In a year filled with surprises and musical innovations, Marshmello, the versatile producer known for his chart-topping prowess across multiple genres, secured a significant milestone in 2023. He celebrated his first No. 1 single on the Latin Airplay chart with the unexpected hit “El Merengue,” a collaboration with Manuel Turizo. This marked a remarkable feat in his illustrious career, showcasing his ability to conquer new musical territories.

However, Marshmello didn’t stop at this accomplishment. On November 3, he is set to release “Sugar Papi,” his debut Latin album. This album stands out as his first full-length project featuring a different artist on every track. Marshmello’s journey into Latin music was an eagerly anticipated endeavor, and he shared his excitement about embarking on this creative path.

“I’ve always been eager to make a body of work [but] wasn’t sure when the right time was,” Marshmello disclosed. The opportunity presented itself when Sony Latin approached him with the idea of creating a Latin album. It felt like the perfect moment to realize his long-held dream of delving into Latin music. With enthusiasm, he exclaimed, “It was a no-brainer.”

“Sugar Papi” is a testament to the rich tapestry of Latin music, featuring collaborations with both Latin music legends and emerging talents. Current singles from the album include tracks with Young Miko (“Tempo”) and Tiago PZK (“Como Yo :(“), among others. The album is a fusion of Latin rap, trap, and reggaeton, and the creative process knew no boundaries. Marshmello initiated collaborative sessions in Miami with each artist, bringing forth his signature “on-the-spot creation” style.

Reflecting on the swift album production, Marshmello recalled his spontaneous approach to the project, saying, “I showed up in Miami to write this album and was like, ‘I don’t have anything prepared.’ Part of my job, my main job, is on-the-spot creation.” This spontaneous creativity, shared with his collaborators, resulted in the completion of the entire album in under two weeks.

Furthermore, Marshmello emphasized the importance of artistic synergy. He noted, “I wasn’t just going to go and make this huge ‘every big artist in the world’ , I was just going to work with the artists that I vibed with.” His sessions with Young Miko, in particular, left a strong impression, and they explored diverse musical realms. “There’s a lot of songs in the vault that could pop up,” he hinted.

Beyond “Sugar Papi,” Marshmello shared a glimpse of his future endeavors, revealing plans for a new album and an evolution of his signature style. “I don’t know if I’ve said it publicly, but I’ve been in the studio this whole summer writing a new album, kind of redefining what Marshmello is,” he said. Latin influences seem to have left a lasting imprint, with Marshmello hinting at the return of elements from his Latin music exploration. The future holds exciting possibilities for the producer as he continues to push the boundaries of his musical journey.

Source: Billboard.com