King Mala, also known as Areli Castro, is an El Paso-born alt-pop artist, whose debut album titled "And You Who Drowned in the Grief of a Golden Thing" released on May 2. Her music blends personal struggles with grand themes influenced by her Catholic upbringing and the soul genre. On a hectic tour schedule, Castro discusses her creative process, the dark yet human themes in her work, and her deep connection to her hometown, which she feels is distinct from the broader Texan culture.
"There's this struggle between the things you want and the things you are. I just love the idea of playing with grandeur and gods while still maintaining a very like human and gross and visceral vibe."
"El Paso is very, very non-Texas. When I go to the rest of Texas, I feel a strong spiritual connection to El Paso, even though I don't feel stereotypically Texan."
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