More versatile than a chameleon itself, Ely Guerra has evolved throughout the years into the mature musician that many seek to become. Her ever-changing image and varying styles–both physical and musical–have seen dramatic growth in the past years.
From her first self-titled release in 1992 to her latest release of Teatro Municipal 2007 Edicion Especial, her music has not changed but rather it has evolved into jazzy, lyrically mature and avant garde music that does not fall under any one particular musical category.
Her second release titled Pa’Morirse de Amor, 1997, was recorded in London. The album received great reviews and even landed her the cover of TIME magazine alongside Julieta Venegas. The publication labeled them “the most promising performers in the Mexican rock scene”.
Ely then went on to release LotoFire in 1999 which was produced by Andrés Levin, and then released Sweet & Sour Hot y Spicy in 2004.
In addition to collaborating with great artists such as José Fors, Fratta, La Ley, and Quem, Ely has also collaborated in the soundtracks for “Vacas Vaqueras”, “Amores Perros”, and “Los hijos de la Calle”. Her version of the classic Los Tigres del Norte jam titled “La Tumba Falsa” was among other norteñas-turned-rock on the Los Tigres del Norte tribute album.
Ely has shared the stage with other musicians such as Kinky, Andrea Echeverri, and La Ley. Her 2001 MTV Unplugged collaboration with La Ley for the song “El Duelo” set the stage for Ely’s own exposure into the mainstream Latin alternative music scene. The duet went on to land a spot on the Top 10 singles in Latin American Pop charts.
“Ojos Claros Labios Rosas” | video from: spumario
In 2002, she was nominated for the MTV Latino Awards in the “Best Female Artist” and “Best Alternative Artist” categories.
Perhaps what is most surprising about Ely other than her powerful vocals is the way that she began her career as a songwriter. Born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, at only 10 years of age and very shy about expressing her feelings, Ely found herself lost for words whenever she had to say what was on her mind. When Ely’s parents scolded her, Ely choked up and burst into tears instead of speaking up for herself. Her inability to express herself vocally led her to begin writing her emotions. With pen and paper in hand and after many journal entries, Ely had a collective of some of Latin alternative’s most powerful and personal lyrics.
Staying away from political lyrics and drawing from her inner thoughts and concerns, Ely Guerra has managed to create a following of fans that widely range in ages. The last release in 2004 left her fans wanting more of this chameleon artist and left them with a Hot y Spicy taste of what this guerrillera has to offer.
