The Chamanas

3/22/2017

"The whole process has been very organic. The important part is keeping our feet on the ground." -Paulina Reza.

I first heard of The Chamanas through a friend that was really into indie-pop like Natalia LaFourcade and Zoé. I gave them a listen and I immediately fell in love with them and I realized why they had such a great public appeal. The coolest thing about this independent band is that they are from Juarez and all I can say is that they are proud of where they come from. They are yet more proof that there is a lot of talent on the border. They just released a new song El Farol on their new album NEA. If you have not listened to them, I encourage you do so!!! I am lucky to have interviewed Paulina Reza (singer) to see what the band has in store.

So, what inspired the new song and what can you tell me about the new album?
Paulina: "NEA is the new album for which we worked on for four months at Sonic Ranch (great recording studio in Tornillo). The band has grown a lot there and I believe that the album has a "fresh" sound and the band is more stable than ever."

Now this is your second album, however for Once Once, The Chamanas were nominated for a Latin Grammy. How was that experience like?
Paulina " From the beginning this project was thought out with big goals in mind. When they gave us the news, we were very elated! What was crazy was that we were on tour at the time and the night before the Latin Grammies we drove to Las Vegas to arrive that same day. It was
all very surreal."

You guys have a very distinct sound, what is that due to?
Paulina: " Between us, we joke about that and say we play Huastechno (Huapango and Techno). It's funny because it is a very traditional Mexican folk music mixed with electronic. It is very "us"."

What message do you want to send the world with your music, especially being a band from the border?
Paulina: " We want to be referred as an indie-pop/rock Mexican band. We support "la frontera". There is a lot of talent here. El Paso and Juarez are two cities but one society. Behind any of our performances, there is love for the border and music itself."

The Chamanas has just played SXSW and I know there has been some tensions felt by the Hispanic and Mexican population. Did you guys notice anything?
Paulina: " Now that you mention it there was tension. This year's SXSW felt different than last year's and I feel like people think it's easier for people to act in a racist manner in which they might feel more entitled to it due to our new presidency. However, once we are on stage people forget where we come from or who we are and they enjoy the music. Our music."

What can you tell us if future plans and the upcoming Neon Desert Music Festival?
Paulina: "We are definitely preparing a lot for Neon. We are playing at home and we have a lot of new material, wardrobe changes, graphics, and a lot of surprises for this festival and our upcoming tour."

I want to thank The Chamanas for this opportunity. You can follow them and reach them at:

Instagram : thechamanas
Website with contact information at the bottom of the page:
http://thechamanas.com