We recently caught up with Maluca to get some updates on her inspirations, music and upcoming projects.  Maluca is a Dominican artist born in the Bronx and raised in Manhattan. Her music fuses her New York City style with her Dominican roots. She is influenced by ESG, Savannah Band, Wu-Tang, Gil Scott Heron, Nina Simone to styles like merengue, salsa, cumbia, house, disco, and freestyle. La Maluca Mal is a part of DJ/Producer Diplo’s  Mad Decent Record Label.

What does Maluca mean?
A crazy woman

What type of artist do you consider yourself: DJ, Singer, Rapper..All-in-one?
Im def not a Dj, I consider myself a vocalist

Your New York City Dominican roots is a huge part of your brand! Tell me a little bit about  the heritage and inspiration behind Maluca…
Diminicans are very vibrant people.  We love to eat, be around family, DANCE.  Maluca is the name my uncle gave to me as  child.  Growing up my family had a party for every occassion and I try to translate those feelings into my music

How is it working with Diplo? and How much of his ideas affect your sound and music?
Working with Diplo can be hard sometimes b/c he is so busy so trying to get him in one place can be difficult.  But other than that he’s a lot of fun to work with. Im bring the Dominican NYC shit and he brings he electro hipster shit so its a good combo

You recently released the China Food Mixtape..  Why did you name it “China Food” and what does this mixtape represent?
We have a big Chinese community in Dominican Republic. And in NYC we have a few Chinese/Dominican restaurants.  Growing up I would frequent these Chino/Latino places and eat rice and beans with wonton soup or egg rolls.  I wanted the mixtape to reflect me as a Dominican/New Yorker so I thought it be fitting to name the mix tape China Food.

I still listen and play El Tigeraso!  When can we expect another single or upcoming release from you?
I just recently released a record with  Oliver Twizt on Mad Decent and will release another record with Dillon and Diplo in the near future as well as a record with Tittsworth.

Who would you like to collaborate with in the near future?
If I could get just one feature on my album I would want Bjork…. yeah that would be hot!

Let Them Eat Music… is all about enjoying music like it’s food. So while everyone is playing your China Food Mixtape.. give us one Dominican dish we should not leave NYC without trying..
Check a restaurant called Flor De Mayo the #1 Chinese/Dominican restaurant in the city!!

Click the here to download Maluca’s free Chinafood Mixtape!