Draco Rosa discovers beauty in chaos through his songs, a duality that the renowned Puerto Rican singer-songwriter navigates by simultaneously exploring “gothic fragrances” and spiritual journeys that transmit light and hope. “It’s the yin and the yang,” he tells Billboard Español in a video call interview to discuss Olas de Luz, his first album featuring original songs in five years.
This contrasting style is present throughout the tracks of his new musical manifesto, born from a spiritual journey he undertook with his partner starting in mid-2024 in the Colonial Zone of the Dominican Republic and continuing along the Costa Brava in Spain. “I’ve always been drawn to the gothic fragrance, very dark,” Rosa adds. “But at the same time, there’s light here, which perfectly reflects where my heart is.”
In Olas de Luz, released in late April under Sony Music Latin, the 56-year-old singer-songwriter captures experiences in ancient vineyards, scenes of sunsets with intensely red skies, and draws shadows from which the deepest emotions emerge in songs like “Montserrat,” “Carro de Heno,” “La Costa Brava” and “Umbral del Alba.”
“If you were to go to a deserted island and could only take five albums, I think this should be one of them,” he opines.
In other tracks like “Gracias por un Día Más,” Rosa poetically describes the tough battle he faced against cancer — twice — and his victorious return to continue making music, one of his greatest passions. “I wake up in the morning and feel like a winner because I got sick twice,” he recalls. “I wake up and think I’m blessed because there are others who cannot.”
An architect of Latin pop, Rosa says his mission is music. His career began in the ’80s with the iconic boy band Menudo, where he met Ricky Martin — and, years later, became one of the masterminds behind Martin’s major hits “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and “La Copa de la Vida.”
As a solo artist, Rosa has enjoyed Billboard chart success. His 2013 album, Vida, reached No. 1 on Top Latin Albums and Latin Pop Albums, as well as No. 30 on the Billboard 200 and Top Album Sales. He also topped Latin Pop Albums with his 2018 release, Monte Sagrado. And Rosa’s brilliance has earned him respect not just in the Latin pop world, but also significant recognition in the rock scene.
“I’ve had one foot in and one foot out throughout my career,” says the also producer. “I’m much better at supporting others so they can move forward within the system.”
He adds, “The industry itself has been beautiful because within it, I’ve had great friends—I’ve had them my whole life. And it’s worth noting that good music is consumed within the system too.”
Asked about the overwhelming success of boy bands like South Korean superstar group BTS — which is visiting Mexico this week for a series of highly anticipated concerts — Rosa admits he has never listened to the septet’s music. “This is the first time I’ve heard of BTS,” he says. “I’ve heard the term K-pop before, but I don’t know their songs.”
“But I do know about Menudo,” he adds with a smile. “For me, that part of my life was incredible. I had a great time, learned a lot, and met amazing people.”
The release of Olas de Luz coincides with the 30th anniversary of Vagabundo, Rosa’s majestic sophomore solo album. He reveals that he will soon announce a commemorative concert. “I’m about to announce a celebration just for Puerto Rico — a one-night event to perform it from start to finish,” he shares. “We’re very excited here, and we’re working on dates. Hopefully, we can bring it to other parts of Latin America too.”
