Discovering Her Most Honest Music Yet: The Rhythms of Letón Pé
From the Dominican Republic to New York City, she redefines success and cultural identity.
Photography by Clementine Morel
In the kaleidoscopic world of contemporary music, a Dominican artist is charting her own path, blending tradition and modernity to create a sound uniquely her own. On a balmy evening in the Lower East Side, I met Letón Pé at a cozy hotel bar. Fresh from a captivating performance in New York City, she sat down with 1202 MAGAZINE to discuss her journey, the power of authenticity, and her unwavering love for the Dominican Republic. For her, late-night gigs are both a rush and a reminder of the relentless hustle. "New York is like an old friend who's always there, loyal but demanding," she says.
Her love for the arts began early. "I was that kid in class who loved to make people laugh," she recalls, a playful spark in her eyes. Theater was her first love, but her voice soon took center stage. Growing up in the Dominican Republic meant being surrounded by music of all kinds. "When you called the colmado (local bodega), there would be merengue in the background, at the beauty salon, at family gatherings, on the street—music is a big part of our culture at every age," Letón reminisces. Despite her family's lack of artistic background, her mother encouraged her to take singing lessons, igniting a passion that would guide her path.
"I never thought I'd become an artist because when I started out, I didn't write music yet," she admits. Auditions were a significant hurdle. Over a decade ago, while studying musical theater in New York, she faced the harsh realities of the industry. "At that time, there weren't many auditions for someone who looks like me," she explains.
One day, she saw a posting for a singer at a casino restaurant in Queens. "I bought some tracks online and started performing," she says. "It was tough but formative." Despite the challenges, those early experiences in New York were crucial in shaping her as an artist. They taught her resilience and the importance of authenticity.
Eventually, Letón moved back to the Dominican Republic and began performing locally at weddings, corporate events, and birthdays. Living off her singing was a significant milestone. "It started to become clear that this was the path I wanted to commit to," she says. However, the Dominican Republic presented its own set of challenges. "There’s no industry there. Artists have to fend for themselves. You learn a lot by struggling, but I believe in the cultural and artistic richness of my country."
Finding a producer was no easy feat, but when Letón connected with one who helped her release her first original song, it marked a new chapter in her career. "We clicked instantly. I started writing without overthinking," she recalls. This collaboration allowed her to delve deeper into her craft. "Being an independent artist means you're everything – the instrument, the marketer, the lawyer. But the storytelling has to be authentic because people can tell when it's forced."
At the time of our meeting, Letón had just released her emotionally charged single, “Good Enough.” Co-written and produced by the Colombian duo Salt Cathedral, this track marked her first foray into exploring heartbreak through her music. "I wanted to do this song with Salt Cathedral to give that special space to self-love," she explains. The sensual beats, intertwined with her lush voice, narrate a story of realizing one's worth after being let down by a past romance. The music video, directed by Eric Alvarez, portrays Letón shedding layers of an alter ego until she reveals her true self, symbolizing a process of purification and catharsis.
Photography by Clementine Morel
More recently, Letón Pé has captivated audiences with her new single, “¿Cuando Se Va'ir El Calor?” Released via Symphonic and produced by Latin GRAMMY winner Julián Bernal, the song is a playful mix of dembow beats and house music. Letón was inspired by one of her Instagram videos, blending 90s voguing styles with a fresh, new sound she calls ‘demvogue.’ The result is a carefree and sexy summer anthem that captures the frantic feeling of a scorching summer day. The music video, directed by her longtime collaborator Juanca Paulino, features Letón dancing and finding ways to beat the heat at a backyard “manguera party” (house party), a nostalgic nod to common Dominican Republic childhood memories. "I wanted to reconnect with my childhood and revive those memories for the visuals," Letón shares.
These two new songs showcase Letón's range, reflecting the multitudes of her artistry. They demonstrate her ability to blend emotional depth with playfulness, all while maintaining a signature sound.
When asked about an often-overlooked aspect of her career, Letón revealed the relentless effort behind the scenes. "The tireless work is rarely shown. As a woman, I feel the pressure of age and the desire to have a family, but I've postponed my life for this career. Sometimes it feels embarrassing to admit, but my career means so much to me. Luckily, my partner supports me. Yet, I wonder, how much work is too much? I see the results, but life demands pauses. Managing this career in a changing, saturated industry is intense. I feel secure in my project, but the dedication sometimes costs money for therapy," she laughs.
With more music and shows on the horizon, Letón is carving out a unique space in the music industry, resonating deeply with audiences both at home and abroad. In a world where the lines between genres are increasingly blurred, her music stands out for its authenticity and creative fusion of influences. Her journey, marked by resilience and a deep connection to her roots, reminds us that the most compelling art often comes from those unafraid to be themselves, no matter where their path leads.
