Daniela Darcourt after being nominated for the 2023 Latin Grammy: “It was something I was pursuing, but not something I expected so soon”

“Catarsis”, the salsa album that describes the swings of feelings and emotions through which Daniela Darcourt (Lima, 1996) traveled throughout her life, which the singer-songwriter premiered on her birthday, April 20, on all digital platforms, and two days later, she presented in an applauded show at the Amphitheater of the Exhibition Park; was nominated for the Latin Grammy 2023.

“Although I had zero expectations of getting a nomination, I set the alarm for 9 am to watch the announcements, but I didn’t realize that it was that time there, that is, one hour less. I think life wanted me to be genuinely excited. Martha Cancel, a person I love very much, who has been helping me for a long time in all the processes, was the one who called me to let me know (from the United States). She told me that she had been nominated in the Best Salsa Album category. I, with one eye glued, trying to organize my brain to understand and speak in English, didn’t know anything. I got excited. I thanked him, then I saw that my cell phone was blowing up with messages from many artist friends and many people I love. I am very happy and at the same time full of fears“, narrates the interpreter of “Señor Mentira”

The Peruvian artist competes in the category with: Luis Figueroa for “Voy a ti”, Willy García for “Cambios”, Grupo Niche and the National Symphony Orchestra of Colombia for “Niche Sinfónico”, Plena 79 Salsa Orchesta ft. Alain Pérez and Jeremy Bosch for “Tierra y Libertad” and Gilberto Santa Rosa for “Debut y Segunda Tanda”.

“I compete with dedicated people whom I know, respect and who respect me. I also compete on behalf of all the young people of Peru and other countries. that we are moving forward in this genre”Darcourt highlights.

“The news of being nominated is more than enough for me. It is a gift from the universe, a consolation for sacrifice, effort and all the negative things that one experiences daily. It was something I was chasing, but not something I expected so soon. In June 2023 I completed five years of my solo career and, believe me, many artists take much longer to achieve something like this. I work with almost 30 wonderful people who are also jumping for joy today, because we are all part of this”, he clarifies.

Daniela decided to add “Catharsis” to her musical creation because of the moments she has been going through. From having many friends to having almost none, from having had failed relationships to maintaining a very solid and beautiful one with the percussionist Jeremy Montalvafrom having problems at home and now living a harmonious life.

“Making music in this country has become very difficult. There are people who put their foot on your neck, who don’t let you move forward, who make up stories to get you down, even in some scenarios. Therefore, today, cI celebrate this nomination with all the love in the world. I’m very happy. I am saving my tears, holding back, because this is a great blessing. I hope that this statuette can be brought to Peru and people know that dreams can come true.”he remarks.

─What difference does this album have with respect to your previous productions? Why did this one get a nomination?

I think the other albums also had their own thing and have the same energy and the same love; but they did not have the same degree of maturity, team or knowledge to be able to scale. This is not a race of speed but of durability and perseverance. Each album has magic, it has its own thing and a song that accompanies me.

─On this album, you sought to get the public involved with the songs, giving them the feeling that they were producers of something of yours.

Today, who has not cried for a love, who has not fallen in love, who has not had a moment of crisis with a partner. A lot of nice things are happening with this album. I am earning the respect of many great artists who inspired me, with whom I learned to sing.

─Do you consider that a nomination like this and so much talent buries any type of criticism about your weight and clothing?

Some times we’ve talked, you’ve seen me super skinny, other times plump. Bodies go through different processes. I’m on my way to 30 years old. The body changes. Maybe my body is preparing for other things. I have also had a process of deswelling from corticosteroids due to my throat issue. Before, I injected myself with million-dollar vials of Dexacort almost daily. I have had eating disorders. When I was a dancer I was almost bulimic. He took great care of me. I weighed 49 kilos and currently I have a good weight of 68 kilos. I wear them with pride. And I hope to take you to Seville (Spain) where the awards ceremony will be held this year. I will be comfortable to dance, jump and celebrate if I have to, and give this same speech: that there are young people who do not have to do absolutely anything to fit into beauty standards. We all come into this world with the purpose of being happy just as we are.