It is no secret that a majority of our playlists for the last year have been comprised of TikTok tracks that have managed to infiltrate our minds and remain there for weeks on end. So, do not act surprised when you fall helplessly obsessed with R&B artist and TikTok sensation Trinidad Cardona’s newest cut. Dropping “Love Me Back”, the viral artist bares his soul and lends his romance-tinged vocals to the cut which is sure to have you winding your hips and humming along all week long. And, with the tune having already taken over the viral app, it is fair to say it has received the most sought after seal of approval.
When discussing the great success he has found on the app, the artist explained, “Look, let me start off by saying I have so much fun performing, creating, being in the studio and putting out my music. But I definitely feel an insane pressure to keep the hype up; I have moments of anxiety where I overthink everything. I view my work, the streaming numbers, even TikTok views as mile markers for my success.”
Upon the release of “Love Me Back”, the Arizona-hailing artist sat down with Wonderland and discussed the spur-of-the-moment decision that led him to music and the pressure that has come with TikTok success. Head below to enjoy our conversation with Trinidad Cardona…
Hey! How are you! How has this past year been?
The past year has been weird mix of emotions, honestly. I think as of last month, things have gotten to a stable point where I can just relax a little bit and enjoy things a bit more.
The pandemic affected everyone, did it affect your creativity?
The pandemic affected everyone, but I was super lucky that it didn’t affect anything for me creatively. I already stay in the house most of the time, so I had a lot of time to work on my craft, explore and get better.
How did you first get into music what sparked your interest?
I wish I had a cool story of how I started making music, but I literally woke up at like 16 and just decided to do it. Me and the homies would rap every day, so we all got some money together and started going to studios in Phoenix.
You’ve gone viral on TikTok, how did that initially make you feel? Do you feel a pressure to maintain a hype?
Look, let me start off by saying I have so much fun performing, creating, being in the studio and putting out my music. But I definitely feel an insane pressure to keep the hype up; I have moments of anxiety where I overthink everything. I view my work, the streaming numbers, even TikTok views as mile markers for my success. So even with billions of streams, if I see them dip even a little I get hard on myself. And as someone who’s been homeless in the last few years, it’s scary to think, ‘that might happen again if I don’t get a certain amount of likes’, but I chose this job and believe in my work so I just have to do the best I can.
Looking back at the filming process, what was your favourite moment?
The music video for “Love Me Back” was dope, I didn’t have much to do with the directing, but we hired someone that we trust and know can bring my vision to life. The director had the same vision as me, top shelf junior is that dude. The party scenes were for sure the most fun moments to film – it kind of just felt like real life!
And what do you hope people take away from your music?
I want people to listen to my music in any setting and be able to vibe – there’s a song for every situation. I just want people to simply enjoy the art I’m making and hope that it provides them a little escape from all of life’s craziness.
Who inspires you! What motivates you!
Motivation is hard because sometimes everything can be overwhelming/draining, but knowing that I have the opportunity to change the world through music is cool. I can change my family’s lives and do all the things I always wanted to. That’s my motivation. I have no other options right now, I’m in this music shit full time. It’s either do it now or never get this chance again.
What’s next? What are you most excited for?
I’m just excited to be able to put out my work for the world to hear. I definitely have more music in the works, so stay tuned!
