MEXICO CITY โ Danny Ocean, the Venezuelan artist known globally for his hit โMe Rehรบso,โ is inviting his fans to escape into a tropical haven through his latest album, โBabylon Club.โ The record seeks to expand the idea of Babylon from merely a fan club or a battle cry like โBabylon Girl,โ reflecting a dream of paradise where individuals can relax and appreciate lifeโs beauty beyond work.
The theme of the album is deeply inspired by idyllic beach settings and the Caribbean, symbolizing a break from daily obligations to rejuvenate the soul and enjoy the company of loved ones. A fitting cover depicts Ocean against a backdrop of palm leaves and azure waters, capturing the essence of the tropical vibes that resonate in tracks like โCrayolaโ where he fully immerses in salsa sounds.
With a passion for Caribbean music genres like merengue and Afro beats, Ocean has delved into various musical styles to create โBabylon Club.โ The development of the album involved international collaborations and revisiting Oceanโs previous songwriting efforts. For โPriti,โ Ocean collaborated with Panamanian artist Sech, forging a strong personal connection during his visit to Sechโs homeland.
The album also features up-and-coming Venezuelan artist Louis BPM on โSunshine,โ a talent Ocean had been following for some time. He feels that sharing urban music from Venezuela is crucial, though he acknowledges the challenges of building an industry in the country.
In Mexico City, Ocean joined forces with Kenia Os for โAyMami,โ a track that had been shelved for years before being rediscovered. Speaking of the collaboration, Ocean praised Kenia Os for her work ethic and constant creative energy.
Other songs on the album, such as the flamenco-influenced โCorazรณnโ and the beach romance โArenaโ featuring Puerto Rican artist Arcรกngel, continue to draw inspiration from coastal imagery. The album wraps with โAnoche,โ an evocative piece featuring Spanish singer Aitana that transports listeners to the seaside.
Accompanying the album is a short film highlighting five of its tracks, beginning with โPriti.โ This visual project stars Venezuelan actors Marรญa Gabriela de Farรญa and Christian McGaffney, portraying the struggles of immigrants adjusting to new lives in different countries. Ocean appears as a guiding figure urging escape to the serenity of โBabylon Club,โ emphasizing the importance of taking time for oneself amid the grind of daily life.
At 33, Ocean relates to the experiences depicted in the film, particularly those of Venezuelan immigrants, who, like him, might find themselves overly consumed by work. He reflects on this common experience while preparing for a tour starting in September, which will crisscross several Latin American countries, including Colombia, Ecuador, and Panama.
Ocean, who moved to the United States nearly ten years ago to pursue his musical dreams, addresses the challenges faced by migrants today. He openly discusses the fears and uncertainties tied to shifting immigration policies, expressing solidarity with those affected. Oceanโs message to fellow migrants is one of resilience, reminding them of the strength and patience needed to navigate these challenging times as they strive toward their dreams.