Photo cred: Brandon Phillips
After meeting in 2019, DallasK and GALE first collaborated together on Christina Aguilera’s single “Santo” (with Ozuna) from Christina’s 2022 album, Aguilera. As co-writers (and with DallasK as a co-producer on the song), they were honored with Latin GRAMMY® nominations in the Album Of The Year, Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and Bet Urban Fusion/Performance categories. Additionally, DallasK was nominated for Best Urban Song Of The Year for his work as a songwriter and lone producer on Nicky Jam’s hit “Ojos Rojos.”
What inspired “Exceso”?
“Exceso” is an interpolation of Plan B’s classic song “Candy”. That song is always played at every Reggaeton party and it always is one of the best crowd reactions. Gale and I were listening to this song on the way to the studio and I immediately heard in my head, what a dance version could sound like. When we got to the studio the song came together really quickly and I knew that we had something special.
How did collaborating with GALE come about?
We have been working together since 2019 when we met writing songs for other artists. We continued to collaborate during the pandemic, writing songs for Christina Aguilera, Ozuna, Manuel Turizo, Shakira and more, and then we started working on her own debut album, which I am executive producing. So doing a dance collaboration like this just made a lot of sense and came about really naturally.
What do you like the most about this new Latin sound for the DallasK project?
I’ve always enjoyed exploring new sounds and new styles and I’ve spent the last several years producing music for a lot of Latinx artists, so to integrate that into the music that I’m releasing as an artist is very exciting. I’ve learned Spanish almost fluently and taken time to learn about the culture and I’ve been fortunate enough to collaborate with amazing Latinx creators. I’m not Latino so I have to make sure I am making music with respect and understanding.
Do you think you will keep pulling inspiration from Latin music for future releases?
Definitely, I think one of my strengths is putting together collaborations between people who may not have worked together otherwise, so combining, pop, dance, Latin and other styles together is something I’m very passionate about.
Any funny anecdotes from the time you were recording “Exceso”?
Only that it’s probably one of the fastest songs I’ve ever made, start to finish. And that every time I would play it before it was out, I got so many questions about what version it was and when is it coming out. Probably more than any other song I’ve made. Hopefully that means it’s going to do well, lol.
When your creativity and energy is running low, what do you find is the best pick me up as an artist?
I find the best way is to just step away from the computer for a while… go to the beach, go for a run, take the day off. I used to believe in working yourself to the bone everyday no matter what but I’ve found that the more you care for yourself, the better and more creative you can be.
What are your plans for 2023?
More music, more shows, and more collaborations. I have a bunch of new music coming and going to continue expanding my range as an artist and working in the spaces that inspire me.
