By José Gandue @Gandour
The first thing that stands out when reading his biography She defines herself as a witch. He links these words to the mystery he feels permeates his music, in the density of his songs with their slow cadence and electronic melancholy, featuring vocal performances in Spanish, French, and English, where he speaks of loneliness, innocence, illusion, heartbreak, obsession, and violence., and in the same way he subtitles his songs, included in their new EP called Wounds. Is called Imagine, Born in Bolivia, she has resided in Brussels, Belgium for quite some time now, where she develops her burgeoning career. This witch, with her exquisite musical style and meticulous visual presentation, invites us to enjoy her newly released six-track sonic ceremony, and so we met with her via WhatsApp to delve deeper into her art and its enigmas:
How would you describe the sound of your music?
I would say that my music is a modern fusion of pop and electronic sounds with a melancholic vibe in my lyrics.
Where does your interest in music come from?
Music has always been a part of my life, ever since I was little. But two years ago I decided to take it seriously and dedicate myself to it. Music helps me feel good about myself and I feel like it gives me a place in this world.
I take this opportunity to ask you to tell me your story, from Bolivia to Belgium.
I was born in La Paz, Bolivia, and grew up between Belgium and Bolivia because my dad is Belgian and my mom is Bolivian. Those trips between the two countries have made me the person I am today, even though the changes weren't always easy. At 18, I moved to Brussels to study and make music, and now I'm still here!
What a contrast of worlds, isn't it? How is that reflected in your music?
The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I sing and compose in Spanish, English, and French. I mix the languages because that's how I speak at home, and it reflects my multicultural background. I also think that visually, I like to draw inspiration from traditions, folklore, and Belgian and Bolivian artists for my cover art and music videos.
How have your listeners related to this hybrid art that you propose?
I believe that my art and its fusion of cultures is precisely one of the strengths of my project. Singing in different languages has allowed me to have an audience in Bolivia, as well as in Belgium, Russia, and Germany. And I must also say that there are many people who, like me, have dual nationality and can identify with my music or my project.
How has the promotion of your work been amidst the difficulties of this time?
It's definitely been tough being an emerging artist during Covid. But thanks to the internet and my team, I've managed to keep producing content on social media (music videos, TikToks, haha), doing Zoom interviews, and so on. And thanks also to media outlets like Zonagirante that are interested in new Latin American artists.
What's coming in the short and medium term?
In the short term, I will continue promoting my EP. Wounds which just came out. I hope to be able to play concerts soon so I can share the songs from the EP live. And in the long term, I'm already working on new music and a show so I can play at festivals and tour Europe, and hopefully, Bolivia!
Finally: I see on your official website that you describe yourself as a "witch." Is there a particular reason for this?
Well, because witches have always inspired me! I see witches as strong women who don't conform and make their own rules. Mystical and mysterious women who work wonders!