Malau Quintero is an accomplished entertainment journalist, brand strategist, and digital media expert with a passion for the music industry. As a Project Manager at Trendy Experience and the driving force behind The Experience, she has led insightful interviews, hosted impactful content, and developed innovative branding strategies for artists and brands.

With a track record of conceptualizing over 50 projects—including podcasts, brands, and new businesses—her work has amassed millions of views across social platforms, engaging thousands of subscribers. The podcasts she has helped develop and produce have collectively surpassed 2.8 million views, gained over 35,000 subscribers, and created a cross-platform impact.

Her expertise has earned her recognition in prestigious events and collaborations with global brands such as Sony Music, Universal Music, and Warner Music LATAM. As a dynamic voice in the entertainment world, Malau is dedicated to inspiring creativity, fostering community, and pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling.

How many years have you been a judge?

This is my first year!

What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?

My first job in the industry was at an entertainment platform in Argentina called Chicas Guapas TV. What began as a social media outlet blossomed into a national TV show, reaching viewers both on television and online. It was an exciting journey that brought so many “firsts” for me, but more than anything, it helped me discover what truly lights me up. It gave me the confidence to trust my passion, chase my dreams, and most importantly, taught me to recognize my boundaries and limits. I learned that the world is full of opportunities, and with the right mix of hard work and authenticity, you can carve out your own path. This experience shaped the person I am today, and it reminds me daily of how powerful it is to believe in yourself.

What project are you most proud to have worked on?

I would say my podcast is the project I’m most proud of. It started as a small idea in my phone notes app back in 2022 and became a reality in 2023. It really showed me the power of making things happen with a supportive team and reinforced the impact of manifestation and hard work. The most amazing part? The very first episode featured the first artist I wrote about in that brainstorming session—how incredible is that?

What’s the most challenging part about your job and/or the industry?

The most challenging part of my job, and the entertainment industry in general, is balancing the creative side with the constant demand for consistency and growth. There’s always pressure to stay relevant, adapt to new platforms, and meet deadlines while staying true to your vision. Additionally, navigating the ever-evolving landscape of digital media and social trends can be overwhelming at times. But it’s also what keeps me on my toes—every challenge is an opportunity to grow, learn, and innovate. It’s a dynamic environment that pushes you to constantly evolve, which I truly appreciate.

What do you look for to determine excellence in video and television?

I believe excellence in video and television lies in the power of storytelling and the clarity of the message. When the objective is clear, the right format will naturally follow. It’s all about finding the best way to communicate the story and connect with the audience. Storytelling, purpose, and intention are key. If those elements are at the core, everything else—visuals, pacing, and execution—will fall into place to create something impactful.

How do you unwind from work mode?

To unwind from work mode, I really lean into exercise, it helps me clear my head. Lately, I’ve found this amazing workout that mixes functional training with boxing, and it’s been such a fun way to switch gears. I also love reading and writing; I’m working on launching my own Substack, so I’ve been diving into that world more and more. But the thing that really helps me recharge is spending time with my family and friends. It’s the best way to remind myself of what truly matters. And honestly, nothing beats those cozy movie nights or binge-watching series together, where we can just laugh and relax. It’s those simple moments that bring me the most peace.

Do you have any specific practices you lean on to fuel your creativity?

I find that fueling my creativity comes from a mix of things. A lot of reading helps me expand my thoughts and ideas. I also enjoy watching content from different creators, each person brings a unique perspective that sparks new inspiration. Music is essential for me too; it has this incredible way of grounding me and sparking my imagination, whether it’s the lyrics, rhythm, or emotions it evokes. Another huge part is brainstorming with friends and the people around me. Hearing their stories and being open to learning from everything and everyone is such a big influence. It’s all about staying open, listening to what’s going on around me, and letting those moments fuel my next idea.

When did you know that this career is what you wanted to do?

