Omar Apollo is making waves with the release of his latest single, “Te Maldigo,” a hauntingly beautiful ballad inspired by the upcoming A24 film Queer. The song, which marks Apollo’s return to the Spanish-language music scene, is a collaboration with Queer director Luca Guadagnino, who also helms the music video. The single comes just days after the film’s highly anticipated red carpet premiere in Los Angeles, ahead of its theatrical release on November 27.
“Te Maldigo” was crafted specifically for Queer, an adaptation of William S. Burroughs’ novella of the same name. The film has garnered significant attention, particularly following its debut at the Venice Film Festival, where it earned a standing ovation lasting a full nine minutes. Starring Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Jason Schwartzman, and Apollo himself, Queer is already being touted as one of the most significant releases of the fall season. The film’s U.S. distribution rights were picked up by A24, ensuring its wide reach.
The single “Te Maldigo” is produced by the renowned duo Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, best known for their work on film scores, including The Social Network and Gone Girl. Their cinematic touch is evident in the song’s composition, which is as lush and evocative as the film itself. For Apollo, it marks his first entirely Spanish-language release since his 2022 track “En El Olvido.” The intimate and emotional tone of the song is complemented by a striking music video, directed by Guadagnino, in which Apollo performs the song while dressed in a custom suit by Jonathan Anderson, LOEWE’s creative director and the costume designer for Queer.
Set in 1950s Mexico City, the music video and song reflect the themes of longing, heartbreak, and passion that are central to both the film and Apollo’s music. The artist’s portrayal in the video captures the atmosphere of the era, with Apollo crooning into a vintage microphone—a fitting tribute to the nostalgic soundscape of the time. His performance stands as a testament to his versatility as both a musician and an actor, and it adds an additional layer of depth to the emotionally charged song.
“Te Maldigo” comes on the heels of Apollo’s critically acclaimed sophomore album God Said No, released earlier this year. The album, which marked a significant evolution in Apollo’s sound, followed the success of his Grammy-nominated debut Ivory. After the commercial and critical success of Ivory and an extensive tour that included supporting acts for SZA and Billie Eilish, Apollo has continued to build his reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in the music industry.
Before the release of God Said No, Apollo made his mark at the Met Gala, where he turned heads in a custom LOEWE suit, earning accolades for his fashion choices from major outlets like Vogue and The Cut. His fashion-forward moments have only added to his growing popularity, showing that his creative vision extends beyond music into the world of style as well.
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In the summer of 2024, Apollo embarked on the God Said No tour, performing in major international markets such as Australia, India, and Japan before bringing the show to North America. The tour was met with widespread praise, and Apollo’s recent return to Los Angeles for his performance at Camp Flog Gnaw further solidified his status as a must-see live performer.
As for Queer, the film is set to open in select theaters in New York and Los Angeles on November 27, with a nationwide release scheduled for December 13. Audiences will have the opportunity to experience not only the film’s emotional storytelling but also the rich musical landscape that Apollo’s “Te Maldigo” contributes to.
Listen to “Te Maldigo” here and watch the music video here. As Apollo continues to push boundaries in both music and film, it’s clear that his artistic journey is only just beginning.
