“I’m at a stage right now where I can get in the studio and every single song I record feels like it’s mine,” Kenia OS tells Apple Music. As one of the most notorious artists in Mexican pop, her career has been anything but typical, but she’s currently enjoying a commercial and critical peak. The singer from Mazatlán has transitioned from a social media phenomenon into a serious artist, developing a sophisticated sound that’s revived the Latin pop genre. Now, the singer has crafted the definitive album of her career with the third chapter in her personal saga: Pink Aura. “I wanted the entire album and everything associated with it to feel deeply feminine, so that women can identify,” she explains. Below, Kenia OS explains the changes she went through to make the album happen. Finding herself The moment I finished this project, it’s like all the pieces of the puzzle started to fit together. When you begin the process of creating music, it also marks the discovery of your own individual sound. It was only on this project that everything came together and my music finally began to sound like Kenia OS. I’m at a stage right now where I can get in the studio and every single song I record will feel like it’s mine. For instance, I was under the impression that I was an urban artist who did only reggaetón. But suddenly I had huge hits with pop material like “Llévatelo” and “Malas Decisiones”. There was a milestone where I decided that this new sound would become my true identity, not only because my fans love pop, but also because it’s the genre where I feel the most comfortable. Mixing things up I’m really into electronica. I’ve been recording a batch of songs that are in a pop vein, but with more electronic sounds. That kind of song never fails to put me in a good mood—music for the nightclub, for going out to party. I touch on that influence on the new record. I didn’t want the whole album to sound the same. That would be boring for both my fans and myself. Overcoming personal challenges Whenever I make an album, it has to be connected with my essence. It can get complicated if you begin the process just for the sake of making music. If there’s no motivation behind it, then I can’t be passionate. I needed time before I could get started, to see where I was standing in my personal life, what I really felt like. I realised that I was going through the process of leaving behind my younger self and becoming an adult woman. I wanted the entire album and everything associated with it to feel deeply feminine, so that women can identify with that vibe. I also wanted people to realise that in addition to looking for my own sound, I’m also involved in a more personal quest—a quest that my fans have been a part of. I grew up within the industry, and finally arrived at a place of healing where I found happiness. Reinventing her vocal style It involved a lot of hard work. About a year ago, I met a vocal coach; we’re a great match, and I haven’t let go. I fell in love with her work and how she directs my voice. I’ve spent hours in the studio working on the same song. Before I would record the lead, some backup vocals, a few improvs, and the job was done in about three hours. Now it takes me at least six hours. We do so many new things underneath the melody that it takes a lot of effort until we achieve the desired effect. I can definitely tell you that I gave everything I had recording the vocals for this new album.