A native of Washington, D.C. and of Colombian American heritage, rising pop and R&B star Paloma O’Leary has been making music since the age of 5. “Frenemy” and “I’m Fine” are her first publicly released tracks, reflecting her precocious artistry in mainstream and Latin pop genres.
Paloma is passionate about making a positive impact through music. Awarded Best Artist at Children’s National Hospital’s “Rock for Cure” benefit contest, Paloma has performed at the Ryan Seacrest Studios and at other benefit events. A Youth Ambassador for the Playing for Change Foundation, she participated a cover rendition of “Smile” (Charlie Chaplin) in commemoration of International Women’s Day which was produced by acclaimed producer, DJ and singer-songwriter Ali Stone. Paloma also recorded a video for Playing for Change to celebrate U.N. Creativity Day and performed at PFC’s high profile benefit in Miami alongside superstar Pharrell Williams.
What first got you into music?
I started singing when I was, I was really small and after I sang a solo for a Spanish children’s record (The Songs of Isabella & Ferdinand), I started music training more seriously becoming part of the Children’s Chorus of Washington, studying with a voice coach and doing musical theatre productions at a local theatre, Imagination Stage.
How would you describe your music?
I write pop, Latin and R&B. So, it’s soulful with a bit of a pop twist and a bilingual flair. I love experimenting with new genres—country or jazz might be next! I want to create music for people my age to relate to. It’s been a difficult time for everyone during the pandemic and everyone is trying to figure out who they are. And I want people my age to know they are not alone when they listen to my music.
Who are your main musical influences?
Ariana Grande and Olivia Rodrigo are two big contemporary influences in my music. I’ve sort of grown up with Ariana—I love her vocals and her amazing range and how she keeps experimenting. She is definitely part of the reason I wanted to become an artist. Olivia writes relatable music for teens and when I first listened to her, I felt at home and thought that she made the type of music I wanted to create. As a Colombian American I love Latin artists too and in particular, Carlos Vives, Alejandro Sanz and Shakira. I grew up listening to Shakira’s music in my house and she is so inspiring to me in every way. To me she is testament to the fact that young Latina female artists can make it on the global stage and give back too. I’ve been lucky enough to volunteer for her foundation in Cartagena and hope I get to meet her one day. I also love jazz artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Etta James. They are simply iconic.
What are your plans for any future releases?
I’ve just released the single “An Ocean Away” from my forthcoming EP Siren Song, which I will be releasing later this month. I’m super excited about it.
Are you planning any videos for your music?
Yes, I have created videos for all of my songs. My new EP, Siren Song, which has 5 songs, also has 5 videos, all of which were directed by my friend Massimo Soto on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and in Miami.
What is your current music project about?
I wanted to create this EP to combine two loves—music and water. Water is such a powerful force and like love, it can completely overwhelm you. We have to take care it, whether that’s someone you love or a close friendship. I am in awe of organizations like Sea Shepherd, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Conserva Collective and the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science, where I’ve had the privilege to volunteer. In part, this EP is dedicated to their amazing work to keep our waterways clean and protected.
The EP uses a lot of different rhythms. It’s a little melancholy but hopeful too. Being Latina I grew up speaking Spanish and listening to great artists like Shakira, Carlos Vives and Alejandro Sanz, who have all been big influences on me as an artist, so the EP has a little bit of that in there too.
Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yes, absolutely. My family is serenaded every night! I like to sing Olivia Rodrigo, jazz standards (including various iteration of La Vie en Rose), an occasional Sara Bareilles track or musical theatre tune, or just other songs that reflect how I am feeling.
If you could be a superhero, what would your superpower be and your superhero name?
I would be a mermaid superhero who can use water to fight off the bad guys that cause oil spills, overfishing or are modern-day pirates. My name would be “Sirena”—which means mermaid in Spanish!
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
Khattam Shud, the storyteller from Salman Rushdie’s novel, Haroun and the Sea of Stories because he was never afraid to dream and weave magical tales. Nowadays a lot of people my age don’t go after what they want because they are afraid to fail or put themselves out there in a way that they might be ridiculed. Khattam never hesitated and he ended up happier than most people.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
The last series was Gilmore Girls, but I’ve also enjoyed watching The Great, Gilded Age, Emily in Paris and Lupin (a French show).
If you could learn any language fluently, what would it be?
I speak Spanish fluently and I’m currently learning French, which I am eager to be fluent in. Je l’adore!