For urban artist Ivy Queen, it's easier to empower women through her lyrics than showing of a sensual body image. This was the case for artists such as Sofia Reyes, Rosana, Ha*Ash and Kany Garcia, who all formed part of The DIVAS Panel at the 2015 Billboard Latin Music Conference held in Miami Beach, Fla. The panelists had a great time talking about their road to success. The panel was moderated by "Un Nuevo Dia's" host Ana Maria Canseco, who asked the chicas poderosas questions regarding the importance of social media, doing a potential crossover and finding inspiration for their music. This is what the ladies answered in a fun, sincere and transparent Q&A.
Ana Maria Canseco: How important is social media in your careers?
Sofia Reyes: Social media is important for me because the majority of my audience are teens and millennials; in fact, 84% millenials use social media every day.
Kany Garcia: The fans can get to know the artist as a person. Not only are we artists, but we're also consumers.
Ha*Ash: Thanks to social media we ask fans what songs they want to listen to on the radio or on tour. When we started, we didn’t have that advantage. It’s important to listen to everyone who’s listening to us.
Rosana: I’m a disaster! I started not that long ago. It was complicated to communicate with people that I could not see. Once I entered the social media world, I never got out. It's now an encounter with my fans.
Ivy Queen: I've met spectacular human beings on social media, who have gone from fans to friends. I handle my own social media... it's what takes my food to the table every day.
AMC: Would any of you ever consider crossing over to another genre?
H: We’re not closed minded. If a genre calls us, we’ll do it. We’ve done mariachi, hip hop, ect.
KG: As long as it has credibility. I don't want to just follow trends, because I'll lose my authencity.
SR: My first single is with Wisin; he's urban and I'm pop. For me, good music is good music and we should never close the doors to any genre.
R: I've done a little bit of everything. When you categorize a sound, it's like prohibiding the artists to live.
AMC: When is the best time to write a song?
H: When we have a broken heart.
IQ: Love and pain are two strong factors for composing music. I get inspired when I'm showering or cooking, that's when I drop everything and write my thoughts down.
KG: When I drink half a bottle of wine (laughs). When I talk to someone or when I read a book.
SR: Life inspired me. That's why I always walk around with a notepad to jot down ideas.