From Tolosa to the World: Dren Zabala’s Rise Through Resilience and Sound
It’s rare to meet an artist whose journey feels like a handwritten letter to everyone who ever dared to dream in silence.
Suggested:
In a music scene saturated with trends and labels, some artists stand out for how deeply personal and multidimensional their work feels. One of those artists is VALLEJO, an emerging voice from the northwest of Madrid who blends Cloud Rap with ambient textures, rich symbolism, and a fiercely independent creative spirit.
Raised in a family of musicians and shaped by years of balancing music, work, and study, VALLEJO is now crafting not just tracks but entire universes—layered with meaning, emotion, and intention.
BUILDING UNIVERSES FROM EMOTION
For VALLEJO, music isn’t just sound—it's architecture. It starts with a single emotion and grows into a self-contained universe. “What inspires me most is the possibility of creating entire worlds from a single idea,” he says. Though his sound often falls under the Cloud Rap umbrella, it's the feeling it evokes that matters most. His productions oscillate between the melancholic and the powerful, always anchored by introspective lyrics that reflect personal growth, internal battles, and the unshakable pursuit of authenticity.
A VISION ROOTED IN CULTURE
While his musical influences range from PNL and Rosalía to Travis Scott and DELLAFUENTE, VALLEJO's vision stretches beyond the studio. Visual artists and poets like Lorca and Picasso shape his aesthetic. This convergence of disciplines fuels a project that is cinematic at its core. His visuals—whether in music videos, logos, or album artwork—aren’t afterthoughts; they’re co-narrators. “I don’t separate the visual from the musical,” he says. “They’re two languages telling the same story.”
WRITING THROUGH CONFLICT
VALLEJO’s songwriting is driven by introspection. Lyrics often start with a phrase or visual concept and evolve during long solitary walks. He writes to understand himself, and this raw honesty shapes each track. “I always start from truth,” he explains. This grounded approach makes his work resonate on a deeper level—songs born not just from inspiration, but from tension, challenge, and a desire to give shape to the intangible.
LIVE WITHOUT LIMITS
One of VALLEJO’s most defining moments wasn’t at a major festival or through a record deal—it was the moment he created his own stage. After being turned down by venues, he organized “V de Voy a ser cantante, mamá,” a self-curated festival that pulled together artists, dancers, and creatives in front of a packed house. It wasn’t just a performance—it was a declaration: if the system won’t make space for you, build your own room.
CONCLUSION
VALLEJO is part of a new generation of artists who see no boundaries between sound, visuals, and identity. His message to fans and fellow dreamers? Don’t wait for the industry to give you permission. Build it yourself. From the streets of Madrid to immersive digital landscapes, VALLEJO isn’t just releasing music—he’s offering experiences that invite listeners into his world, one layered beat and lyric at a time.
Valerie is the writer of Wavy Music Magazine, a premier destination for music industry professionals. Through her interviews, reviews, and expert insights, she keeps readers up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the world of music.
It’s rare to meet an artist whose journey feels like a handwritten letter to everyone who ever dared to dream in silence.
In an era of fast fame and fleeting hits, it’s rare to come across an artist who’s been building behind the scenes for over three decades. Enter Joey Dogz – a name born from grit and loyalty, and a career shaped by resilience and evolution.
In an era where producers emerge daily, Dakota—aka Dak—doesn’t just ride the algorithmic wave. He steers through it with a clear compass, guided by gritty textures, late- night introspection, and an unwavering love for the process.