Tuya

Album: released as a single (2023)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "Tuya" (meaning "Yours" in Spanish) weaves a hypnotic tapestry, fusing koto, the national instrument of Japan, along with flamenco, slow reggaeton and techno. Collaborating with Puerto Rican producer Chris Jedi, Rosalía embraces diverse sonic influences.
  • Rosalía channels her love for Japan into the musical arrangement of "Tuya." The Spanish star holds a deep affinity for the country, often embarking on journeys to the land of the rising sun. She wanted to shine a spotlight on Japan's beautiful culture and distinctive style. "Japan makes me want to move slowly, delicately," Rosalia told Vogue. "It is beautiful no matter where you look at it. I admire the dedication they put into the little things - it inspires me with everything. Absolutely everything is a ritual."
  • Rosalia wouldn't say any one sound is more pronounced on the sultry anthem than any other. "Exploring is part of who I am as a musician," she said. "In the case of 'Tuya,' inspirations such as reggaeton, Japanese instruments, flamenco, and gabber techno coexist at the same level."
  • Want another song featuring the Japanese instrument? On Queen's 1975 track "The Prophet's Song," the band's guitarist Brian May plays a toy version of a koto.
  • Lyrically, "Tuya" paints a vivid portrait of Rosalía's burning desire for her lover. In the verses, she delves into an intimate realm of connection, lust and vulnerability.

    The memorable hook lays out Rosalia's hopes for their wild night ahead. Shedding inhibitions, they'll embrace in passionate surrender.
  • Colombian director Stillz captures the essence of "Tuya" in the music video, which is set against the backdrop of Tokyo. Rosalía wanders through the bustling streets of the Japanese metropolis, lost in contemplation. The visuals treat us to the delights of the city, from luxuriating in a steaming bath to the thrill of the casino floor.

    "The video [is centered around] a foreign girl in Tokyo who is alone all the time." Rosalia told Vogue. "I found that juxtaposition interesting for the visual part. I was having fun creating looks in Tokyo the day before the shoot. The looks represent the playfulness from that moment, and also are part of the visual context of Tuya, where sensuality plays an important role."

    Stillz is Bad Bunny's go-to visual collaborator. Among the videos he's directed for the Puerto Rican superstar are "Dakati," "Moscow Mule" and "Yonaguni."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Rock Revenge Songs

Rock Revenge SongsMusic Quiz

John Lennon, Paul Simon and Lynyrd Skynyrd are some of the artists who have written revenge songs. Do you know who they wrote them about?

Timothy B. Schmit of the Eagles

Timothy B. Schmit of the EaglesSongwriter Interviews

Did this Eagle come up with the term "Parrothead"? And what is it like playing "Hotel California" for the gazillionth time?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?

What Musicians Are Related to Other Musicians?Song Writing

A big list of musical marriages and family relations ranging from the simple to the truly dysfunctional.

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-Outs

Goodbye, Hello: Ten Farewell Tour Fake-OutsSong Writing

The 10 biggest "retirement tours" that didn't take.

Rick Astley

Rick AstleySongwriter Interviews

Rick Astley on "Never Gonna Give You Up," "Cry For Help," and his remarkable resurgence that gave him another #1 UK album.

Janis Ian

Janis IanSongwriter Interviews

One of the first successful female singer-songwriters, Janis had her first hit in 1967 at age 15.