By José Gandue @Gandour Archive photos Negra Chavez
The Buenos Aires music scene He always has a lot of surprises up his sleeve, that suddenly explode and become known. In this case, we're talking about an artist who, although she's been publishing since 2013, is now at her peak, ready to conquer the space that belongs to her. Her name: Negra Chavez.
Her music is pop that breaks all boundaries. We've seen her recording songs to set the dance floor ablaze, and then, the next second, acoustic tunes that hold just the right amount of melancholy. Some people even knew her from her cover of The Treasury, from the La Plata band He killed a motorcycle police officer., A transformation of an original electro-pop song into intimate folk, instantly moving. That's what they do best. Simple, direct compositions and interpretations, without too much embellishment, honest to the core. That's why people like her. That's why we contacted her and decided to interview her:
When did your interest in music begin?
As a child, I always loved dressing up, singing, and playing at being an artist. I was always walking around the house with microphones, dressed in my mom's dresses and some high heels. I loved playing those games. Then, specifically at age 11, I started taking guitar lessons, and from that arose my need to accompany myself with my voice, and I discovered that what I loved most was singing. So I started singing lessons.
Who were your role models back then?
My first female vocal influences were Sheryl Crow and Dolores O'Riordan from The Cranberries.
And now, do you have any new role models?
Currently I really like Amy Winehouse, Rihanna, Sia, Alicia Keys, Marilina Bertoldi.
What does Negra Chavez sound like today?
I'm finding it hard to find a similar sound. It's difficult because for the past few years I've been immersed in a different musical and aesthetic exploration, and at the same time, with the support of different music producers who somehow leave their mark on each album or track. I think my latest production is a bit like Likke Ly or Lana Del Rey, that kind of vibe.
What's your take on the current state of Argentine music?
In general, I see music as being in tune with the times we're living in, where everything has to be immediate, and somehow that ends up being quite ephemeral. That's why nobody listens to an album anymore, and all the artists are rushing to release singles constantly so that people have them in their daily lives and so they can somehow emerge in the music industry. Added to that, digital platforms and social media play a very important role, and it's already hard to distinguish what you choose to listen to or if it's something that was selected for you in a playlist. I think in Argentina we have a bit of everything; there are many independent artists who are killing it but aren't seen anywhere, and as always, those who…
Is it difficult to communicate with a millennial audience?
I don't see it as difficult; I do think the challenge lies in creating genuine communication that resonates. There are thousands of media outlets, but it's up to each artist to understand their own profile, what they want to say, and who their target audience is. And for me, the most important thing in that regard is to be genuine.
I like your cover of The Treasury, from El mató, what motivated you to make that recording?
It was crazy how that cover came about. I only had a few hours in a studio to record, just a few hours, and I had to do it in two takes with just guitar and vocals. I wanted to record something of my own and a cover. I've always struggled to choose covers; I never knew which one was "THE COVER" that would suit me. And in those days leading up to the recording, I heard it on the radio The Treasury And it gave me a strange feeling, like it took me back to a place in my past, but also to something very present. I got home and figured it out on the guitar, tuned it to my key, and sang it like I'd known it my whole life. I love that song.
What other cover would you like to record soon?
Nothing like this one, but I'd really like to do a version of it. Glory Box by Portishead
Finally, what are your plans for the future?
I'm working on a new album, which I hope to release in March 2020, and with that material the idea is to tour Latin America: Mexico, Chile and of course Colombia!
