Julieta Venegas Rocks!

...even more, after I read this:

HARD ROCK WITH A SOFT CENTER
By Ernesto Lechner

Julieta Venegas has been called Mexico's PJ Harvey. But don't expect her to be seduced by such praise. "That's such a first world way of describing me," says the twenty-nine-year-old singer-songwriter. "Nobody in Mexico has ever compared me to her." Venegas exudes strength without sacrificing vulnerability, singing of empty houses and lost loves with youthful bravado. But instead of cranking up the amps, she turns to the more traditional accordion.

Growing up, Venegas listened to what she calls "Anglo music," and the resulting influence of British pop is ever present on Bueninvento ("Goodinvention"), Venegas's second album on BMG Latin--and the most refreshing Latin release of the year. Born in Tijuana to a conservative family ("my father wanted me to get married and have a lot of kids"), Venegas enjoyed life on the border to the fullest, avidly consuming music and films from both countries before moving to Mexico City and becoming an essential part of the growing rock- en-espanol scene. "I didn't go to the city with the hope of finding success there," she clarifies. "Things happened almost as if by accident. I know that the moment I get bored with this place, I'll move somewhere else."

Ernesto Lechner is a frequent interview contributor.

COPYRIGHT 2000 Brant Publications, Inc.
COPYRIGHT 2000 Gale Group