Exclusive interview with Blas Cantó: “Breaking the Myths” of Fairy Tales and His Career with ‘El Príncipe’

Released and, above all, “calm,” that’s how Blas Cantó (Murcia, 1991) feels about his new album ‘El Príncipe.’ The work comes after five years of singles and after experiencing different experiences and key moments in his artistic career, such as Eurovision. However, the singer returns with strength and does so with a sincere, personal, and relaxed album. A project that aims to break the roles that have been instilled in us since childhood, as love knows no boundaries or impositions. “A prince can fall in love with another,” Blas Cantó tells Xmag.

“I’m really excited about this album; for me, every new project feels like starting over. In this phase, I feel more rebellious than before, breaking away from the myths of fairy tale princes. That’s my goal for this year,” explains the singer about his new album, which is released five years after ‘Complicados.’ In this new great work titled ‘El Príncipe,’ we feel an artist who, with strength, like his vocal quality, asserts that there are no stereotypes in love, nor should there be in classic fairy tales. “I wanted to bring into my music what was happening in my personal life. Moreover, there’s the aspect of breaking those myths that are sometimes imposed, because they are to me. Additionally, the album came about when I realized the change within me, leaving behind that dark place I had entered and seeking light, color. I embrace vibrant colors in clothing, which I visually express as a representation of that change, and it’s also evident in my songs as I infuse color into them. I rebel and sing about things like heartbreak, but I say what I needed to say.”

Undoubtedly, there is a rupture between the Blas of his previous album and this one. The Murcian confirms that “a very white image has been created of me, where I couldn’t talk about anything because Blas Cantó is perhaps more serious or with a specific style of songs. This album breaks away from that; it creates different atmospheres and represents various stages.”

Furthermore, the magic of his songs endures, as it is one of his hallmarks: the ability to move and connect with his audience. “I’ve always been an open book, really, but some people might not feel it when the outward appearance is more static. Now, I not only feel liberated, because freedom has always been with me, but I’m more relaxed. I would define this album by the emotions I feel,” explains Cantó.

During his secret show, the artist emphasized the importance of knowing how to be both sad and happy. “It’s necessary to reach that low point in order to build everything up again because foundations have to touch the ground. If you don’t touch the ground, creating a solid base becomes difficult and unstable. So, I believe it’s important to allow yourself to feel down, but it’s also crucial to force yourself to feel good. I mean, not pretending to be fine but going to therapy, going out with friends to talk. Both aspects are necessary.”

The reflection stems from a “dark” period that the Murcian went through, and it gave birth to songs that can stir anyone who listens to them, as they capture an emotion that everyone has experienced at some point. “‘Ceniza’ is very special; I wrote it with Leroy Sánchez and Alice Wonder. This song is part of the album’s tracklist because it’s one of the most important tracks, as it marked the beginning of the end of that uneasiness. But I think even uptempo songs like ‘El bueno acaba mal’ or ‘A fuego’ I wanted to sing them in an optimistic way, and that’s why I decided to release them. However, there are some songs that were intended for the album but had to be removed, no matter what, because they don’t reflect the current state of my life, and it would be unfair for me to go back personally.” For the artist’s fans, ‘Ceniza’ is one of the most anticipated musical pieces; they cherish it with the short clips they have. About this song, Blas comments, “I wrote that song three years ago, and I felt like I had to include it because it also reflects the emotional roller coaster I experienced.”

Alongside this song, which belongs to ‘El Príncipe,’ we can remember two great hits that have marked his career and continue to be a must in any of the Murcian’s concerts: ‘Él no soy yo’ and ‘In your bed.’ “When a song becomes the soundtrack for many families, and I say families because they come to concerts as a whole, it’s incredible. Seeing all the generations in the show, from the littlest children to the grandparents, is amazing. I remember at a concert in Barcelona, I brought a chair for a 90-year-old lady who wanted to see me. It brings me so much joy; I feel very grateful because these songs have allowed me to be there. They are songs that have organically grown and become a part of people’s lives, and now, you walk down the street, and they say, ‘There’s the guy from ‘Él no soy yo.’ That’s beautiful,” Blas Cantó says with a smile when reminiscing about his solo beginnings.

On the other hand, Blas’ features are organic and natural, which sparks curiosity about how many songs on the album will have collaborations. Although we can be certain that his solo songs are treasures and highly valued by his fans. “There are collaborations on the album, and there will be others that I will reveal later because they are surprises I want to keep for the year. In the album, there’s ‘Las cosas claras,’ which has been one of the previews, featuring Carmen de León, who does an amazing job. For me, she is one of the new artists of the moment, one of the best, and she’s singing with me. I appreciate it because there’s something I’ve been focused on, and that’s singing with people I want to sing with. People I admire, being with those who make me feel things. For example, Nathy Peluso is one of the most authentic artists. I think she’s a woman who is very confident in herself and what she wants to convey. And I like collaborating with people who resonate with me, regardless of age, followers, or style.”

For this reason, the album pursues that sincerity with oneself, as well as the goal of continuing to “break myths.” “Breaking the concept of what ‘the prince’ means or what others create around a person. There’s a song called ‘El Príncipe’ on the album, which I composed precisely to give a name to it. I could have named it differently, but I wanted a song that bears that name and simplifies what the album represents. The lyrics say, ‘Who told you I’m perfect, that I look like I came out of a fairy tale? That I don’t bleed red when I’m shot, what I have blue, I have in my eyes.’ It’s a way of saying that I don’t want to be a prince, I don’t want to be white or static. I want to be able to make mistakes, be rebellious, say swear words, and dress however I want. Because I need this stage in my life to feel truly free and relaxed.”