Meet Rubio: The Chameleonic Musical Whirlwind Up For a Latin Grammy!
Hold on to your hats, folks, because we’re diving into the world of Rubio, the Chilean alternative musician who’s currently sizzling away in the heady atmosphere of the Latin Grammy nominations. Who is Rubio, you ask? Oh, just a musical sorceress who’s conjuring up a delightful cauldron of electronic beats, pop, and – get this – ethnic elements! This is no ordinary Grammy nomination; she’s tipped her hat to the LGBTQ+ community with a music video that’s as gorgeous as a sunset in Mexico—overseen by none other than the cultural enchantress herself!
From ‘We Were Born Crying’ to Grammy Glory
Now, let’s get right to it: Rubio is a nominee for the best long version music video for her piece “We Were Born Crying,” which isn’t just a title that’ll make you reach for the tissues—it’s a narrative flesh-out of love, longing, and a society that sometimes still prefers to turn a blind eye. We’re talking about a cinematic journey set in a “magical town” in the Gulf of Mexico, where the drama unfolds with all the subtlety of a soap opera at its peak. Who says all heroes wear capes when some can wield synthesizers?
“I didn’t expect it, to be honest. It kind of generates joy, even to the mother and grandmother!” – Rubio
So, naturally, she’s over the moon with this first-ever Latin Grammy nod. What a way to say “Hola, world!” Right? You can practically picture the confetti raining down from the heavens, or at least from the family members who are more excited than she is!
The Chameleonic Sound of Rubio
Francisca Straube, aka Rubio, has dubbed her style as “chameleonic music”. Picture this: one minute it’s ethereal electronic beats, the next you’re swept into a lush soundscape that pets your ears like a playful puppy. Rubio’s tunes morph into new realms, powered by her talent and disarming stage presence. It’s all about freedom—the kind of freedom where you can make your voice sound like a blend of dinosaurs and whimsical market squirrels! Want to hear something incredibly avant-garde that picks up where your late-night karaoke left off? Rubio’s your gal!
The Ritual of Performance: A Show to Remember
Of course, no wonder her live performances are something of a phenomenon. Imagine, if you will, a ritual involving incense and a rattle—yes, you read that right. Literally captivating her audience while she channels ancient Amazonian influences. “I have a feeling inside that I have to share,” she says. Clearly, the audience is in for a treat because it seems like magic doesn’t even begin to cover it!
Two Tracks and a Magical Town
For those hungry for the story behind the music, let’s take a peek into her latest venture. “Kintsugi” and “Llorar” are not just songs; they are the soul of the video “We were born crying.” The concept behind Kintsugi—the Japanese art of repairing pottery with gold, transforming brokenness into beauty—is a theme not only for ceramics but also for life and love. And “Llorar”? Well, it’s a melancholic bolero-dembow that settles comfortably into your heart and makes it ache just right.
“The wounds heal, they are restored, they stick together and they become something stronger.” – Rubio
It’s more than music; it’s an experience, with a narrative threaded through the very fabric of their performance. The video itself unfolds like a cinematic tapestry, where friends become something more as societal pressures loom overhead like ominous clouds at a picnic. And trust me, nobody enjoys a rainy picnic!
The Creative Process: A Backstage Pass
Rubio admits her creative journey has roots stemming from her childhood—thanks to music-loving parents and a pivotal friendship with an American neighbor. It’s amazing who you find as inspiration; in her case, it was a fellow bard spreading the synth joy at a young age. Who knew a little garage jam could lead to Grammy nominations?
The Road Ahead
What’s next for the avant-garde wonder? Beyond basking in her newfound Grammy glory (or, let’s be honest, anxiety), she’s got a tour across Spain and Portugal under her belt and plans to strut her stuff at Lunario in Mexico City come December 4th. So queue the excitement, folks, because this isn’t just a passing comet; Rubio is here to stay, and she’s bringing a veritable parade of sounds with her!
In conclusion, whether it’s through her knack for creating music that’s as fluid as a Mexican river or her quest to cast love against the walls of prejudice, Rubio is not just a musician; she’s a force of nature. And if you think you’ve seen it all—think again. This is just the beginning!
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Chilean alternative musician Rubio, known for his innovative project that masterfully weaves together electronic music, pop, ambient sounds, and rich ethnic influences, is set to shine at the Latin Grammy ceremony this week. He is nominated for the prestigious award in the category of Best Long Form Music Video for his evocative cinematic piece titled “We Were Born Crying”. This compelling short film, captured in the enchanting town of Tlacotalpan in the Gulf of Mexico, explores poignant LGBT+ themes through the lens of a budding romance overshadowed by societal constraints.
“I didn’t expect it, to be honest,” Rubio shared during an interview in Mexico City, reflecting on his first-ever Latin Grammy nomination. “It kind of generates joy, even to the mother and grandmother, cachai, things that go further, beyond oneself.” The significance of this moment extends far beyond his personal achievements, resonating deeply with his family and supporters.
Rubio, whose birth name is Francisca Straube, describes her diverse artistic style as chameleonic or intercontinental music, in which each song transports listeners to a distinctive world built upon electronic foundations interlaced with acoustic elements. In her live performances, the artist showcases her vocal versatility, crafting sounds that mimic a range of characters from whales and squirrels to devils and dinosaurs. Presently, Rubio performs as part of a dynamic duo alongside multi-instrumentalist Lego Mustache, who complements her with guitar, while Rubio commands the stage with percussion, synthesizers, and other instruments.
