Ever since she earned the Operación Triunfo 2017 trophy and took to the stage of Eurovision 2018, Amaia has been known for her delicate covers, soft voice and dreamy pop songs. But now, the Spanish singer has thrown her old self down the stairs and gone in a new direction for the release of her new song “El encuentro” (“The encounter”).
Amaia shakes things up with “El encuentro”
Amaia has teamed up with Spanish rapper Alizzz for this new single. “El encuentro” is a slick electronic tune with a chilled-out vibe.
The duo sing about how they’ve randomly encountered each other again after not speaking for a year. Despite the lack of communication, Amaia and Alizz quickly rekindle a bond with one another when they meet. The relaxed vibe of the music carries through into the lyrics, with the pair casually going along with things as they wonder where their relationship should go from here:
We meet again after a year
Without knowing about each other
What are we going to do?
What are we going to do?
We weren’t looking for it, but it happened
And what do we do now, you and me?
Amaia and Alizzz – “El encuentro”
The accompanying music video also sees Amaia moving away from the sweet and relatively innocent persona she’s portrayed until now. She shows off more of her rebellious side and cheeky personality – this includes going to the toilet between two cars, flashing her underwear and dancing in the middle of a not very socially-distanced environment.
The video is shot between Valencia and Cullera. It features Spook, one of Valencia’s most popular clubs back in the 90s. Indeed, the whole aesthetic is very 90s, with Alizzz and Amaia wearing matching red and black leather outfits.
This new single comes after Amaia picked up a Latin Grammy Award nomination for her documentary film Amaia, Una vuelta al Sol.
The nomination is in the Best Long Form Music Video category, which recognises longer music-related film releases.
Lyrics and translation: “El encuentro” – Alizzz and Amaia
Spanish text
Qué vamos a hacer
Qué vamos a hacer
Qué casualidad que te he encontrado
Qué haces por aquí cuánto ha pasado
Un deja vu creo que lo he soñado
Qué tal va todo
Cómo has cambiado
He pensado en ti más de la cuenta
El corte nuevo así qué bien te queda
Te acuerdas de la última noche aquella
Te has dejado el curro pero estás contenta
Nos encontramos pasado un año
sin saber de los dos
Qué vamos a hacer
Qué vamos a hacer
No lo buscamos pero sucedió
y ahora qué hacemos tú y yo
Sales, pa’fuera conmigo
Fumamos, nos contamos nuestro líos
Nos vamos, estás cansado de este sitio
Mejor algo tranquilo
He pensado en ti más de la cuenta
El corte nuevo así qué bien te queda
Te acuerdas de la última noche aquella
Te has dejado el curro pero estás contenta
Qué vamos a hacer
Nos encontramos pasado un año
sin saber de los dos
Qué vamos a hacer
Qué vamos a hacer
No lo buscamos pero sucedió
y ahora qué hacemos tú y yo
Nos encontramos pasado un año
Si te acercas caigo
Qué vamos a hacer
Qué vamos a hacer
No lo buscamos pero sucedió
Y ahora qué hacemos tú y yo
English translation
What are we going to do?
What are we going to do?
What a coincidence that I found you
What are you doing here, how long has it been?
A déjà vu, I think I’ve dreamed it
How’s life going?
How much you’ve changed
I’ve been thinking about you more than I should
How good your new haircut looks
Do you remember that last night?
You left your job, but you’re happy
We meet again after a year
Without knowing about each other
What are we going to do?
What are we going to do?
We weren’t looking for it, but it happened
And what do we do now, you and me?
Come outside with me
Let’s smoke, and share our stories
We’re leaving, you’re tired of this place
Better somewhere quieter
I’ve been thinking about you more than I should
How good your new haircut looks
Do you remember that last night?
You left your job, but you’re happy
We meet again after a year
Without knowing about each other
What are we going to do?
What are we going to do?
We weren’t looking for it, but it happened
And what do we do now, you and me?
We meet again after a year
If you come closer, I’ll fall
What are we going to do?
What are we going to do?
We weren’t looking for it, but it happened
And what do we do now, you and me?
What do you make of “El encuentro” and Amaia’s new style? Do you prefer her old self? Tell us in the comment section below!
