Malú Trevejo - Tattoo Ideas, Artists And Models

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The women of Latin music are thriving, and Malú Trevejo is bringing it home to Gen Z. Trevejo got her start posting to Musical.ly as a young teen and soon earned worldwide acclaim on TikTok. While she could have continued dominating the platform’s dance scene, she had bigger plans ahead. Trevejo started releasing music back in 2017 and quickly built an audience. She is now a formidable force in the music business. Now, she’s all grown up and ready to release her debut album to the masses. Trevejo sat down at Inked Headquarters in NYC with us to talk about her growth, inspirations and growing collection of stunning tattoos.

How was your childhood in Spain?

Spain has always been a great place to grow up. I enjoy the cuisine. It’s just a whole different vibe. Although I prefer living there, I also like the local cuisine.

Is it possible to describe the impact of moving from Miami on your career as a musician.

I was able to get closer to my Latin heritage and Cuban roots. It enabled me to feel more connected with myself.

Do you remember aspired to be a singer as a child?

When I was six or seven years old, I used to stand before the mirror and use a microphone to start singing. When I was 14, I began writing songs. They were very sad at that time.

What were some of the people who influenced you when you began making music?

Rihanna was most definitely my first inspiration. J.Lo as well as Shakira were my favourite artists when I was in Spain.

How do you think your new music shows how you’ve grown artistically?

I started doing music when I was 14 and now I’m 19, so there’s a big difference. It is clear to me where and what direction I am heading. It is important to keep discovering new music, and continue making different kinds of music. Then hopefully, win a Grammy.

Was it a nerve-wracking experience to perform live in front of an audience?

It was nerve-wracking, but it all disappeared once I took the podium. You’ve got too much going on to worry about anything else.

What was the first time you started sharing music via social media?

Although I began my journey almost four years ago I still consider myself a baby. I guess I still am a baby, but I’m, like, a grownup baby.

Which song was your first professional release?

My first song was “Luna Llena.” It was just a fun kid song talking about the full moon and going crazy. However, it went double platinum.

photographs by Jason Goodrich

What’s been your favorite part about having a large presence on TikTok?

My favorite part has been talking to fans when I didn’t have anyone else to talk to. And when they didn’t have anyone to talk to, I would talk to them. I feel like that’s been the best thing.

How do you manage a TikTok audience?

Just a lot of people telling me I’m a TikToker and I’m not a singer. But it’s OK, because we all grow from something and I grew from making dance videos. Then I got the opportunity to put music out and that doesn’t mean I’m not a musician.

Is it possible to be a TikTok dancer and have you benefited?

It’s helped me a lot because I’m just freestyling most of the time and having fun. It’s important to have fun with dance.

What was the first time you fell in love with dancing?

When I was 7, I began belly dancing. I just learned from watching Shakira’s music videos, and I still love belly dancing.

Tell us about your song “Complicado” and what went into making it.

I wanted to drop this song first because it’s more of a chill vibe and it’s different from the other songs I’ve been working on. It’s about relationships and how they can go in and out of your control and not going the way you wish. So it’s like, “Fuck it, let’s just ride with whatever is going to happen.” I did the song with Luar La L and we recorded the video in Puerto Rico. It was really enjoyable and a lot of fun.

How does this song differ from the new music you’ll be dropping soon?

I have a lot of Brazilian funk songs and R&B. I don’t like sticking to just one thing. I can honestly say that my team has really helped me. [as I] go in this direction, because sometimes I’m not very confident with myself. But I’m planning on doing a whole album and I’m just figuring everything out.

It must feel great to show your fan different music styles.

It’s really great. They are the most adorable people I know. They will do whatever I do.

Is there Spanish or English music on the album?

It’s going to be a mix. Like me, it’s bilingual. You’re going to see English, you might even see a whole English song. You’ll see Spanish songs and you might even see both.

photographs by Jason Goodrich

What’s a song you haven’t released that you’re excited about?

I have this song coming up with Myke Towers and it’s a remix of “My Neck, My Back.” I loved the song before and I like the beat, but I wanted to change the lyrics and concept. My Latina influence is more evident in the remix.

How do you work collaboratively with other artists?

Positive vibes are all that is needed. I don’t want to do a song with someone who has bad vibes. I’d rather meet them and if they’re nice people, we can work together.

Are you planning to tour in support of this album?

I want to drop all of my songs and then do a tour, because I’m not going to perform just one song. I’ve already done a couple of concerts—I’ve done Lollapalooza and I performed with Gente de Zona all over Spain. So I’ve got a little bit of experience now.

Is there anything you want your listeners to take with them from the new music?

For them to be able to see my growth and how much I’ve changed with my music. Before, I was a little lost and I wasn’t in a good environment. Now I’m a lot more confident. [where I’m going] and I’m around good people.

What was the most challenging thing you have ever done musically?

I just have more freedom. Before I was a lot more judgy, there were a lot of people. My team now allows me to be myself.

Is it a great feeling to be part of Latin music’s growing female artist community?

I feel happy and I’m really grateful. I’m still nervous about it too, but I know that’s just part of the process. I’d really like to work with a lot of other female Latin artists in the future, especially Cardi B.

photographs by Jason Goodrich

Please tell us all about your tattoos. Tell us which one you got first.

This treble-clef tattoo, which I got at the age of 14, was my first. It was done at home by me. These roses on my arm and the dog paws were my first tattoos.

My first large tattoo was the tiger with lotus blossoms on my right bicep. Because they are able to grow in even the worst water, I loved these flowers. I love tigers, which is why they are my all-time favorite animal. Next, I got Medusa tattooed to my right hand. But I chose my face. It hurts a lot, especially where the knuckles are concerned. I now have 15 to 16 tattoos.

Why did you decide to tattoo?

One of my mother’s tattoos is this. I don’t want to sound crazy, but I just started getting tattoos because I like the pain. My back will be next. I would like a huge dragon to run down my spine, in black or red.

What is the most important tattoo you have?

It’s on my sternum. It’s my eyes and my religion. In my religion, “mother” is represented by the ocean.

Why did you decide to have tattoos?

I don’t want to have anyone else’s face on my body. Sometimes, a tattoo is a tribute to your favorite artist. But then they meet you and you find out that you are a complete scumbag.