A New York–based singer and songwriter, David Sosa burst onto the scene with his debut album, ‘Journey to Love’, a release which quickly soared into the iTunes Top 100 R&B Albums. Known for his unique blend of opera, jazz, and Broadway with classic R&B and soul, Sosa’s velvet tenor has already captured the hearts of many.
His new album, ‘Ups, Downs, & In Betweens’, which was released today, is an even bolder and more personal journey. The new project threads classic soul with modern pop instincts, while exploring the emotional highs and lows of the last five years of his life.
In this exclusive interview, we dive into the making of ‘Ups, Downs, & In Betweens’, getting Sosa to open up about his musical influences, his creative process, and the personal experiences that shaped the album's sound.
Thank you so much for taking the time out to speak with us today, especially with your new album out now. Let’s take it right back - when did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“I started seriously writing and recording at 16, right in the middle of the boy band era. Me and two other guys formed a group called Tres—three Puerto Rican kids who sang and harmonised in a way that stood apart from most artists who looked like us. We spent countless hours rehearsing, writing, and even working out choreography in the back of a dry cleaners where one of the members had a job.”
“Music has always been my first love. I grew up on my father’s records—Teena Marie, Rick James, Luther Vandross, Angela Winbush, and René & Angela—then found my own inspiration in the artists of my time: Mariah Carey, En Vogue, Shai, and so many other R&B greats. Their lyrics and vocal delivery made me feel something, and I knew I wanted to give that same gift to others. With my words and my voice, I wanted to move people, to make them feel deeply—because that’s what music did for me.”
Can you tell us a bit about your new album and what it means to you?
“My latest release chronicles the last five years of my life, a period where I truly began learning myself while navigating all kinds of relationships. It was mercurial and full of oscillation—emotional peaks and valleys that taught me more than I expected. I fell in love a few times (or at least thought I did), and in each situation I was confronted with myself—sometimes seeing parts of me reflected back through others, and having to decide if I liked what I saw. It pushed me to ask whether I was willing to do the work to grow and evolve into a better version of myself. That journey, with all its highs and lows, is what inspired the title of the album: ‘Ups, Downs, & In Betweens’.”
“Some moments were especially meaningful, teaching me that loving someone—and even losing them—doesn’t erase the love that was shared. I learned to be grateful for the experience itself, to appreciate the beauty of being loved and cared for, even if it was only for a moment. That shift in perspective helped me embrace both the joy and the pain as necessary parts of growth, and it shaped much of the heart behind this project.”
“Were there any artists, moments, or experiences that influenced you when writing the release?”
“This album carries very specific nods to the artists who have influenced and shaped me musically. There are several tributes to the Queen, Mariah Carey, as well as to the Neo-Soul Queen, Erykah Badu. I also pay homage to the incomparable Clark Sisters, and to Brownstone—an overlooked group that, in my humble opinion, deserves far more recognition. I was blessed to collaborate with some incredible talents on this project. I worked with the gifted Jaspen Mosely on our song ‘About U’. I had the chance to fan out and create with G-Rey aka El Rey on a version of ‘Cancer Issues’, where he offers a Leo’s perspective to balance my Cancerean lens.”
“I also teamed up with Gypjaq aka Jack Fuller, an extraordinary vocalist and songwriter, on ‘Egun’, a track that honours ancestor reverence. Production-wise, I was fortunate to join forces with some amazing producers—Diggy Diamond, OB Beatzz, Juanito Jones, and Freddy Cee—each of whom brought their own magic to the project. This album was more than just an emotional outlet; it was also a deeply spiritual experience. Musically, it pushed me to explore genres I might not have otherwise, and that freedom made creating it both fun and transformative.”
What was your songwriting process for the release? How did it all come together?
