Precious Perez, a visually impaired musician and executive, waves her Puerto Rican flag high (Interview)
“La Reggaetonera Ciega”
There’s something undeniably powerful about an artist who refuses to be boxed in—and Precious Perez is exactly that force. The blind Puerto Rican singer-songwriter has carved out a lane that blends Latin Pop, R&B, and Reggaetón with emotional precision and cultural depth. Now, she’s preparing to release her forthcoming bilingual EP, ‘No Me Hizo Falta Verte’, a six-song project written in Colombia alongside women songwriters from Warner Chappell Latin. The title track, ‘No Me Hizo Falta Verte’, and follow-up single ‘Lejos de Casa’ offer a glimpse into a body of work rooted in vulnerability, spirituality, and heritage. In this conversation, she opens up about artistry, leadership, and the evolution shaping her next chapter.
Inspired by Ivy Queen, fuelled by Berklee grit and lifted by Bad Bunny’s cultural breakthrough, Precious Perez is building a career rooted in disability pride, Puerto Rican joy, and fearless authenticity. In this conversation, Precious opens up about artistry, leadership, and the evolution shaping her next chapter.
Richardine: Who was your biggest inspiration or influence as an artist when you were coming into your own as an artist-singer?
Precious Perez: I had so many influences throughout my musical journey. In terms of songwriting, I drew a lot of inspiration from Taylor Swift and her storytelling abilities. I looked up to incredible vocalists like Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Tori Kelly. When it comes to overall artists, everyone from Bob Marley to Ivy Queen to Ed Sheeran played a role. I was exposed to music from many different genres which made way for my versatility.
Richardine: As a Berklee College of Music alumnus, in your opinion, is it easier to manoeuvre the music business since your graduation? I was the first blind Music Education major at Berklee. This came with a lot of adaptability and maneuvering, both to prove myself and educate others. I learned a lot from my professors, and I think my experience made me well equipped to take the leap into music business. I developed a lot of the tools, but I’ve also learned a lot by just jumping in with both feet and learning as I go.
Richardine: You count Ivy Queen, the Queen of Reggaeton, as one of your mentors. What is it like to have her in your corner as a guide?
Precious Perez: Meeting Ivy was a moment in my career that will forever be imprinted in my mind and on my heart. The knowledge that she saw me and took the time to instill such powerful truths and be so genuine is something no one can ever take away. The fact that she had no notes for the song I showed her off of my project that will be out in April, how she told me to find my recipe and do it my way, and the way she said she knows she’ll see me again and that I’m already doing it. These are words that carry me through my tough days and low moments, and I couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity to learn from the icon I grew up with. I still carry the printed lyrics she read from in my purse as a reminder that she believes in me, and that I am where I’m supposed to be.
Richardine: How long have you been part of Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD)? How did you come across the programme/organisation? Is it an easy process for others to join?
Precious Perez: I came across RAMPD through word of mouth and social media in 2021. I applied and was accepted as a member in the first official class of members before RAMPD’s official launch. I became Chair of what is now the Engagements Committee, became VP, then President, and I now serve as Advisor Emeritus and Co-Chair of Engagements. RAMPD is open to all music professionals and creatives in front and behind the scenes who identify as having a disability. We are a global network and community. rampd.org, join us!
Richardine: Last week, you were in Los Angeles for the GRAMMYs. What was it like to attend this year?
Precious Perez: It is always an incredible experience attending the GRAMMYs as a RAMPD exec(utive), R(ecording) A(cademy) member and blind Latina artist. I feel powerful representing my communities, and my outfit designed by Androspore complete with statement earrings and a prominent Flor de Maga on the front made me feel so empowered. My highlight was Bad Bunny’s ‘Album of the Year’ win, for sure.
Richardine: Bad Bunny made history on Sunday night at the Super Bowl with a stellar high-production performance! As a Puerto Rican Latina, what did the moment mean to you? How did it make you feel? What do you think his performance symbolises for the Latin community?
Precious Perez: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl performance is a historic moment I will never forget. I had the honour of performing as part of a watch party hosted by the Americana Community Center, here, in Louisville before the game started, and the excitement and joy in the room was unmatched. I was dancing, smiling so big my face hurt, and soaking it all in. My Puerto Rican pride was on high all week after that. Bad Bunny put our culture centre stage with no appologies and such a powerful statement of love. He is opening doors for artists like me in ways I don’t even comprehend yet, and he is one of my dream collabs.
Richardine: In 2023, you performed at the prestigious Kennedy Center at the Millennium Stage. As announced by President Trump on February 1, it will be closed for two years to undergo a $200 million renovation. Before that announcement, several artists cancelled their performances, and reportedly, there was a decline in ticket sales. What was it like to perform on that stage at that time?
Precious Perez: If I’m being honest, I’m glad I had the opportunity to perform at the Kennedy Center in 2023 rather than the present moment. I, too, would have cancelled my performance had it been now. Back then, it held such prestige, and it is still my biggest performance to date. I shared the stage with some of the most incredible musicians I know and some of my good friends, and we represented disability joy and musical excellence together.
Richardine: When can we look forward to your next live performance? What should one expect when they come to support you as a fan?
Precious Perez: My next live performance will be full of my new songs en vivo (live), with lots of Sazón and pure joy sprinkled in. I aim to spread love and light through all I do, so my fans are embraced with kindness, open arms, and authenticity. We are all in this world together, and my hope is that my fans feel genuine connection and see themselves represented in my music and spirit.
Richardine: What’s next for you?
Precious Perez: Honestly, I don’t know what’s next, and there’s a sense of freedom in that. I find that trying to dictate and control every aspect of my trajectory leads to inner turmoil. They say we plan and God laughs, and I believe that with my whole being. I’m doing all I can with my small but mighty team, taking each day as it comes, and working on giving myself grace. This life I chose isn’t easy by any means, especially not with extra barriers on top of my anxiety and depression, but it is worth it. I’m just keeping it all in perspective, because I really am living my dreams. I want to remain present in every moment, and soak in every second of every milestone. All the glory to God, and adelante (forward) we go.
