Some music makes you move, some makes you feel — Alma Muñeca does both. Their debut EP, “Deseo Un Brillo,” pairs shimmering synth-pop with lyrics that grapple with heartbreak and longing. The Austin-based group spoke to NYOTA about making “chewable” music, performing songs from “Deseo Un Brillo,” and uplifting Latin communities through their work.

If you could describe your newly released EP Deseo Un Brillo as a color, which color would it be and why?

Cocó: Honestly, silver seems to be the color. I imagine a fluorescent silver light shining. A warped metallic color to represent the uncertainty and chaos, and at the same time, the beauty of it. Maybe pink undertones too, just because.

Your song “Anhelo,” which you released as a single and as part of your new EP, addresses breakup tensions and feelings of longing. What advice would you give to someone experiencing those emotions?

Cocó: My advice is to do whatever you want! There always seem to be rules on what to do after a breakup, and shame if you don’t follow them. Follow your own path, even if it leads to heartbreak more than once. It’s the only way to figure out who you are, what you want, and what your boundaries are. If you aren’t ready to move on from a situation, that’s totally fine! That’s life. No one needs to choose paths for you. Also, maintain your worth and needs as a priority always! 

You are all based in Austin, TX, and completed a Texas tour with Almost Heaven in the summer. What was your favorite Texas venue to play?

Cocó: Hard to answer! So many amazing venues, Deep Ellum Art Co. in Dallas was a gorgeous venue, yet the tiniest crowd showed up. Then the house party we played at in San Marcos felt like home and cozy, I have to say that was my favorite show. I love a DIY moment, people sitting in the grass enjoying a personal concert. El Paso was so welcoming, too, since Stefan from Almost Heaven is from there!

This past October, you had an EP release party with Almost Heaven and I Wear Your Chain for Deseo un Brillo. What’s your favorite part about performing newer music live?

Cocó: My favorite part about performing is literally everything about it. It’s that vulnerable moment when you and a crowd of random people, plus the people I love the most, join forces to appreciate and absorb our art. That interaction is what fills me up with energy to continue creating. Sharing our new EP felt so special, having worked on it for so long, and finally feeling it’s ready to meet the outside world is such an accomplishment. I love singing, dancing, and putting all my feelings on stage. Showing lots of effort in what I wear on stage, too, with my stylist Keyana Wilson, we send a message in every visual way, too.

You have said that in creating your song “Melancolía,” your sound was born at the height of “Brat summer,” using a similar and effective juxtaposition of high-energy synth music with melancholic lyrics about gradually realizing the human flaws of parents. What was the process of striking this balance in producing the song?

Ernesto: There’s a sense of nostalgia within the airy flute-like soundscape that kicks off the song. I think that made it easier for Cocó to express something more personal. Combining that introductory soundscape with a sidechained driving bass made the juxtaposition possible.

Ernesto, you have said that you want to make “pop music that you can chew on.” I’m curious what artists you qualify as making “chewable” music, and how this has translated into what you have already released?

Ernesto: I guess to me, “chewable” music is music that has layers, depth, and keeps you guessing where it will go next. This is more or less always a goal for me to strive for when producing a body of work. Some “chewable” pop artists for me would be FKA Twigs, Charli XCX, and Caroline Polachek.

One of your goals as a band is to uplift Latin and queer communities, covering honest themes of love and heartbreak through Spanish lyrics – what have you seen from other musical artists that inspires this journey and resonates with you all in this way?

Cocó: The first artist that always comes to mind is Belanova, a huge inspiration. As a child, I remember being mesmerized by their music videos, lyrics, and amazing music. Julieta Venegas, Miranda, Shakira, and Kali Uchis are just a few in a big pool of admiration. More recently, Arca is an incredible symbol for queer latines who are not scared of experimenting with self-expression! As a Panamanian, knowing how hard it is to be your queer self in societies that are far away from understanding, it’s always encouraging and strengthening to see a fellow Venezuelan forming her most authentic self into a huge icon right now! Panamanian artist Lilo Sanchez from the band Señor Loop has been my favorite singer and songwriter from my country.

What projects are you currently working on? What can we expect to see from Alma Muñeca in the near future? 

Cocó: We hope to start working on our first album very soon! For now, just soaking in the response from our EP dropping and patience as we step into new territories. Maybe an electric set is in the works…stay tuned.

This story first ran in NYOTA’s Music issue. Read more from the issue here and purchase a print copy here.