Ale Campillo
Interview by Gabrielle Barnes
“I have always identified with being from many different places. Although I was born and raised in Los Angeles, my parents immigrated from Cuba and Mexico. Nowadays I spend most of my time in New Haven as a student at Yale University. I have always felt disconnected from the places I have lived, but even still I return time and time again to the wisdoms, teachings, and cultures from which my parents were raised. Making my music bilingual was very much an intentional choice for me. I felt as though American Alt-Pop music was the most distilled form of the music I was raised on. But with that, I also knew that Spanish lyrics and Latinx people like me were far and few between in the American music market. This was the impetus for wanting to begin my artistic endeavors as Ale Campillo.
[Ever] since I was thirteen years old, Lorde has been my number one most listened to artist each year—I even ran a Lorde fan account at one point. I am definitely still feeling the vibes from her latest album Solar Power. In the last two years or so I have been very into Rina Sawayama, Blackpink, and Tierra Whack. Some other indie artists that I find extremely compelling are Empress of and Raissa. Both of them are also incorporating Spanish into their work, so I am definitely trying to follow their footsteps.
I am inspired by the lack of Queer BIPOC representation in the music industry. I truly and honestly am tenaciously hoping to fill the gap and support other artists as well who can help share stories that music doesn’t typically deem popular or normal. I feel happiest when I am making music and it’s something I will continue to do as long as I can. If I can economically live off of it as well, that would be a dream.
Photos by Coral Ortiz
[My EP, Leaping] was my first attempt at creating music back in the summer of 2019—gosh that feels like so long ago! Leaping is a collection of three songs that chronicles what it meant for me to come out as both gay and non-binary to my family and friends. “Blue Fountain” marks what it meant to discover Queerness for myself—it was equal parts magical and deeply frightening. “Joshua Trees” is actually about a real trip I took with two close friends to Joshua Trees National Park. It was a dark time where I truly had an epiphany that although my frustrations with those close to me were valid, I needed to be patient to allow them back into my life even though they hurt me. Finally, and triumphantly, “Leaping” is about taking a leap of faith and letting one’s true colors fly freely.
[Since publicly releasing music, I’ve realized] how expensive and time consuming it is!!! It’s truly an arduous process but also a labor of love. It’s beautiful to be able to create a world using sound that hopefully other people can connect to. Nowadays I spend a lot of energy trying to find ways for more people to get the chance to hear my music. I am grateful to Changing Wxman for giving me the platform to share a bit more about my work.
This year I am unveiling my first ever full-length E.P. one song at a time. I have already released my first two singles “Pues” and “Castaway,” and even have my third single (“Angrier”) coming out later this month! I am super excited to bring to the surface what 2020 and 2021 Ale was feeling! My music has definitely gotten more upbeat—and slightly happier! Perhaps there will even be a special remix of one of my songs from Leaping as part of the E.P. release… so definitely stay tuned!”
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity. You can connect with Ale here.