With reggaeton music slowly coming to the forefront of mainstream pop, its almost impossible to go on to social media and not hear the likes of J Balvin and Bad Bunny in the back of TikToks and Snapchats. One artist pioneering the new genre is Grammy-award winning producer Tainy. Responsible for charting-topping hit “I Like It” with Cardi B, Bad Bunny and J Balvin, the producer is merging sounds of reggaeton with Latin trap creating addictive dancefloor fillers.

Continuing his rise, the producer has dropped his new single with J Balvin, Dua Lipa and Bad Bunny today – titled “UN DIA”. With downtempo rhythms and soft enticing vocals, the tune is accompanied by a beautifully shot video starring Money Heist’s Úrsula Corberó. We sat down with the Grammy-winner talking new music, future collaborations and his Puerto Rican roots.

Check out the interview below…

How has lockdown been treating you? How have you been staying creative?
It’s been a process for all of us. But for me, the first couple weeks was a bit of uncertainty, after that I adjusted to it. It just brought me back to my beginnings as a producer, by myself creating five beats a day, inspiring myself with movies and learning about music from the past.

Who did you grow up listening to? And how did your Puerto Rican roots shape your earlier years and your production?
I grew up listening to an eclectic mix of artists and producers that really influenced me which in turn moulded my sound. To name a few— a mix of reggaeton: Daddy Yankee, Don Omar, Wisin y Yandel. Producers like Looney Tunes and Nelly mixed with Eminem, Kanye West, Jay Z and producers like The Neptunes, Timbaland, Dr. Dre and Kanye that’s what really sparked me into production.

You’ve got amazing releases coming up with Dua Lipa, Bad Bunny, J. Balvin, and David Guetta – how do you decide who to work with?
I just tend to work with who inspires me, whether it’s a new artist or an established one, it’s all about the vibe and creating amazing music – that’s always the priority.

Do you think there’s a magic formula to a hit song?
I’m not sure if there’s a formula, but something I know that influences me a lot is having that authenticity, something I never heard before or that makes me feel something when I listen to it – that to me gravitates into a hit.

You’ve churned out some amazing hit songs for award-winning artists – what’s been your biggest pinch-me moment so far?
Too many to count, but I think having a Hot 100 #1 with “I Like It” was unreal for me.

What’s been the biggest challenges in staying true to the musical’s roots but doing something innovative and unforgettable?
It’s certainly a challenge but understanding your roots and having the guts to explore and go outside of the box is what makes the difference.

Who is your dream collaboration?
There’s so many, but at this moment it would probably be Frank Ocean.

You’ve been in the business for well over a decade – what’s your recipe for success? And what piece of advice would you give to someone just starting out?
I think that part is pretty simple—believing in yourself, that you can achieve anything you put your heart into. Put the effort into being the best and you’ll see the results.

Do you think we’re yet to see another huge global boom of reggaeton and Latin music?
I think this will keep growing, there are so many amazing artists right now and ones just starting, I know there are amazing things to come.

What’s next for you?/What are you excited about in 2020?
I want to keep exploring music and growing as a producer. Hopefully, give people an amazing album.