duendita
We meet the spiritually-guided singer duendita, to chat about the industry, how growing up in New York has influenced her work and vision, and what advice she would have for up and coming female artists.
*Please note, duendita does not capitalise her words.
In terms of female artists, who has influenced your music taste, and your progression as an artist?
duendita: i’m very inspired by Beyonce, Donna Summer and Betty Carter. my progression as an artist is best attributed to the women around me... Zuri Marley, Sandy Ismail, Terri, Kimmie, Opal Hoyt, Suleika Jaouad... their art and friendship is precious.
Of course New York is a hugely diverse and ever- changing city. Do you believe that it had a big influence on your musical and general identity?
d: yes. i’m from Queens... the most diverse borough by square foot, where over 400 languages are spoken. there is a unique energy and beauty. we are mostly working-class and my collaborators and i are all children of immigrants. we are carrying a specific lineage with us, resisting assimilation, and trying to make sense of our existence, always.
When writing your music, do you feel a responsibility towards young women/men who may be listening, in terms of the influence your music and lyrics might have on them?
d: everything happens so quickly i am rarely thinking of something specific, or how it will be perceived. i imagine my conscious and unconscious experiences as a tub of ice cream at the pit of my stomach, and when the time is right, something reaches inside to take a big scoop out. essentially a song arrives with lyrics, the way it wants to, when it wants to. my responsibility is to myself, to take care of my body with vegetables, love, to look after my spirit, be ready and make sure the path is clear for the expression to flow. i do think about my influence on others, especially after being on tour and having more listeners. i more so beat myself up for smoking a joint on the street when a child walks by, or cursing in public spaces. that’s not cool.
“instead of inviting more women into these spaces that already exist, we make our own rooms and invite all who are interested in a different kind of power. ”
Throughout your songs there’s a very strong sense of spirituality and self expression. Do you think these are the main ideologies you’re trying to get across to your audience?
d: i’m interested in how ideology is shared through existence. you hear these themes in my work because i live this way, not because my lyrics or sounds are trying to target any single idea. i express myself and i don’t expect much in return. i want my audience to feel safe and free. if that means vulnerability, rage or excitement, that’s beautiful, as long as it’s their decision.
Are there any experiences you’ve had personally within the industry, in which you’ve felt you were being treated differently to how a male artist may be?
d: yes, but i am still healing the pain and understanding these sensitive intersections. i want to share but at the right time, in the right way. it will show up in my art.
What do you think needs to change in terms of how we view female artists in order for it to be easier for females entering the music industry?
d: i’ve become uninterested in being the “exception”, the one woman, young person, brown bench in the discussion. instead of inviting more women into these spaces that already exist, we make our own rooms and invite all who are interested in a different kind of power. although it is fun to disrupt the space, we are replacing these people anyway. it’s our art and talent the industry relies on. i’m not knocking on the big door begging. i’m home, doing what i can and my door is open to all.
Do you think that the struggles you’ve seen women in the industry face/the struggles you’ve experienced yourself have helped shape you as an artist?
d: yes, although i wouldn’t wish it upon anyone. more than shaping, it’s breaking me in real time. i feel my body aging with the emotional stress of being alive in this body and it really fucking hurts.
What advice would you give to other young women trying to get into the music industry?
d: never conform and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Words: Sophie Wyatt
Photography: Finn Constantine
Fashion: Ashleigh Stunna
Makeup: India Excell