I’ve known since I was little that this was the path I wanted to take. The entertainment industry, especially music, movies, and shows, gave me so much growing up, it was a constant source of joy, comfort, and inspiration. There’s something so beautiful about every form of art and the stories behind it, whether it’s the music, the visuals, or the narratives. I remember wanting to learn everything I could about audiovisuals, TV, and broadcasting. In fact, I even learned English through music because I was so determined to understand what my favorite artists were saying in their songs and interviews. This love for storytelling and entertainment runs in my family too, we’ve always bonded over our passion for it. I believe this deep connection to the arts is what gave me the push to pursue journalism and, ultimately, to share the stories behind the things I love.

What inspired you to join the field and create the kind of work you do?

What inspired me to join the field was the power of storytelling, bringing ideas to life and sharing them with the world. I’ve always been fascinated by how art and media can create connections and convey emotions in such a unique way. Whether it’s through a song, a TV show, or a conversation, there’s a beauty in how stories unfold and how they impact people. I wanted to be part of that process, to amplify voices, share meaningful narratives, and spark inspiration in others.

In your experience, what is a significant change happening in the video and television industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?

A significant change I’ve seen is the growing shift toward digital content and streaming platforms, driven by the need for immediacy and on-demand access. Traditional television is no longer the only source of entertainment, and people are consuming content in more personalized ways, at their own pace, through YouTube, podcasts, social media, and streaming services. This shift has opened up incredible opportunities for creators to connect with global audiences, but it also means that content must be authentic, engaging, and diverse. In today’s world, it’s all about creating-creating constantly and evolving with the times.

The key to navigating this change is staying adaptable and open-minded. Never lose sight of your goals and what you truly want to achieve and showcase. Keep learning about new platforms, formats, and technologies. Embrace the changes and experiment with new ideas, but always stay connected to your audience’s evolving preferences. And through it all, never forget why you started in the first place—because that passion is what will continue to fuel your creativity and drive you forward.

What’s a work tool you use every day and what’s one that is obsolete that you wish still existed?

A work tool I use every day is my phone. It’s like my virtual office, with all my video editing apps, social media channels, and communication tools. It’s become an extension of myself, essentially a camera, editing software, and all-in-one hub for everything I do. It’s incredible how much it’s simplified my workflow and allowed me to stay connected and creative on the go.

As for something obsolete that I wish still existed, I’d say physical tape recorders. I remember seeing journalists in movies and big productions using them for important interviews, and that’s when I fell in love with the beauty of the “on and off the record” dynamic. There was something about the tactile experience of pressing play and record that felt personal and connected to the process. I would have loved to try it—there’s a certain charm and authenticity to it.

What are your current roles and responsibilities and what do you love most about your job

Currently, I wear multiple hats. I am a Project Manager at Trendy Experience, where I handle branding, marketing strategies, and content creation for various projects. I also serve as the Editor-In-Chief and Host at The Experience, a digital media outlet I helped build from the ground up, where I conduct interviews, cover the latest entertainment trends, and produce exclusive content.

What I love most about my job is the opportunity to work at the intersection of creativity and strategy. I get to help artists, brands, and individuals find their voice and connect with their audience. I also enjoy producing and curating content, especially when it involves uncovering the stories behind creative processes in the music and entertainment industries. It’s incredibly rewarding to see these projects come to life and make an impact, whether through podcasts, interviews, or brand campaigns.

What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?

Right now, I’m really excited about the direction my work is taking in journalism, especially with my podcast Just For The Record and the entertainment platform The Experience. These projects give me the chance to dive deep into the stories behind Latin music, connecting with incredible artists and exploring their creative processes. Sharing these intimate conversations with my audience has been both fulfilling and energizing. I’m also thrilled to continue expanding The Experience, where we’ve been amplifying voices in the entertainment world through meaningful content. These initiatives, along with covering major events and interviewing industry leaders, are helping me grow and evolve as a journalist while staying deeply connected to my passion for music and storytelling.