“I like that, I feel very free with the public with that and since there are not so many rules…,” he expressed. “I can do whatever I want and that’s fine, I like that.” This sense of freedom allows Rubio to connect authentically with her audience, allowing each performance to reflect her unique artistic vision.
Another defining feature of Rubio’s shows is her ritualistic performance which involves burning incense and shaking a ceremonial rattle; it serves as a spiritual cleansing that captivates her audience’s attention and enhances the overall experience.
“I owe a lot to Amazonian medicine, for me there is a before and after,” Rubio said, attributing a transformative influence to her experiences with indigenous practices. “I feel something inside like I have to share that feeling and that, at least, people stop for a while and something happens… I know that something also happens with people. So it’s nice, like that great mystery, and I feel very humble and honored to do it.” This ritual encapsulates the intertwining of her artistic journey and personal growth, showcasing her commitment to meaningful performances.
The video for “We Were Born Crying” artfully intertwines two poignant songs from her latest album “Venus & Blue”: “Kintsugi” and “Llorar”. These tracks set a moving backdrop for the narrative, which centers around José (André Nuñez) and Secho (Ismael Pérez), friends grappling with deep-seated feelings sparked by an attraction that societal pressures force one of them to suppress.
Rubio and the director, Fernando Cattori, champions of the LGBT+ community, were intentional in demonstrating the harsh repercussions of societal hatred in their storytelling approach. Though the short film stretches to 21 minutes and 18 seconds, Rubio’s music only makes its entrance at the 11:00 minute mark. Notably, she opted against a cameo appearance, allowing the narrative to unfold without her presence, though she actively participated in the five-day filming process.
“We went to record it in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz, beautiful, but it was 45 degrees, 100% humid, full of mosquitoes,” Rubio recalled, highlighting the challenges faced during shooting. The video is rich with choreographed sequences and showcases various picturesque locales, including the stunning church of Tlacotalpan. Community members enthusiastically joined as extras, injecting local vibrancy into the project.
“Everyone was happy and a little truck was passing by that helped us, a truck (saying) ‘Rubio is going to record the video clip, we’re calling all the women to church at 11 in the morning if they want to participate!’” The collaborative spirit of the locals contributed to the authenticity and joy captured in the final product.
Rubio elaborates on the title “Kintsugi”, which derives from a Japanese artistic approach that symbolizes the beauty of embracing the brokenness and restoration of objects. “The wounds heal, they are restored, they stick together and they become something stronger,” Rubio explained. She further characterizes the song “Llorar” as a melancholic blend of bolero and dembow, showcasing her versatility as a composer.
Born and raised in Chile, Rubio’s musical journey began at the tender age of 11 when she started studying drums. Her upbringing, steeped in a family that cherished music, fueled her passion for creativity and the arts. “I also had a neighbor who was crucial for me, who was a gringo, he was a little older than me and when I was 9 years old he showed me Nirvana, he played the guitar incredibly,” she reminisced about the influential figures that shaped her musical path. “We started playing in the garage, we made cassettes, I met him a little while ago and I thanked him, I had a lot of influence from him on my music.”
Prior to embarking on her solo career, Rubio played a vital role in the band Miss Garrison, contributing as a drummer and vocalist. Today, even in her solo compositions, she continues to draw inspiration from her drumming background, incorporating rhythmic elements into her songwriting.
Her most recent creative endeavor is the EP “Las Voces del Jacaranda,” featuring the tracks “Shouganai” and “Yugen.” While crafting the EP, she envisioned a narrative where trees could speak and share their stories. “I began to invent there as if the songs were the voices that the trees speak,” she shared. “I love jacarandas.”
“Yugen,” a Japanese term symbolizing mysterious beauty, and “Shouganai,” referring to destiny, are both encapsulated in visuals that were filmed around the vibrant locales of Mexico City. Recently, Rubio has been expanding her reach internationally, having successfully toured in Spain and Portugal. She is scheduled to captivate audiences at the Lunario in Mexico City on December 4.
E song as a reflection of life’s fragility and the strength that emerges from vulnerability.
As she prepares for her upcoming performances and bask in the glow of her Grammy nomination, Rubio remains grounded and committed to her artistic vision. Her music not only entertains but encourages audiences to reflect on deeper themes of love, identity, and acceptance in a world that can often feel polarizing.
Embracing her chameleonic artistry and blending various influences from her heritage and experiences, Rubio’s journey exemplifies the rich tapestry of modern music. With each performance, she invites listeners to embark on a sonic adventure, creating connections that transcend societal boundaries.
In essence, whether through her experimental sounds or through the poignant narratives of her visuals, Rubio’s artistry resonates on multiple levels. She isn’t just aiming to make a mark in the music industry; she’s weaving a narrative that speaks to the intricacies of the human experience, a powerful message that will surely leave an indelible impact long after the confetti has settled. As she continues to break barriers and redefine genres, it’s clear that Rubio is a trailblazer in the world of contemporary music, inspiring others to embrace their own stories and celebrate their authentic selves. Her journey is just beginning, and the world is eager to see where she will take us next.