Puerto Rican singer, songwriter, and record producer JHAYCO recently released his new album, “Le Clique: Vida Rockstar (X),” just ahead of his U.S. tour. Dispersing a touch of the Reggaeton style of old, his new sound is more mature and personal.
Known for collabs with Bad Bunny and Shrillex, his new album brings together Yandel, DJ Khaled, and Peso Pluma for an explosive vibe. This labor of love came together over the past three years and saw him grow and expand his vision into a new direction
JHAYCO described “Le Clique” as “the family” and “Vida Rockstar X” as “the movement.” It shows his progress in the last half decade and the work he put into the album over the last three years. It’s a culmination of the music he made, the success he’s had, and what he wants to achieve in the future.
“The last albums were about what the people like and what they were listening to,” JHAYCO said. “And this album is all about what makes me happy and what I enjoy.”
New songs like “Porsche Carrera” with Yandel brought him back to a place of nostalgia, listening to music at his grandmother’s house, staring out the window. Combining the old with the new is a theme JHAYCO is looking to explore. His intention for the album was to interweave his bad boy identity and club life, where music has a heartbeat and sound, with an energy that reflects where he is now and who he’s become.
“The one called ‘Grecia’ talks about my story, about how I grew up, about the people who helped me when I had nothing,” he explained. Songs like “Viene Basquiat” show his growth as a musician, artist, and performer, as well as his songwriting and producing experiences.
Artists are more frequently collaborating, showing their support for other artists and raising their popularity. This fusion of different sounds has created a new, exciting era in the Latin genre. JHAYCO used this idea when he started putting together the new album, wanting a variety of producers to help him get the new sound he was searching for.
JHAYCO gleaned the expertise of those producers for to create a medley of mixes. “I think that’s what makes the best things come out because everyone is putting the best of themselves; no one is thinking that they know everything and that they are the best or the best musician,” he said. “We are all working together, pointing out things that work or don’t, and that helps us create the best music.”
Streaming has also played a big part in the rise of music outside the mainstream chart hits. The music can reach a whole new audience, anywhere in the world. The cyber era has helped music cross borders, cultures, and genres, with music fans listening to and supporting other styles they may not have heard.
JHAYCO’s tour and pre-show rituals include staying relaxed and focused, using the time to stabilize his mind before performing. Before the show, he closes his eyes and accepts all the good energy. He keeps his clique close by to help him stay organized and to make sure he arrives where he’s supposed to and on time.
Always looking forward with an eye for spotting talent, JHAYCO is searching for new creatives who work well collaborating inside and outside the Latin music community. His plan includes bringing in more visions to help him develop his unique style into something he can be proud of. “I will be signing artists or creatives who make tracks, stylists who make videos, and whatever creative work I do as my contribution as well,” he explained.
JHAYCO sees acting in his future. “Everything that is creative just fills me,” he said. He’s already appeared on the Netflix series “Neon,” but wants to learn more about the process, movie scores, and helping to develop new talent in the arena of film.
With a new tour starting in November, JHAYCO wants everyone to come and join in on the experience. Like the new album, the tour will be full of energy and optimism. A true visual and auditory experience, he’s putting his heart and soul into the new songs while re-imagining the old ones. “I’m crazy about singing the new songs,” he said. “I’m at a different level now as an artist after all the hard work.”
JHAYCO wants the world to pre-save his album and “listen to it completely,” and is encouraging everyone to get out and catch the new tour. He is looking for opinions on the album and said, “Thank you for waiting three years. It will really be worth it.”
You can find everything JHAYCO at vidarockstar.com including news, merch, and tour dates. You can also find him on Instagram at instagram.com/jhayco.
Written by Jason Murray
