Natalia Lafourcade talks about her evolution as an artist, drawing inspiration from a hummingbird, and the challenges of recording her latest album to tape. She reflects on interpreting classic songs from Latin America, her songwriting process, and the emotional journey behind her music.
Natalia Lafourcade blends modern and traditional influences in her music seamlessly.
She found creative inspiration from a hummingbird and embraced organic recording methods for her latest album.
Deep dives
Natalia La Forkade's Musical Journey
Natalia La Forkade shares her journey as a musician, starting with learning guitar at 14 and her passion for Brazilian music influences. She discusses her collaboration with renowned artists like Roberto Gil and her inspiration from Latin American classics. Delving into her latest album, 'De Tora Las Flores,' she highlights the personal growth reflected in her music and the unique recording process.
Inspirations and Collaborations
Natalia reminisces about her musical influences like Viela Pere and Agustin Lara, emphasizing the impact of their songs on her songwriting style. She recounts memorable collaborations with artists like Roberto Gil, reflecting on the significance of merging diverse musical influences in her work. The process of working with musicians like Mark Ribot and Emiliano Dorantes is described as a magical and collaborative endeavor.
Recording Process and Artistic Evolution
Natalia shares insights into her unconventional recording process for 'De Tora Las Flores,' opting for tape over digital recording and shunning metronomes in favor of capturing the natural flow of the music. The album's organic creation process led to a free and beautiful sound that she appreciated. She reflects on her continuous artistic growth, highlighting the importance of reinventing and exploring new avenues in her music.
Recognition and Future Music Plans
Natalia expresses gratitude for the recognition her album has received, including being nominated for a Grammy award, despite not aiming for accolades while creating the music. She discusses her intermittent songwriting process, finding inspiration in assignments for TV shows, and eagerly anticipating creating more music in the future. Natalia's artistic journey is marked by a blend of personal growth, musical exploration, and a deep commitment to her craft.
Natalia Lafourcade is a force. As you’ll hear when she sings during our conversation today she has a gorgeous voice. But she’s also a deft songwriter who’s able to weave together traditions that feel both modern and old at once.
And she’s also a beautiful interpreter of song—take for instance the phenomenon that was the song “Remember Me” from Pixar’s film Coco. Or take the many instances where she’s recorded some of the classic songs from across Latin America—performing on songs by greats like Violetta Parra from Chile and Agustín Lara from Natalia’s home state of Veracruz, Mexico. After spending the last seven years interpreting those masters, Natlia’s released De Todas Las Flores, her first album of originals since 2015.
On today's episode Justin Richmond talks to Natalia Lafourcade about the evolution of her artistry over the last 25 years. She recalls the time a hummingbird inspired her to move past a creative rut, and how the logistical challenges of recording her latest album to tape wound up creating an urgency that ultimately fueled the creative process.
You can hear a playlist of some of our favorite Natalia Lafourcade songs HERE.