Art & Music

Camila Cabello: Embracing Self-Kindness Amidst Musical Evolution

Tuesday 09 July 2024 - 17:00

Camila Cabello faces the world with a blend of optimism and vulnerability as she releases her fourth studio album, "C,XOXO." Despite her extensive career that began with the girl group Fifth Harmony and soared with solo hits like "Havana" and "Señorita," this latest project introduces a more experimental sound, leaving her feeling "a little bit more nervous" than usual.

"I have a very naïve attitude before I put music out," Cabello confides in an interview with BBC Newsbeat. "I think because I love it so much and I think it’s good, everybody’s going to love it."

The 27-year-old artist's journey into uncharted musical territories led to collaborations with high-profile rappers such as Drake, Lil Nas X, and Playboi Carti. Reflecting on the risks, Cabello says, "It’s a testament to 'what’s the worst that can happen?' And I had that energy throughout this album."

The Immigrant Hustle

Alongside her musical endeavors, Cabello has become more vocal about her mental health struggles, including anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These disclosures are a brave move, given the stigma surrounding mental health, particularly in her cultural context. Born in Havana to a Cuban mother and a Mexican father, and raised in Miami, Florida, Cabello's upbringing in an immigrant family often prioritized survival over mental health awareness.

"Latin families or immigrant families don’t a lot of the time have the bandwidth for realizing what their mental health is," she explains. "They’re so focused on survival and it’s just not on their radar."

Her openness about utilizing therapy, tools, and medication has been a significant step in her journey. Yet, she admits to feeling guilty during her early 20s for not always feeling great despite her fame.

"One of my favorite things about getting older and experiencing life is this persistent sense of irony," she states. "Where what you see a lot of time is not the reality."

Cabello emphasizes the importance of self-compassion as she navigates her mental health. "I think it's really treating yourself with kindness and love," she says. "The more empathy, less judgment, and the more compassion you have for yourself, and for your own difficult emotions, the more that you'll have that empathy and space for other people."

Family and Musical Inspiration

Family remains a cornerstone in Cabello’s life and work. Her previous album, "Familia," delved into her Latin heritage and the influence of her family on her work ethic. This ethos carried into "C,XOXO," inspired by her mother’s relentless drive.

"My mum is the definition of so hard-working," says Cabello. "If I’m working, she’s like working," she adds, noting her mother’s constant drive to improve and create, a common trait among immigrant parents.

The recording process for "C,XOXO" was intense, with Cabello and her team spending 10 days in the Bahamas, often confined to the studio. "Anytime you are trying to make something great, it’s insanely hard," she recalls. "I remember just being so frustrated and was exhausted."

Despite the challenges, some aspects of the album's creation flowed more naturally. Her collaboration with Drake began with a simple direct message, initially seeking friendship rather than a musical partnership. "At that time, I really genuinely was looking for friendship and connections with other artists in the music industry because I had been such a hermit for so long," she shares. "I just felt like kind of antisocial. This album, I kind of spread my wings a little bit more."

Looking Ahead

Speaking to Newsbeat shortly after her performance at Glastonbury, Cabello was still recovering from her set and battling a potential illness. Nevertheless, she expressed excitement about future performances, particularly in the UK.

"They were so loud and everyone was so kind. I felt welcomed," she says. "I love the Brits and the Brits love me."

As Camila Cabello continues to evolve both musically and personally, her journey underscores the importance of self-kindness and the power of embracing one's vulnerabilities.