Bridging Cultures and Connecting Artists: An Interview with Rebecca Liloy of Colombian Jukebox
Join us for a conversation with Rebecca Liloy, a New Yorker with deep Colombian roots and the creative force behind Colombian Jukebox. What started as a simple Spotify playlist for expats has blossomed into a thriving blog and podcast, connecting artists and audiences across cultures. In this interview, Rebecca shares her daily routine, the rewarding aspects of her work, and the unique ways her cultural background has influenced her career. Discover how she overcomes obstacles, prioritizes self-care, and stays connected to her heritage while bridging two worlds through music and art.
What's a typical day in your life look like?:
I start my day at 6 AM and do nothing for 30 minutes. Literally nothing. Mirar pa'l techo. I read and if I'm up for it I will exercise. I spend my day researching artists, reaching out to them, setting up interviews, and planning content for my IG and for my blog.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?:
Building connections. I love when two artists that didn't know each other met through Colombian Jukebox and plan a collaboration, or when a follower or colleague reaches out and share their thoughts with me.
How would you say your upbringing and cultural background contributed to your career aspirations?:
I was raised in a very Caribbean Colombian household. I was always told I was Colombian by my family and was only allowed to speak Spanish at home. English was for school and to fraternize with friends. When I traveled to Colombia I quickly learned that I really wasn't Colombian but it was strange because it felt shameful to claim my United Statesean identity. It felt as if I was "negando la patria". I feel there are lots of first and second generation United Stateseans who struggle with this. The only way I was able to bring my two identities together was through music and literature. Colombian Jukebox has been like a catharsis.
What would you say has been your biggest obstacle in launching a successful career? How have you overcome it?:
Being a team of one but I just keep pushing!
Where might you be found on a Saturday afternoon with no plans?:
You can find me in my balcony or bed reading a book, writing away in my journal, or listening to music.
Hustle culture and burnout is so prominent in our community. How do you prioritize self care?:
This is a big one! I didn't realize this even existed until I arrived to Colombia.
I love slow mornings and reading. I start my day at 6 AM, brew a large pot of coffee and just sit for 30 minutes doing and/or thinking about nothing. I love reading so I usually take time to read after I've lulled and IF I am in exercise mode I will workout after 30 minutes of reading. My work day starts at 8 AM sharp.
I've learned to use Pomodoro to help me prioritize self-care also. I focus on 100 minute blocks broken up in 25 minutes segmentes with 5 minute breaks in between. After 100 minutes I take a 20 to 30 minute break. When I accumulate between 7 and 8 hours I feel accomplished and call it a day and go off to enjoy the rest of the evening either reading, watching a series, catch a show, or spend time with friends.
Same goes for imposter syndrome. How do you combat those feelings (if any)?:
I still struggle with this. In fact, even writing in to Café con Pam was a huge deal, because really, who am I? As a non-musician working in the music industry imposter syndrome gets REAL. When I was in New York interviewing a few artists this past trip, every single one of them spoke about this. I think it's important to talk about it, but it's just as important to surround yourself with a supportive group of people who acknowledge these situations.
How do you stay connected to your culture, heritage, and community?:
I think its getting more difficult to connect with my United Statesean side. I go back at least once every year and when I go back to NYC, I wonder why everyone is always in a rush, or why the cashier doesn't greet me, or why do the baristas leave no room for milk. I also get triggered by being asked "Where are you from?" It's something I don't have to deal with here in Colombia. But I talk to my friends in the States almost every day and they keep me abreast!
What would 18-year-old you say about where you are at in life now? :
"You're lying! You moved to Colombia and started a project out of an online playlist? GTFOH"
What accomplishment are you most proud of, both in your personal and professional life?:
I think I am the most proud of letting go and letting change happen. What's meant to be is meant to be, right?
Drink 🫖
What is Rebecca’s go-to drink?
Café con leche or tinto.
Listening To 🎧
What is Rebecca listening to at the moment?
Exploring new artists is part of my job. I am huge on salsa and hip hop, though. I have also been giving audiobooks a try. Listening to Rick Rubin's The Creative Way was a trip!
Your Truth 🗣️
What is a Rebecca’s truth?
I think the biggest accomplishment I have made in my six years living in Colombia has been letting go, and letting things happen. I set goals. I am a hard worker and highly-driven and learning how to trust myself has been key in learning how to let go.
Your Plug 🔌
What is Rebecca plugging today?
This project is mainly for those people interested in learning about Colombian culture outside of the mainstream, those interested in traveling to Colombia, but also those first and second generation Americans who want to feel close to "la tierrita".
More about Rebecca Liloy
Rebecca Liloy is a New Yorker with Colombian roots that run deep into Cartagena de Indias. While Cartagena holds most of her heart, she also has a little salsa flavor from Cali mixed in there too.
Growing up, she spent all of her summer vacations in Cartagena, running around the hot asphalt, learning to enjoy the steaming hot delicious food in sweltering weather, soaking up the rhythms of vallenato and champeta, and cherishing unforgettable moments with her family. All these experiences created a strong connection with Colombia, but they also brought challenges. Reconciling her New York identity with her Colombian heritage was not always easy.
Over time, she learned to embrace both sides, and music was the best way she knew how. It isn’t unusual to find her personal playlists filled with heartbreak vallenatos, empowering hip hop anthems, and bubblegum 90s boy band music. Through music, she was able to accept and embrace her diverse influences.
In 2018, she decided to make Colombia her home, and in 2021, Colombian Jukebox was born. What started as a Spotify playlist for expats craving a little more than just mainstream hits has grown into a blog and a podcast.