Jay Wheeler is kicking off the new year with tons of momentum. Since releasing his album TRAPii last fall, he’s been preparing a U.S. tour that’ll launch in June. He’s also getting ready for his second show at Coliseo de Puerto Rico José Miguel Agrelot, the historic venue in San Juan, which he plays tonight right on Valentine’s Day. It’s a fitting event for one of Latin music’s most romantic stars, who’s also celebrating the release of his recent single “Historia,” a first peek at his upcoming LP.
“Historia” is an introspective track about missing an ex and the memories shared with them without needing the relationship itself. “This was one of those songs that we created spontaneously,” Wheeler tells Rolling Stone. “We were in the studio and I was sent a song that already had someone else’s vocals on it. I liked the beat and thought that I’d sound better on the track, so we ended up working on it on the spot. Everyone has that person that they know they won’t get back together with but that they miss spending time with. That was the story I wanted to tell.”
The accompanying video was directed by Film Heads with creative input from Wheeler himself. In the song, Wheeler sings about how happy he is to indulge new romances, but that couldn’t be farther from his reality: Wheeler recently married the Venezuelan pop artist Zhamira Zambrano and has collaborated on a few singles with Zambrano. “I already enjoyed my single life and I was with whoever I wanted to be with at the time. Even then, I’ve always preferred a serious relationship. I’m married now and temptation doesn’t really affect me because I’m very in love and I know that I want to spend the rest of my life and create a family with her.”
Wheeler’s Choli takeover marks the second time he’s ever played at the renowned stadium, and he says he’s excited to perform on the day that he feels best represents him and his music. “I want to create a beautiful experience for my fans who are also lovers like me that may want to enjoy it with their partners or even find a partner then and there. It’s all about celebrating el amor y la amistad.” The show will also be live streamed for fans to enjoy from home. And to really get into the romantic mood, Wheeler also decided to share five songs he’d dedicate to his wife on Valentine’s Day and what they mean to him. Check out his picks below.
“Eazt” by Jay Wheeler
“I wrote this song after meeting Zhamira in person for the time at the East Hotel in Miami, so it’s a special song about meeting my wife for the first time.”
“Extrañandote” by Jay Wheeler & Zhamira Zambrano
“This duet with my wife was released right after the wedding, and acted as sort of a wedding gift to our fans.”
“Creo en Ti” by Reik
“During our wedding, we played a cover of Zhamira singing this track, and it was played during our first dance at the ceremony, basically becoming our official wedding song”
“Because of You” by Ne-Yo
“This is mine and Zhamira’s road trip song. It’s the song we blast in the car together.”
“Para Siempre” by Kany Garcia
“This was the first song Zhamira ever dedicated to me.”