Latin-rooted, Amsterdam-based artist MAURINO closes his latest EP with “Solo Una Vez,” a warm, rhythmic track built on instinct, collaboration, and the mix of cultures that runs through everything he makes. Blending Latin, Caribbean, and Dutch influences with ease, MAURINO has shaped a sound that’s always moving, always open, and always tied to real life. With his new single marking a second chance at a love that once slipped away, he joins us to talk about the story behind “Solo Una Vez”, the creative spark that started it, and the energy that keeps pushing him into new territory.
“Solo Una Vez” feels like a love story revived at the last possible second. What personal truth or lived moment did you pour into that idea of a “second chance”?
haha! I think we have all gotten that chance at a certain point in our lives. When I wrote this track I really saw this lovestory passing by in my mind like a movie. I guess it is not something that really happend to me but I loved to tell this story to the world.
You said Ir Sais wrote and recorded his part within an hour — what did you hear in his voice that made you think, “He’s the only one who can complete this track”?
Wauw. That moment we got Ir Sais, the artist and producer I knew from his hits like “Midnight Boom” and “Dream Girl” remixed with Rauw Alejandro, in my studio, behind my mic was ab-so-lute goosebumps! Irie and me met a couple of years back and we always had a nice vibe. Once I send him the sketch of “Solo Una Vez” he was eager to jump on this tune right away. He wrote in such a organic and natural way; once he started to sing we all knew he would be the person to complete this track!
When you listen back to the song, what’s the one musical detail—maybe a small drum hit, a synth flourish, or a vocal moment—that still surprises you?
I would say that very nice synth that goes throughout the song and connect everything from beginning to end. I absolutely LOVE it!
Your music sits at the intersection of Chilean fire, Amsterdam edge, and Caribbean breeze. What part of that blend defines you most when everything else is stripped away?
I would say, at the end of the day, the Chilean fire. I strongly believe and feel that the people from Chile have an incredible power within, we call it “Newen”, that makes is powerful and even invincible. But to be honest, I would love not to choose between all those beautiful descriptions you mentioned above.
Fiesta Macumba has become a cultural heartbeat in the Netherlands. When did you first realize it was no longer just a party, but a movement?
To be honest I really never realize until people tell me. We have been working for so long and so hard you kinda loose track of what you have achieved. I do remember I told a friend the very first edition 18 years ago.. “One day, this party will be the biggest party in the Netherlands and we will have a massive festival..” Mind you.. This was a party of 45 people who showed up. I guess I knida manifested it 🙂
You’ve shared stages with major artists and played huge festivals. What was one moment when you thought, “This energy is bigger than me”?
Every time I have the honor to stand on such stages, sharing them with huge artists I feel extremely humbled. I try to take it all in but at the same time I feel so much adrenaline at those moments on stage and just before, I just wanna get on there and do my thing!
You describe your sound as Future Latin. What future are you actually trying to build with it?
We are trying to build a sound, a vibe that is recognizable. When people will hear this they will say.. That’s MAURINO 🙂
Your live shows are explosive. What’s the ritual—or beautiful chaos—you need to tap into before stepping on stage?
Chaos for sure. Always. But just before a show, we run thru the setlist with the band, we have a shot of rum, we wish eachother well and just get exited about what’s to come.. Having a lot of fun with the one thing we do best.. MUSIC!
“Solo Una Vez” is a romantic track, yet your performances radiate high voltage. How do you turn soft emotion into that kind of stage power?
I think that in this particular case, we try to capture energy in the groove. This tune has to be perfectly locked with the band and the vocals. Energy does not always equal a lot of movement or sound.. It can also be achieved by a feeling. That is how we interpret Solo Una Vez live on stage.
Looking ahead, what is MAURINO becoming that even you didn’t expect a few years ago?
To be honest.. I really did envision the music and vibe we wanted to create.. But the way the team we have fell in love with the music was something I did not expect. The way people around us help us in so many ways to make the most of this thing we are doing is absolutely heartwarming and they deserve a massive shoutout, this one is for them <3!
Listen to the full EP below:
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