The 64-year-old Argentine music legend Juana Molina lies prostrate in her hospital bed, surrounded by tubes and wires that serve as a constant reminder of her unyielding dedication to her craft. The painkillers course through her veins like a mantra, fueling her relentless pursuit of innovation and creativity.
Molina's journey began with comedy sketches on Argentine television in the early 90s, showcasing her unique ability to tap into absurdity and whimsy. But as she navigated motherhood and creative pursuits, she realized that music was where her true voice resided. The release of her debut album Rara marked a pivotal moment, catapulting Molina onto the global stage with an otherworldly sound.
Now, three decades on from her breakthrough, Molina continues to defy conventions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electronic and analog instrumentation. Her eighth album Doga is the culmination of this quest for sonic perfection, featuring intricate synthesizer textures and rich vocal arrangements that transport listeners into a world both familiar and unknown.
At the heart of Molina's artistry lies an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. She finds joy in examining everyday objects, exploring their history and design, and even learning to fix broken items herself. This enthusiasm for discovery is contagious, making her conversations as captivating as they are refreshing.
One aspect that sets Molina apart from her peers is her aversion to gravitas and seriousness. She rejects the notion of being taken too seriously, opting instead to poke fun at pretension and pedantry. Her irreverent spirit shines through in interviews, where she effortlessly lampoons herself and societal norms with a wicked sense of humor.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters who feel that her lack of gravitas hampers her artistic legacy outside South America, Molina remains resolute. She prioritizes the creation of "pure music," undeterred by the constraints of expectation or commercial pressure. Her live performances are a testament to this conviction, featuring elaborate visuals and an emphasis on sonic texture.
As she recuperates in the hospital, Molina's thoughts turn to her future creative endeavors. With plans for another 30 years of music-making still very much intact, she expresses a desire for collaboration and assistance in the studio β a willingness to open herself up to new ideas and perspectives that will fuel her artistic evolution.
In Juana Molina, we find an artist who embodies the transformative power of curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries has yielded a legacy that is both enduring and evolving β a testament to the boundless potential of art to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Molina's journey began with comedy sketches on Argentine television in the early 90s, showcasing her unique ability to tap into absurdity and whimsy. But as she navigated motherhood and creative pursuits, she realized that music was where her true voice resided. The release of her debut album Rara marked a pivotal moment, catapulting Molina onto the global stage with an otherworldly sound.
Now, three decades on from her breakthrough, Molina continues to defy conventions, pushing the boundaries of what is possible with electronic and analog instrumentation. Her eighth album Doga is the culmination of this quest for sonic perfection, featuring intricate synthesizer textures and rich vocal arrangements that transport listeners into a world both familiar and unknown.
At the heart of Molina's artistry lies an insatiable curiosity about the world around her. She finds joy in examining everyday objects, exploring their history and design, and even learning to fix broken items herself. This enthusiasm for discovery is contagious, making her conversations as captivating as they are refreshing.
One aspect that sets Molina apart from her peers is her aversion to gravitas and seriousness. She rejects the notion of being taken too seriously, opting instead to poke fun at pretension and pedantry. Her irreverent spirit shines through in interviews, where she effortlessly lampoons herself and societal norms with a wicked sense of humor.
Despite facing criticism from some quarters who feel that her lack of gravitas hampers her artistic legacy outside South America, Molina remains resolute. She prioritizes the creation of "pure music," undeterred by the constraints of expectation or commercial pressure. Her live performances are a testament to this conviction, featuring elaborate visuals and an emphasis on sonic texture.
As she recuperates in the hospital, Molina's thoughts turn to her future creative endeavors. With plans for another 30 years of music-making still very much intact, she expresses a desire for collaboration and assistance in the studio β a willingness to open herself up to new ideas and perspectives that will fuel her artistic evolution.
In Juana Molina, we find an artist who embodies the transformative power of curiosity, imagination, and creativity. Her unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries has yielded a legacy that is both enduring and evolving β a testament to the boundless potential of art to shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.