Young Miko's Rise to Stardom: Embracing the "Lesbian Renaissance" in Latin Music

Puerto Rican artist Young Miko has been making waves in the Latin music scene, collaborating with industry heavyweights like Karol G and Bad Bunny. In a candid interview during Billboard Latin Music Week 2024, Miko opened up about her artistic journey, the evolving landscape of Latin music, and the empowering "lesbian renaissance" that is shaping the industry.

Trailblazing Through the Latin Music Landscape

Embracing the Unexpected Trajectory

Young Miko's rise to prominence may have seemed sudden, but the artist's journey has been a steady and deliberate one. "If you think about it, social media growth is so abrupt, fast, and global that it can definitely seem like an overnight thing," Miko explained. "But indeed, we have been making music since 2018, 2019, and about three years ago is when Young Miko really started to gain a lot of momentum."Miko's early days were marked by experimentation and exploration, as she delved into the world of SoundCloud and began releasing music without much forethought. "From 2018 to 2019 I started to explore with SoundCloud, and I began releasing music without giving it much thought. I had a lot of fun making Spanish versions, just exploring."

Breakout Moments and Collaborations

The turning point for Miko came with the release of her hit single "Riri," which helped her gain recognition beyond her native Puerto Rico. "I mostly felt it when 'Riri' came out. 'Riri' began to gain an audience outside of Puerto Rico. I had a very special moment in Puerto Rico, during the concerts of 'Un Verano Sin Ti' by [Bad Bunny]."Miko's collaborations with industry heavyweights have also played a significant role in her rise to stardom. She had the opportunity to work with Bad Bunny, whom she describes as "incredibly creative" and "very clear about what he wants, both as an artist and as a person." Miko also opened for Karol G in the U.S. and spent time with her in Medellín, where the Colombian superstar took Miko under her wing, sharing valuable insights and guidance.

Building a Supportive Team

Miko's success has been bolstered by the dedicated team that has coalesced around her. "The team came together little-by-little. Without realizing it, life put them in my path, Mariana and Mauro. I've known them since I was 11-years-old." Miko's lifelong best friend, Mariana, has been a crucial part of her journey, serving as her manager and confidante."Mariana is my lifelong best friend, she is my sister, she knows me like no one else. She's someone I admire greatly; she is a very hardworking, dedicated woman. I know no one who has the guts that Mariana has. She was definitely someone I wanted by my side in an industry that can sometimes be very noisy and chaotic."

Embracing the "Lesbian Renaissance" in Latin Music

One of the most significant developments in the Latin music scene, according to Miko, is the emergence of a "lesbian renaissance." The artist acknowledges the power and significance of this cultural shift, stating, "We say it jokingly, but in reality, that phrase has a lot of power. It's the girls' time, and it seems to me that it's noticeable and feels wonderful. We are in a much more receptive generation."Miko's own identity and experiences as a queer artist have undoubtedly shaped her artistic vision and the messages she conveys through her music. The "lesbian renaissance" in Latin music represents a profound shift in representation and acceptance, empowering artists like Miko to unapologetically express their authentic selves.

The Collective Ethos of 1K

Miko's artistic journey is also deeply intertwined with the collective known as 1K, which she describes as a group of "very passionate and talented people." The collective's ethos of keeping everything "at a thousand" has become a guiding principle for Miko, reflecting her unwavering dedication and commitment to her craft."There's a saying in Puerto Rico: Keep everything at 100. We try to keep it at a thousand, and that's 1K," Miko explained. This collective spirit and the support of her close-knit team have been instrumental in Miko's rise, providing a nurturing environment for her to explore her artistry and connect with her audience.

The Emotional Journey of Artistry

Miko's music is a reflection of her own emotional experiences and the ups and downs of the creative process. In her track "Pinot Grigio," she acknowledges the fleeting nature of emotions, but also the enduring support of her loved ones."Even though all these emotions pass, whether I doubt or feel good or not, these are the people who will always be around. No matter what happens, you guys are the best thing I have in my life," Miko shared.This vulnerability and authenticity have resonated with Miko's growing fanbase, as she navigates the complexities of the music industry and her own artistic journey.

Embracing the Future of Latin Music

As Young Miko continues to make her mark on the Latin music scene, she remains excited and optimistic about the future. The "lesbian renaissance" and the increasing representation of diverse voices in the industry have created a more inclusive and empowering landscape for artists like Miko to thrive.With her collaborations, her unwavering commitment to her craft, and her ability to connect with her audience on a deeply personal level, Young Miko is poised to become a trailblazer in the ever-evolving world of Latin music.