Exclusiva: Joey Opens Up About Being 2012's First 'El Headliner'

By Michael Lopez

Welcome to a whole new year of "El Headliners." The fans have spoken once again and their latest OurStage fave is none other than Joey, an experienced reggaeton vet formerly of Marcy Place. Now working on his solo career, Joey opened up to us about his new sounds and his new plans for 2012.

"It was very exciting when I got the news that I was the new 'El Headliner' ",  he told us. "I'm looking forward to a very bright year ahead."

Unlike a lot of our "El Headliners," Joey's already had a taste of musical success. His old group Marcy Place worked closely with Don Omar and members of Aventura and had a previous presence on Tr3s.

"We started recording our Marcy Place stuff in Aventura's studio," Joey went on to say. "They really believed in our voices and gave us some great input. Our videos got on MTV Tr3s too and our music was definitely out there for the people, which was a good thing."

But, like a lot of talented groups, friction soon tore them apart. Joey explained how management issues and rapid success led to internal struggles among the members.

"It got to a point where I didn't feel comfortable around the group anymore," he said. "So I took matters into my own hands and went independent."

And with the freedom to record the way he chooses, Joey decided to blend several musical genres together. Still keeping true to his reggaeton roots, Joey has added flavors of R&B and pop into his latest sound, which you can hear in his OurStage single, "Mi Vida."

"I'm doing R&B and bachata and even some a cappella stuff," he added. "There are a ton of styles I’m hoping to incorporate. Right now I’m influenced heavily by artists like Chris Brown, Usher, and Daddy Yankee. I’m even listening to a little country at the moment."

Still in the midst of putting together his first full-length album, Joey told us he's got about five tracks completed with many more on the way. And he seemed very confident about taking his musical ambitions to new heights in the years ahead.

"In the next few years, I hope I'll have a few Grammy nominations," he went on to say. "I'd love to be at that level."

You can check out more of Joey's music by visiting his Facebook and Twitter pages.

Who's been your favorite "El Headliner" so far? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Blogger: Michael Lopez, El Headliner, Exclusive Entrevistas, Joey, Joey Pabon, Marcy place, Música, Mi Vida, Ourstage, Tr3s Exclusives