Belén Aguilera: "The music industry is a reflection of a sexist world"

BarcelonaThe singer Belén Aguilera (Santa Coloma de Gramenet, 1995) has turned her personal evolution into an artistic narrative. We knew her as fragile and vulnerable in As you can see, I haven't always been mine... (2020), and we saw it grow to a position of strength and vindication with Superpop (2022). Now, with Anela (Sony, 2025), takes an unexpected turn, constructing a mystical and surreal refuge to process the world. This new concept album is born from dreams, philosophy, and nature, moving away from literalness to embrace metaphor and poetry. It's a work that consolidates her own sound, more electronic and experimental, the fruit of a creative process that forced her to overcome her fears and compose for the first time away from home, in a studio and surrounded by people. We spoke with her about this new universe, the fear of external judgment, and the difficulties of navigating an industry that, like society, continues to reflect sexism. Aguilera presents Anela at the Sant Jordi Club on Saturday, November 8th, with tickets sold out.

It seems you're in a more fantastical era now. Is that right?

— Yes, I think it's my most idyllic, surreal, and abstract period. The vocabulary that came to me while writing these songs, unintentionally, led me to a very mystical and dreamlike universe. It's an imaginary world that has been built organically.

Musically, this album is a step further. What risks did you want to take?

— What I was looking for was a sonic consolidation, to find my own signature sound without limiting myself to a specific genre. In previous projects, I had adapted to a style, playing a mix of genres, ballads, electronic music... Now I've done the opposite; I've adapted the music to myself. I wanted it to sound cohesive and uniquely my own, despite the variety of styles. That's why I've explored more, seeking stylistic richness and experimentation.

How much of Belén the person is in this fantasy world? Is it still an autobiographical album?

— Absolutely. I'm very autobiographical in everything I do. Even though I'm no longer the focus, the songs are just as personal; they're simply told in a different way. The fact that the creative process has been completely different has also had a big impact.

You say you are a "people pleaserBut at the same time you say that in art you do what you want. How do you manage the pressure from fans and their expectations?

— I get very anxious about not meeting expectations, but at the same time, artistic creation is the only space where I'm authentic and do whatever I want. This fear of not pleasing people has affected my personal life more. In the artistic realm, as a response, it's where I'm most daring to screw things up. I'm muchpeople pleaserBut I'm also very rebellious. And I channel that side of myself through music.

Do you read the reviews and comments on social media?

— Quite a bit. I try not to dig too deep, especially when I'm not feeling well. But when you release a project, you want to know what people think. I try to do it when I'm feeling pretty strong. In the end, you have to learn that those people don't know you, they're not talking about you. A song might be more or less popular; you can't please everyone. As long as I'm proud of the work and the love I put into it, that's enough.

What is it like to be a woman in the music industry?

— It's awful. But I feel it's important to understand that it's not a problem exclusive to the music industry. The world is sexist. The same difficulties a woman faces in any field are replicated in music. The demands are greater, and abuse is statistically very prevalent. It's a reflection of a sexist world; you only have to look at the statistics—they speak for themselves.

Does this sexist reality worsen with fame?

— Yes, of course. Coming from a small town—she grew up in Mataró—I've been able to become a well-known person there and now have a more extensive public life. As a woman, you face the same consequences, but if more people know you, those consequences can be worse. When I talk about these things with my friends, it doesn't matter if I'm famous and they're not. It's always the same crap.

And how does all this, fame and pressure, affect your mental health?

— Luckily, my success hasn't happened overnight; it's been very gradual. And above all, I feel that my support network keeps me grounded and mentally healthy.

Are there any Catalan artists you follow or would like to collaborate with in the future?

— Yes, there are several. Just the other day I was mentioning the Maria HeinI really like what she does and I get along with her very well. Silvia Pérez Cruz and Marina Herlop are also artists I admire a lot.

And after that dreamlike era, what will come next?

— I don't know. My career has always been a reflection of my life journey. Now I'm in this more fantastical phase, but perhaps in a few years I'll return to a more raw style. My story is an open ending. I only know that I will continue searching for honesty.