“My songwriting process usually starts with a melody I can’t get out of my head. I tap into how it makes me feel, and from there the words tend to spill out—first through my voice, then into a voice memo on my phone or a Google document. As a true Cancer by zodiac, I’m always feeling something (and often many things at once), so my writing reflects whatever mood I’m in and whether I feel called to give those emotions life and description. For me, writing is both beautiful and deeply intimate. Sometimes it feels like I’m letting people see too much of me or get closer than I would normally allow. The songs become journal entries—my musings, sung out loud for the world to hear. One example is a track on this album called “Cake”. It wasn’t written from my own perspective, but rather from what I imagined someone else was feeling yet unable to express to me. So, I wrote the song as if from their point of view, channelling emotions that weren’t mine, but were deeply human and real.”
How would you describe the sound on the album? Has there been a change or evolution in style since you first began?
“Much like its title, this album explores a variety of genres—ranging from pop and EDM to jazzy cuts and my R&B/Soul roots. I’ve always been willing to challenge myself by writing to music that’s different from what I’m naturally drawn to. At the core, I consider myself a songwriter who sings, so I’m always looking for ways to fine-tune both my writing and my vocal delivery. Sometimes that means stepping outside my comfort zone and pushing myself creatively, competing only with the person I was yesterday.”
Is there a central message or theme you were trying to convey in the album? Is there a moment in the release that really captures that idea?
“The central message of this album is that life will always throw curveballs, and in the process, you’ll feel every emotion imaginable—and all of them are valid. The beauty lies in how you navigate those highs and lows, even in the trying times. No matter what adversity you face, you are not defined by your circumstances. They may shape you, influence you, even challenge you, but they do not define who you are. At its core, this album is guided by faith, hope, and compassion. Without those three presents in your life, something will always feel misaligned. With them, even the toughest valleys become part of a greater journey toward growth, resilience, and love.”
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations as an artist? Where do you see yourself in the next few years, both musically and personally?
“I’d love to write for more artists and be part of creative processes that don’t solely revolve around me. At the same time, I aspire to be heard and fairly compensated for the time, energy, and love I pour into my work. Truthfully, I make music for myself first—I have to love it before I share it—but once I release it into the world, I still shiver at the thought of others holding it. That’s something I’m continuing to work on. Looking ahead, I hope to perform live more often, to sing and connect with wider audiences, and to keep growing through collaboration and storytelling. But mostly I see myself in the future retired, making money off music I wrote as I sit on a beach in Puerto Rico.”
What's next after this release? Do you have any new releases or shows on the horizon?
“Rest but also performances. I am in the works of getting some bookings so I can do what I love.”
What sort of reception have you had to your latest release? Are there any memorable moments that stand out?
“My last release was received with so much love. Many people told me the album impacted them deeply right away, while others said they grew to understand the songs more as they experienced more ‘life’ themselves. With both projects, there were plenty of delays along the way, but I came to see them as part of the learning process—figuring out how to better communicate with engineers, recalibrating my expectations of myself and others, and ultimately learning how to surrender a little, and let what will be, just be.”
Is there anything you would like to say to our audience? How can they connect with you and help support you?
“There are so many simple ways to support independent artists: stream the music, download and share it, like and comment on social media. People go viral every day for things that don’t hold much meaning, while artists are out here pouring their hearts into their work and struggling to be heard. I’d love to see us all support each other better and more intentionally. I truly appreciate when people reach out and connect—it means the world. I’m always open to building new connections and sharing this journey with others.”
David Sosa's journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability and resilience, a narrative woven into the fabric of his latest album. By channeling his personal ups, downs, and everything in between, he has created a project that is not only a musical triumph but also a deeply human one.
His story reminds us that life’s most challenging moments can be the most transformative, shaping us into better versions of ourselves. As he continues to pour his heart into his work, Sosa’s music stands as a beacon of faith, hope, and compassion—a true gift to anyone who listens. We can all look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next.
You can stream his new album today, and for more from David, be sure to join him on Instagram, Facebook, and X to lend your support.
