“I Never Kiss and Tell”: María Isabel Made Us A Spicy Playlist

Photo courtesy of María Isabel.

Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview’s weekly destination for playlists curated by our friends, enemies, and lovers. In recent weeks, we’ve featured playlists from Zach Fox, Danny L. Harle, and Organ Tapes. This week’s installment comes from María Isabel—the Queens-raised, Dominican-American singer-songwriter turning soul-baring R&B into something sexy, unapologetic, and a little bit dembow. Ahead of her March 6 single, “Suiza,” produced by El Guincho, she built us a playlist that sounds like all her favorite Queens influences rolled into on e: merengue and Mobb Deep, Aaliyah and Aventura romance, “dancing at home in your underwear with the stereo on TEN.” It’s tender, devotional, and just dramatic enough to make you print out the lyrics like it’s 2004.

———

You were born in Flushing, Queens. Describe its sound. And raised in Corona. Queens sounds like Merengue and Mobb Deep. Like Alicia Keys and Aventura. But mostly the ice cream truck. 

What are you first drawn to in a song? Lyrics! I love words <3 AZ lyrics and a printer used to hate to see me coming as a kid. I like having the lyrics the first time I listen to a song. 

Favorite workout class in NYC? Hot pilates with Alex at Practice Room in Williamsburg. 

How do you start your day and end your night? I start my day with an instant hit of dopamine from my phone and a cup of lemon ginger tea. I end my night with a book and another cup of lemon ginger tea. 

What’s the best medicine? Girl time. Giggling. French fries. Sweating. Dancing at home in your underwear with the stereo on TEN. 

Do you believe in God? I’ve seen too many miracles to not. 

Dream collaboration? Aventura.

Do you keep secrets? I never kiss and tell. 

How do you avoid burnout in the studio? I think the best way to do that is to have fun and try not to take it all so seriously. 

What energy are you bringing in 2026? I’m going into 2026 like I’ve got nothing to lose and everything to give. 

Describe your new album in three words: Sexy. Unapologetic. Romantic.