Brazilian-born and Europe-raised, Billy Ronca has carved out a unique niche as an urban singer and songwriter, seamlessly weaving the cultural threads of both continents into his music. With a career that began taking shape years ago, Billy has embraced the vibrancy of the Latin urban scene, particularly after moving to Puerto Rico in 2016. Joining forces with Baby Rasta y Gringo’s WolfFlow Music was a pivotal moment that solidified his place in the industry. Beyond showcasing his talents as a performer, he has been a behind-the-scenes writing force, collaborating with prominent artists such as Noriel, Ñengo Flow, and Jon Z. His multilingual prowess allows him to traverse the musical landscapes from the streets of Spain to the clubs of Switzerland, making him a significant figure in the international Latin urban scene.
Just recently, Billy released his latest single, “Yamekite”, in collaboration with STBAN, the head of FLAMENCA Records. This track is described as a sizzling summer heater, blending his sun-soaked vocals and fluid rap with STBAN’s meticulously crafted production. Together, they’ve created a vibrant slice of hot Latin electronica, perfectly timed to kick off the European summer season. As the track gains momentum across dance floors worldwide, we had the opportunity to speak with Billy Ronca to delve deeper into his life and evolving work.
Hi Billy, welcome to EDM House Network. Where are you in the world right now and what are you doing?
“Hi, how are you guys? Thanks for having me here. Right now, I’m in Switzerland. I’ve been traveling a lot lately since I’ve spent the last ten years mainly living in Puerto Rico. At the moment, I’m working on many projects from Europe. Spain, for example, has a lot of opportunities especially with summer tours, and I’m currently developing several collaborations with Spanish artists and other exciting projects. For now, I’m in Switzerland organizing different aspects of my career and preparing for everything that’s coming this year.”
You’ve just released a new track called “Yamekite” on FLAMENCA Records with STBAN. What does “Yamekite” mean?
“’Yamekite’ plays with an expression that, if separated in Spanish, sounds like “ya me quité,” which basically means leaving a situation behind or walking away from negative energy. It’s like saying, ‘I’m done with this’ or ‘I don’t want to deal with this anymore.’ We felt that concept perfectly matched the attitude and energy of the track.”
The track fuses flamenco house and Latin house with a reggaeton vibe. How do you feel this fusion of sounds worked out on the track?
“I love how the fusion came together. Since I grew up for a significant part of my life in Europe, I’ve always had a strong connection with electronic music, particularly house music and European sounds. My roots in Latin and urban music have always kept me closely connected to those genres. Being able to naturally combine these two worlds is something I truly enjoy, and I believe with ‘Yamekite,’ we found a refreshing balance between electronic energy and Latin rhythm.”
You’re from Brazil but grew up in Europe. How has the European music scene influenced your production and songwriting?
“The European influence has been crucial to my artistic development. Growing up here, I was surrounded primarily by an electronic music scene, significantly shaping how I produce music today. I started writing at a young age, experimenting even in French initially, which enriched my versatility as a writer. Mixing Spanish, French, Portuguese, and English has allowed me to engage with a broader range of sounds, melodies, and styles, all contributing to my unique approach to delivering ideas.”
Were you into reggaeton before moving to Puerto Rico?
“Yes, absolutely! Since I was a kid, I’ve always felt a deep connection to reggaeton and urban music in general. It has been a genre that has inspired me from a very early age and has always been a part of my life.”
You mention in your bio that moving to Puerto Rico inspired you to fully integrate into the urban music industry. What impact did that have on your creativity and songwriting?
“More than inspiring me from the start, moving to Puerto Rico enabled me to focus and understand the industry’s seriousness. It was a crucial stage for building a stronger career foundation. It also sparked my creativity because songwriting often stems from life experiences. Living in the birthplace of reggaeton gave me a continuous stream of inspiration, surrounded by energetic artists and an artistic culture that propelled my growth.”
You’re very closely associated with Baby Rasta y Gringo and their label WolfFlow Music. Has working with them changed you as an artist?
“Absolutely! I’ve learned so much from working with them. People must remember that they are legends in the urban music space, having been pioneers long before digital platforms emerged. They defined an entire era. Their remarkable ability to stay relevant today by continually touring and working with top artists is inspiring. Learning from artists with that kind of legacy is invaluable, especially seeing how they evolve and remain significant after more than three decades in the industry.”
It seems like you’re an artist who constantly evolves and takes inspiration from your surroundings. Do you plan to stay in Puerto Rico, or do you think other places might inspire you creatively in the future?
“I love change and cherish new experiences. While Puerto Rico remains my home, and my ten years there were transformative, I’m currently spending significant time in Europe. I’m strongly considering establishing a residence here, or at least staying longer to tap into the vibrant European market, which I find incredibly appealing. Exploring new cultures and music scenes will likely continue to inspire me, so I anticipate moving around and evolving with each new phase of my career and life.”
What’s next for you after “Yamekite”?
“There are many exciting projects on the horizon. I have several singles lined up for this year, and my primary focus is to consistently release music and grow within the industry. Who knows, a potential album might be on the table for next year! But for now, I’m committed to building step by step and elevating my career to the next level.”
