I love a challenge and this one is simply perfect — each day in March we listen and learn about a different artist. I am selecting extraordinary artisans of letras, sonidos, y emociones That’s it.
This brings me to the celebrations that happen in March – like being National Women’s Month. And, I love celebrations, yes, however, the senselessness of the continued slaying of women that ceases to change is of urgent importance and we need to acknowledge and make space for that as well. That brings me to Silvana Estrada‘s song, “Si Me Matan,” a powerful reminder that there is much more to be done.
In the video for this song, “Si Me Matan” Silvana pinned a note to the top that reads:
“En México son asesinadas más de 10 mujeres al día. Esta canción pretende ser un bálsamo. Que llegue a tus hermanas, amigas, madre o tu hija. Hay que entender que no estamos solas. Sobre todas las cosas, hay esperanza. Nos han quitado tanto, nos quitaron el miedo.”
“More than 10 women are murdered every day in Mexico. This song is intended to be a balm. May it reach your sisters, friends, mother or daughter. We must understand that we are not alone. Above all, there is hope. They have taken so much from us, they have taken away our fear.”
On this first day of March join me in engaging with the visuals created for the exquisite sounds composed by Silvana Estrada. La Veracruzana is in Chicago this week, performing at Schubas on Wednesday, March 2nd. The show includes Alejandro & María Laura.
On The Ponderers radio show, we featured Silvana back in September of 2020. That particular radio program was powerful. You can listen to what I mean here.
When Silvana announced her tour with Rodrigo y Gabriela in late 2021, she also released “Tristeza,” which she refers to as the most therapeutic of all her compositions. “I believe it’s the first song where I assimilate my break-up and ask to be healed,” she explains.
The video for the song was filmed in Valle Nuevo, Dominican Republic, a setting where water plays a major role, just like in the song. She says, “It reflects life, its cleansing and healing properties, and the power it has for regrowth, while at the same time referencing its constant presence, like a sadness that never goes away.”
Watch the video playlist below.
Jose Calvo captured these fantastic images from Silvana and Rodrigo y Gabriela’s performance at Chicago Theater.
Enjoy a Spotify playlist here.
