like Cruzzi, Bejo or Maikel who have been doing this for a long time and are an inspiration for all of us.

H – And… A place on the islands that you would recommend if we had to go there?

Q – Every island has its charm and its things that make it different from the rest and at the same time spectacular, but if I had to recommend a special place I would say Playa del Inglés in the south of Gran Canaria.

H – In January last year you started making a living from music and by July you were already the most listened to artist in the world. How are you coping with the sudden success?

Q – Well, a song was number 1 in the world, not me, I still have a long way to go. But the truth is that all that success is not easy to manage at the beginning, but even though I’ve had a few slumps, I think I’m doing pretty well.

H – Have you ever been overwhelmed by the situation and how have you managed it?

Q – There have been many times when I have been overwhelmed but with the help of my family, friends and also professional help, I have managed to get through it. At the end of the day, that’s what it takes in this world. Being on the island also helps me a lot to cope well.

H – Any advice your parents have given you?

Q – That I don’t separate myself from the people who have always been with me and that I take the life I lead with peace of mind.

H – You and Bizarrap have created one of the most listened to songs in history, what is the formula for creating a hit?

Q – I don’t think there is a specific formula, it’s just being in the right place at the right time at the right time.

H – Even Bad Bunny tweeted that he couldn’t get the song out of his head… what did this moment mean to you?

Q – Well for me it was something really crazy and hard to believe. At first I thought it was a joke or something, but it’s not. It’s a reference for me and for many people.

H – Why do you think renowned international artists like Duki or Bizarrap have trusted you?

Q – I don’t know. We’ll have to ask them.

H – You are releasing your debut album soon, when is it due?

Q – We are trying to put out a project that is well done and that will be an experience to remember for those who listen to it. It’s been a long process, a lot of hard work and it’s simmering. 

H – What can you tell us about the album?

Q – It’s going to be an album that will contain the best I’ve done so far and in which I’ll try to reflect my references and what I’ve listened to during my life. There will be a lot of variety of genres, from reggaeton to slower and deeper music. It’s my debut album and I will try to show the world a sincere and solid cover letter. It’s an album that represents me as a person and an artist.

H – What inspired you?

Q – I was inspired by my life. From everything that has happened to me in music and especially from experiences in my life, with my friends and family. Both the good and the bad.

H – A collaboration of yours with Omar Montes was leaked, what other national and international artist would you like to work with?

Q – I always say with Delaossa and Myke Towers.

H – You also performed at the streetwear fair Scrapworld with Zalando. What is the relationship between music and urban fashion for you?

Q – Before I didn’t care about fashion and that world, but little by little I’m learning more about it and I’m more interested in the world of fashion. I think that nowadays the two worlds go hand in hand, as the image of artists has gained a lot of presence in the music scene. 

H – Now you are collaborating with Zalando again, creating your own clothing section. How did this union come about?

Q – Well, Zalando has always been very good to me, and I really like the way they work and their way of getting involved in music, with people my age, etc. That’s why I thought it was a good idea to collaborate with them again and go one step further, showing the clothes I like the most.

H – What would be Quevedo’s recurring everyday outfit?

Q – White sneakers like the Air Force, comfortable trousers (whether long or short), a sweatshirt and a nice cap. And off you go.

H – Which item would you spend the most money on?

Q – Trainers.

H – How would you like to see yourself in 5 years time?

Q – I’d like to see myself stable and happy with whatever I’m doing, either in or out of music. You never know.

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Photography: Nicolas Cuenca @nicolascuenca__
Creative & Styling: Alfredo Santamaría @gothic__sport
Make Up: Isabella Ching @_chingisabella
Photo Assitants: Felipe Orellana @felipeorellanaf
Styling Assistant: Alfred Vivas @alfred.vivas
Interview: Mar Piera @marpiera
Production: HIGHXTAR.lab.
Production Assitant: Paloma Molinos @palommc
Vídeo: GOLDA @golda.es
Looks: Zalando
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Special Thanks: Team Quevedo / Vélodrome