Llane (real name Juan David Castaño), who had a 12-year run as one of Piso 21’s founding members, is ready to conquer the music world as a solo artist, presenting his new single “Amor Bailando” on Friday (Jan. 31).
Accompanied by a vibrant music video, the track is a feel-good Latin bop that spotlights who Llane is: a dream-chaser and talented soul, proudly from Sabaneta, Colombia. “This song is very ‘Llane,’” he tells Billboard in an exclusive interview. “It talks about my origins and I want people to feel proud of where they come from.”
On Feb. 3, 2019, Llane announced one of the biggest decisions of his musical career, confirming a heartfelt video that he was going solo. He knew, however, that it was the right thing to do.
“How can I not have my doubts? I never wanted to leave Piso 21,” he said, stating that he thought about it for two months before making his final decision. Luckily, he had the full support from former bandmates Dim, Pablo and “El Profe.” “It’s a process, but here we are one year later. I look back and realize that I was strong enough to follow my dreams. In the end, that’s the message I want my fans to take, that we’re on this Earth for a reason and that we have to follow our heart.”
The leap to becoming a soloist was not an easy one for Llane. He disconnected from the things he loved most, he was homesick, and he dealt with overcoming personal issues. He also penned about 60 songs to finally find his own sound.
The release of his debut single, “Más de Ti,” in October, and his new single “Amor Bailando,” have put him back on the map.
“I have a sound now that’s very me in terms of melodies and voice,” he says. “I love soul music, I love jazz, I love Afrobeat, I love dancehall, and I love to fuse today’s modern sounds with the classics.”
For Llane, who is currently working on his debut studio album and planning his live shows, his music is meant to connect with people. “People need real artists with real stories that will inspire them,” he says. “I’m simply telling mine through my music. That’s what I want to express.”
As for the things that make his heart pound “boom boom boom," as his new song says in the chorus? Llane opts for the simple things in life: sunny mornings, walking his dog, greeting strangers, listening to good music, and women, whom he says are the inspiration of life.
Watch the music video for “Amor Bailando” below.
