Venezuelan singer, songwriter, and record producer Danny Ocean talked about drawing inspiration for his work from his home country and why the world should take notice of more Latino artists.
Your music has evolved from global pop hits to more experimental and alternative sounds. How do you balance pushing creative boundaries while keeping your signature style?
For me it’s about being honest with the music. I always want to challenge myself, but I also stay true to the way I write and the emotions I put into every song. That’s the thread that connects everything I do whether it’s a pop track or something more experimental, it still comes from the same place of doing it from a place of love.
As an artist signed to a major U.S. label, how do you ensure that your Venezuelan identity and roots remain central to your work?
I carry Venezuela with me everywhere. From the way I speak, the slang, the melodies I grew up with, even the rhythms you hear in my songs my identity is always there. Signing with a major label didn’t change that; if anything, it gives me a bigger platform to share my culture with the world. Venezuela and its culture are both an essential source for my muse.
You’ve graced the covers of GQ Mexico and Vogue Mexico — what has it been like to be recognized not just as a musician, but also as a cultural icon?
It’s humbling. Music is my main language, but to be recognized in fashion and culture means people are connecting with more than just the songs. It means they see something more from me. I don’t take that lightly; it pushes me to keep being authentic in everything I do.
Venezuela is clearly at the heart of your music — you often reference its landscapes, folklore, and spirit. What do you hope global audiences take away about your home country through your songs?
I want people to not only see the beauty of Venezuela its beaches, its mountains, its folklore but also to get to know its people, its culture, and the everyday experiences that make life for us so special. Venezuela has faced many difficulties, but I want the world to see us as fighters, as dreamers who still believe in going back and never lose hope. Through my songs, I hope people can feel that spirit the resilience, the joy, and the love for life that defines Venezuelans.
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates diverse stories within the Latino community. What does “heritage” mean to you personally, and how does it show up in your music?
Heritage is roots it’s the traditions, the flavors, the sounds, and the values you carry with you no matter where you are. For me, it shows up in the rhythms I use, in the Spanish I sing, in the way I tell stories. Even if my music reaches Japan or Europe, there’s always a piece of Latin America, a piece of Venezuela in it.
The Latin music industry is experiencing a global boom. What opportunities do you see for Venezuelan and Latin artists to continue shaping that movement?
There’s so much talent in Venezuela and across Latin America. The opportunity is to keep showing the world that we’re not limited to one sound or one genre we can do reggaetón, pop, R&B, rock, alternative, everything. The more diverse we are, the stronger our impact will be globally.
Looking ahead, what stories do you still want to tell through your music?
I still have so many stories about love, about identity, about home. But also about growth, spirituality, and everything I’m learning as a human being. I don’t like to plan it too much; I let life guide me, and whatever I’m feeling in the moment becomes the music.
When you think about legacy, what impact do you want your music and platform to leave for the Hispanic community and beyond?
I’d love for my legacy to be about honesty and representation. That people see a Venezuelan artist who stayed true to himself, who opened doors, and who helped put his country on the global stage. And beyond the Hispanic community, I just hope the music makes people feel something real that it accompanied them through moments in their lives.
What advice would you give to young Venezuelan or Latino artists trying to break into the industry today?
Work hard and stay authentic both with yourself and with your audience. Trends will come and go, but what really connects is honesty. If you keep it real in your art and put in the effort every day, people will feel it and support you.
