At just 19 years old, Venezuelan singer-songwriter Carmen Deleon has already locked in a strong fanbase most artists would die for. Deleon got her start in the entertainment biz after a wildly successful stint on The Voice in Spain, becoming a fan favourite for many as they tuned in week after week to watch her perform.

Following the show, she was sought out by global record labels who all wanted to sign her, because let’s face it, why wouldn’t they? Now with her record deal in place with Capitol, she’s releasing music for the first time. Her debut single “Volveras” (which means You’ll Be Back in English) is about heartbreak, toxic friends and learning to value yourself more. Sharing her struggles with anxiety, the highs and lows of these uncertain times and how it’s okay not to be okay, Deleon brings her Latin roots to the fore on the laid-back tune, reminding us all exactly why she’s a force to be reckoned with.

We caught up with the fast-rising star below, and got to grips with her time on The Voice, following her dreams in LA, and where she plans to take her sound next. Take a look…

Hey Carmen! How has lockdown been for you? Has it impacted your music?
It’s been tough, but at the same time, I’ve learned so much. For me spending time with my family means so much, having 24/7 to create with zero pressure was so good. I had lots of fun Facetiming my friends…I wrote a lot of music with my guitar. Obviously the industry stopped for a while but it never impacted my team and I to keep moving forward with my dream.

How are you coping with the stress and uncertainty of things?
I’ve always suffered from anxiety but I think in this time it showed up more and it was really bad, to the point where I couldn’t sleep by myself or shower by myself because it would trigger my panic attacks. I have no fear or taboo of telling my story of coping with anxiety and panic attacks. For me, it was hard to find peace but I learned a lot about myself and my body. It’s okay not to be okay and if you need help, get it! I go to therapy and it’s the best thing there is. I exercise a lot, I practice breathing, and I try to keep my mind as peaceful as I can. But life gives us challenges and I think that was one for me.

You were on The Voice in Spain, how did that come about and what was that like for you?
I started singing when I was 4 years old, it’s always been my dream to be on a big stage and sing in front of people. My dad always wanted me to be on one of those shows. I wanted to too, but in that moment I had stage fright. My dad signed me up, and the moment I went on that stage at 13 years old, my adrenaline just boosted. I was so hype and at that moment seeing all those people cheering for me, I realized I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.

When did you start considering yourself to be a musician?
I’ve always wanted to be a singer/dancer/performer. Since I was 4 years old I went on stages for choirs, talent shows, concerts – stuff like that. But the moment I went on the voice, at 13 years old, that’s when I realized this was meant for me.

Who did you grow up listening to? Who were your biggest inspirations?
I grew up listening to Jessie J, all my vocal technique is basically from watching her sing and telling my vocal coach I wanted to sing like her haha. Jessie J was always an inspiration for me growing up, but right now my inspiration is Camilo!

Were your friends and family supportive of your career choices?
I’ve never been a gal that had a ton of friends, I’ve always had very few friends but they’ve been keepers. Throughout this process my family has been so so so supportive. If it wasn’t for them I wouldn’t be where I am right now.

What advice for other aspiring young artists do you have?
Always follow your dreams no matter what. Always follow your path not anyone else’s, be your own competition. Nothing is impossible, you can do it, but you have to believe in yourself.

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, you and your family relocated to Miami Florida, then Barcelona, Spain; then mexico and now LA. how has where you lived impacted your music?
It impacted my music in a good way. Because of all the cultures, I’ve learned all the languages and met so many people. It’s always been something super positive music-wise, I have more stories to tell and write about.

Why did you choose to move to Los Angeles? How are you enjoying living there?
I moved here to follow my dreams, I love LA . Living here is like living in every country – there’s people from everywhere!

“Volveras” / (You’ll Be Back) was your first worldwide single, produced by Tainy, was it based on something that happened in real-life?
It was, I have had not only heartbreaks but a lot of friendships that have been fake, and hurt me in different ways. Writing this song helped me realise who should enter my life and who doesn’t deserve to.

Which designers, known or unknown are your favorite right now?
I love Balenciaga and Louis Vuitton!

At 19-years-old you have already accomplished so much; what is next for you?
I’m going to keep working and keep achieving all my goals and make all my dreams come true by working really hard and not letting anyone or anything stop me.