Notagami on ‘Maldita Nota’

Notagami is an alternative urban artist based in Queens, NY who has been making a name for herself in the underground Latin music scene. As a DJ, producer, singer, and songwriter, Notagami has combined influences from hip-hop, Latin, rock, and trap music into her fiery, sexually charged performances at various hip loft parties and secret events in New York City. Notagami is now trying to emerge from the underground scene with her first EP Maldita Nota which she self-produced.

How did you first get into writing and performing music? Are you professionally trained or self-taught?

I am self-taught. I got into music through my father and brother. Both of them played guitar. Around ten that’s when I tried to pick up the guitar and learn cords. They taught me the basics and then I went from there.

Can you describe what your creative process is like?

I separate the music-making from the lyric writing. I devote my time when I’m commuting on the train or when I’m kind of buzzed to writing lyrics. It’s more spontaneous. But when I am making the music, I already have the music in my head and then I apply whatever lyrics I have on to it. I fill in the blanks.

What performers inspired you to write and perform music?

Too many. My first inspiration would definitely be Gwen Stefani After that would be Courtney Love from Hole, and the whole gamut of rock girl-bands. I remember specifically trying to channel that vibe when I would sing in the mirror, I was very Gwen Stefani. Another one was Shirley Manson and definitely Shakira. And now I would say Blood Orange definitely inspires me to write and perform new music. Kali Uchis is another big one. There is an artist named Nathy Peluso. She has amazing performances and stage presence. Those three inspire me now. I’m gearing up for live performances this summer focusing on their live performance aspects.

What is one of your more memorable shows?

I played Barriofest at 3 Dollar Bill in Bushwick. That was awesome. I had played small shows. I started performing during Covid so there were very limited actual, legit venues you can play at. So, I was playing at a lot of backyard shows, and a lot of clandestine parties. So, it was weird, you couldn’t advertise or post about it. But you would still get a really crazy turnout. Leading up to that I was playing lots of loft parties so (Barriofest) was the biggest scale production-wise, the amount of different talent, the crowd. The venue is huge. That was the most memorable one. I had the best set. It came together and felt happy overall with my performance and how it was received. 

You are a member of the Barrio Collective. Can you describe what they are about and how you got involved?

They’re based in Brooklyn. Basically, I had a friend from Jackson Heights who invited me to one of their top parties at Our Wicked Lady. This was before I was even thinking of performing. I was bartending at the time. I just started following their parties. At the time I was searching for some sort of familiarity in terms of my Latin background that was lacking in my life. The collective is basically a bunch of local Latin artists. There are also vendors involved, tattoo artists, all types of musicians, and DJs. It’s a big collective. They’ve been around since 2018, and 2016. I was just a supporter going to events and then slowly, but surely, I eventually got more involved. I got to know them, they got to know me. That’s when I started to perform. It was really nice because it was organic and gradual. I went from someone attending their parties to someone who was one of the talents.

Their shows are often extremely diverse. Music can range from merengue to punk to hip-hop to dance. What’s it like to play to a crowd with such mixed tastes in music?

I love it. I do enjoy it just because I have the opportunity to be exposed to all these different artists. I know that are all very different, but what unites us is just our Latin background, our love of music, and that we are all local artists. They are passionate about their identity and holding a space for us in nightlife and the live music scene in New York. There was a lack in that, and no one was filling that void or niche.

You produced the EP Maldita Nota yourself. What was the recording process like?

The process for me was very therapeutic. It came at the right time honestly. My mom had passed away, the November before Covid, so I was already taking my bereavement from work.  It was a way to keep myself from losing myself in my grief. I had been down that road before where I was like grieving for somebody and I got caught up in going to bars and not taking care of myself. Indulging in that downward spiral. This time I wanted to be smart about it and take my experience and not waste it on blurry nights. It was a conscious decision to work on my craft. Then Covid happened and we were all quarantined It kept me sane honestly. I don’t know what I would have done with my time without the music.

Is there an overarching theme on Maldita Nota that you want listeners to get?

It’s a dark album if you look at the lyrics and take the music for what it is. I wanted to be very raw with my music. I was OK with being dark. In therapy, there is a way of embracing the shadows.

What is your favorite song on the EP to perform live?

I definitely enjoy performing the title track, “Maldita Nota.”  It was actually the last song I made for the project. It’s a really good song. The lyrics are on point and the music goes where you don’t expect it to go. It adds good energy to the set.

How do you feel when you are on stage performing in front of a live crowd?

I feel my most powerful. I always say that it takes a crazy person to perform in front of people. When I’m on stage I am the happiest. My most ideal self is up there.

To those who haven’t seen a Notagami show, what should they expect?

Definitely expect a very sensual, angry, passionate performance. Serving looks too. Definitely serving many looks.

After releasing the EP what is next for Notagami?

A lot of stuff. I want to do a music video or two. A little tour. Get more on my DJ stuff. I’m going to take a little break from writing on my next project to work on some DJ stuff for the summer. Then get back in the studio in the fall to work on my next project.

Matilda Nota is set to drop on May 7th on digital platforms including Apple Music, Spotify, and Soundcloud. Also on May 7th, the record release party will feature live performances by Notagami with Zeeonepoint0, Mandu, DJ Sadboy, DJ Zorenlo, DJ Ultraviolet, and surprise guests. Merchandise and CDs will be available. Click here to RSVP.

Keep up with Notagami on her socials linked below!

Bandcamp | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Spotify

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