Carla Riojas

"Music has been with me all my life." - Carla Riojas

Carla Riojas is a very talented solo artist here in the "frontera". Her soft voice is unique and pairs very well when she plays her acoustic guitar. That being said, it is no surprise that she will open for the world-wide known band (and one of my favorites) Jarabe de Palo next week at their show. Carla's and Jarabe's music go hand in hand and if you give it a listen and like it, then I urge you to go see them next week show at Tricky Falls. This will be a very special event, so I asked Carla a few questions regarding that and some other things about her upcoming material. 

So, tell me about your new single Motivos and your new album.
"Motivos is the new single of my new CD. It will include 10 songs, but I can't really say much about it right now, It will come out later this year. I have not released anything since 2012 and I was fortunate to work with Manuel Calderon of The Chamanas. He knew exactly what I wanted for my new sound."

What is music for you?
" Music has been a partner for me. My parents had vinyls when I was growing up and I would listen to Alaska, Luis Miguel, Flans, Rafael and so on. Music is in everything. It is necessary for any human being. What I focus on in my new CD is a vintage yet modern sound. It is necessary to enjoy the good parts of what make music and the music industry."

What do you think about the border? (El Paso/Juarez)

" What makes the border different is the people and their personalities. The border is full of people from all over the world with two very prominent cultures being Mexican and American. It is very unique and people here on the border are more tolerable of certain things."

On another note, if you could make a playlist of 5 songs, which would they be?

• Lila Downs -Tacha la Teibolera
• Alanis Morisson- Thank you
• The Civil War- 20 years
• The XX- Angels
• Madonna- Substitute of Love

Talking about playlists, do you have a routine you do before a  concert?

" My pump up song is It's No Good by Depeche Mode and I do some breathing exercises to help me calm down before a show because I really absorb people's energies."

How do you feel about playing with Jarabe de Palo?
"It is a special moment for Jarabe especially with Pau's (singer) condition. This band has been a part of me since my teenage years. Bonito is one of my favorite songs by them. Their songs can be a sad song yet bring such a special message within it. This concert will be intimate and special."

Side note: Carla would like for everyone to embrace her new CD and give it a listen when it comes out. It is very different. As mentioned, Manuel alongside her management did a great job. She is very proud of this project. 

Thank you Carla and if you want to follow her on Facebook and Instagram it is under Carla Riojas.