Shantelle Diaz, also known as Telly and La Colombiana-Americana, has been an ever expanding musical force in Denver, Colorado. Channeling her Columbian roots into modern trap music, Telly uses her flow to empower and uplift.
Telly understands how important it is for her to keep her music production full of variety. In the early stages of her musical career, she took inspiration from trap music, releasing her first singles in 2018. Keeping culture near and dear to her, she expanded in 2023 with her first Latin reggaeton single, “Caprichosa”.
As a child, Diaz struggled with a speech impediment, leading her to new and creative ways of expressing herself.. In elementary school, she was heavily inspired by the impact of creating sound. Her first memory of music was in school band, which led her to dive deeper into her musical passion at 18 with production and then stepping fully into vocals at the age of 21.
“When making music, I go with what I’m feeling at the moment,” says Diaz. “Always generating the hook is the first thing for me, it’s mostly the melodies, when I hear sound, it just comes naturally to me.”
Last year, her Many Faces EP was released, laying out her vulnerability and versatility with deep heartfelt songs that range from trap, hip-hop, and even country- trap. “I love music. I feel that there are no limits to it; the music I enjoy is as versatile as I am as an artist.”
Diaz grew up on a wide range of music. Hard rock was a staple in her home with bands like Linkin Park, Breaking Benjamin, and Flyleaf. She also considers herself to have had the average Latino experience of waking up on the weekends to Spanish music playing from the living room.
“I grew up in a household where every Saturday morning I’d be listening to salsa, cumbia, merengue, all that stuff just because my dad loves music and I believe that’s where I inherited my passion for music as well.” Diaz adds, “I even remember the smell of cafecito and arepas being made.”
Para El Mundo 1 was Telly’s first Latin EP, released in 2024. Written with the help of her late mother, it is one of her most special projects. Diaz is deeply moved to continue honoring the EP. She is currently working on her debut album Para El Mundo 2, which will be dedicated to her mother. Listeners are expected to hear the complete unveiling of all of her genres come to life in one album, from reggaeton, cumbia, alt hip-hop, trap, and even salsa.
Her diverse musical background has led to many opportunities in the past two years. From feeling that hot Bellaquera heat on the Latin stage at Denver Pride to festivals like FocoMX, and a spot in Denver’s Underground Music Showcase (UMS). “I feel like I almost disappear in a sense, but at the same time I feel so alive.” When those feelings of anxiety sneak in for a moment before taking over the mic, she knows she’s exactly where she belongs.
Telly’s current focus is “Luzid Unplugged: Box State Tour.” A Colorado tour alongside hyper-pop artist Ahjzae Dallas. The tour has invited special guest artists in each city, brought to you by Luzid Music Group LLC. A music business group initiated by Telly, Dallas, and Brettney Starks.
The crew is very excited to open opportunities for artists along the way. “It’s a lot more fun when you have good people around you with the same goals, with a similar vision, who are able to support you,” says Diaz. “There’s space for everyone, it’s a big table, and everyone can eat.”
